Three Sisters Prove that Women can Shape the Future in Construction and Design
Hardworking parents, Helen and Wayne, definitely have a lot to be proud of when it comes to their three daughters, Tianna, Kylene, and Danieka. The three sisters not only collaborate with one another, but they also, in their own way, work with their dad, owner of Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft. All three sisters have had their own unique experiences leading them along the path to where they are today. They all agree, however, that the support, love and guidance of their parents and their family unit, is the true foundation of their success.
Growing up, the three sisters have memories of playing sports, working hard in school and working for their father in some capacity. According to Kylene, “As soon as I could swing a hammer, I started working for my dad’s company.” Her other two sisters followed suit. Along with this came the list of sports that is extensive and extremely impressive. Tianna recalls her parents dedicating all their free time to driving them up and down on the 401, to take them to their sporting events. Their schoolwork was of course a priority for all three sisters and their mom made sure the girls knew the importance of education. Danieka attributes her critical thinking to her mom, who was a high school science and math teacher. This upbringing may have been busy and chaotic at times, yet the sisters acknowledge the impact their childhood played on their lives today. Danieka also notes that it wasn’t only school and sports that impacted their careers. When she thinks back to when the sisters used to play, it makes sense that it aligns with the present. She says, “When we were young and playing with dolls, we would use painter’s tape to layout houses on the basement floors.” Little did the sisters know that their play would foreshadow their future careers for them as well.
The oldest of the three daughters, Tianna, aged 29, is now a licensed structural engineer. For the past five years, she has been employed by a local structural consulting firm in Windsor. Two years ago, she received her professional license and her P. Eng designation. Both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering were obtained from Western University. Tianna attributes her career as an engineer to working for her dad growing up. She started cleaning the office and work trucks, then worked her way up to a designer, assisting with sales. This, along with her love of math and science (gifts from her mother), led her to this role.
Kylene is the middle sister. She is 26 years old and she is an Intern Architect. Her career choice is no surprise as Kylene remembers using construction sites as her playground growing up. She says, “I realized my fascination with building design at a very early age.” Kylene double majored in a unique program called, The Visual Arts and the Built Environment cross-border program, offered by the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) degree and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. She then earned a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Calgary. This foundational experience led her to work for architectural firms in Windsor, Detroit and Victoria. Kylene is beyond thrilled about where her career is headed. She says she is, “Excited to continue contributing to the improvement of our community, through Windsor’s growing construction industry.”
The youngest of the three sisters is Danieka, who is 25. When she was younger, she envisioned a career in the medical profession, however, she quickly changed her mind when she saw what her sisters were bringing home with their engineering and architecture school projects. She was able to tour St. Clair College with the Chairman of the Interior Design Department and immediately knew that it was for her. She attended St. Clair College and studied Interior Design for two years, then transferred to Wayne State University, College of Fine Performing and Communication Arts. Here she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a major in Interior Design and Distinction (Magna Cum Laude). She is now a full-time cabinetry designer for the family business (Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft).
Recognizing that each sister has pursued a career in male-dominated fields: Construction, Engineering, and Architecture are achievements the sisters can be proud of. Tianna credits her father for his role in their career paths. She says, “My dad, an entrepreneur, a creative mind, driven, hardworking and kind, treated my sisters and me as equals, no matter our gender. He taught us everything he knew and he pushed us to work hard.”
Their three careers mesh together perfectly, enabling their professional lives to intersect. Kylene states it perfectly, when she says, “What’s better than collaboration among consultants, is collaboration among consultants that are your sisters!” They have been fortunate enough to work together on a few projects through their separate jobs. Most recently, they designed a house together, along with their father. Kylene designed the exterior of the home and was the project manager. As both the interior and cabinetry designer, Danieka concentrated on the detailed design of the cabinetry and the interior elements of the home such as countertops, lighting, acoustics, flooring, and materials. “I create a functional and comfortable space that the customer loves,” states Danieka. Tianna’s role consists of going over the architects’ design and ensuring structural integrity. Danieka explains, “She tailors the elements of the building to fit the project’s architectural design.” Encompassed with the physical elements, is the process of working together to get the job done. To summarize, Kylene explains, “We were constantly bouncing ideas around and inspiring each other. Even the craziest of ideas, we would collectively figure out how to make it work. Every time I get to work with my sisters, I am continually amazed by their talents and abilities.”
The three sisters are very pleased with where they are in life at the moment. Kylene recently moved back home to Windsor, after living out west for four years. She admits that this was a difficult decision at the time, however, she says, “I am surrounded by support here from family and friends and nothing beats that.” Tianna, Kylene and Danieka are thrilled that they are all living in the same city. They agree that life is busy; they have careers that require working more than 40 hours a week, however, they wouldn’t have it any other way. They recognize that they have a special bond that allows them to support one another through their careers and personal lives. Tianna admits, “We may clash during creative brainstorming, but we always come to a group decision and can be completely honest with one another.” That is the beauty of sisterhood! Although they no longer reside in the same home together, Danieka says, “We are always doing something together whether it is shopping, family breakfast, lunch, dinner, hanging out at each other’s house, or doing house/yard work.” Along with work, they haven’t given up their passion for playing sports. All three sisters continue to have a love of sports and thus play sports throughout the year.
It is evident that Tianna, Kylene and Danieka have a future that is full of possibilities. Tianna is looking forward to “Collaborating on future projects together,” with her two sisters. According to Kylene, “My most immediate goal is to complete my internship in Architecture and become a registered architect.” One day she would like to own her own Architectural practice. She further explains that more specifically, she is “Interested in design-build, where designers, builders, all craftspeople collaborate under one roof towards a collective vision.” Danieka’s future goal is to, “Transition to the ownership of Wayne’s Custom Woodcraft when my dad is ready to step down,” however, she believes her father will always have a hand in the business because he loves what he does and she says she loves working with him. The common goal for the future, with the three sisters, is to continue working together. They want to make this happen!
Tianna, Kylene and Danieka are three creative-minded females who can be admired for pursuing their dreams and ‘thinking outside of the box.’ Each had a vision and persevered to get there. They realize that what they have is unique. Careers that are individualized, yet allow them to work with each other and work with their dad. All three sisters have a story that is inspirational for young girls and women. Danieka is aware of how far they have come and explains it further, “These strong family bonds allowed us to grow, explore and become the people we are today. The support we receive from family has let each of us become the best version of ourselves.” The three sisters realize there is room for growth in the future and feel confident that with the love and support they provide one another, the possibilities are endless.
