This is not a paywall. Registration allows us to enhance your experience across Construction Management and ensure we deliver you quality editorial content.
Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings.
Barbara Jones was voted by readers as the greatest woman builder (Image: LinkedIn)
She has since gained prominence as a strawbale building pioneer. Over the course of her career, it is estimated that Jones has delivered some 300 straw buildings.
Having stepped down from her role as director at Straw Works in 2021, Jones now advises on innovative and traditional methods, none of which use cement.
The other shortlisted candidates also illustrate the significant contributions women have made to the built environment throughout history.
Julie Wood, multi-disciplinary engineer and director at Mott MacDonald, and the Waterloo Bridge team that was integral to the construction of the iconic London structure, were voted second and third respectively.
Welcoming the news on social media, Jones said: "I am truly delighted and humbled to receive this recognition. It is a tribute to all the women (and men) I've worked with over the years and the relationships we have forged. We are about to expand the School of Natural Building so watch this space!"
Commenting on the poll result, CIOB president Sandi Rhys Jones said: “A true pioneer, Barbara is one of those women who quickly abandoned her first job (childcare) and despite the lack of role models or training opportunities went on to build an amazing career as a carpenter and joiner, businesswoman, employer, teacher, author, designer, housebuilder and – since discovering strawbale building in 1994 – champion for natural and sustainable construction.
“Since first meeting her some 20 years ago, I have watched admiringly her commitment to sharing her skills and knowledge. Just this week, the RIBA published the book Materials: An Environmental Primer, including her chapter on strawbale building.
“Well deserved, Barbara Jones – CIOB Fellowship next?”
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
Powered Access
CM, in partnership with IPAF, has launched a new survey to explore the industry’s views and experiences with powered access machines on construction projects.
This is not a first step towards a paywall. We need readers to register with us to help sustain creation of quality editorial content on Construction Management. Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings. Thank you.
