Colby Cavanagh, architect at Maugel Architects

Years in real estate: 8

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of: U.S. Green Building Council and AIA

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career: As an architect, there are obstacles and challenges in every aspect of my job.  I’ve found the best ways to overcome the obstacles are with clear communication, a collaborative approach, and a sense of humor. Purposefully building relationships based on mutual respect with clients and peers makes it easier to resolve issues when they arise. If you listen thoughtfully to your client’s wishes, ask the right questions, and commit to resolving issues with a cooperative, positive approach—that goes a long way.   I take pride in producing collaborative solutions that produce the best possible results for everyone involved. 

This article originally appeared in the New England Real Estate Journal's 2017 Women in Real Estate Spotlight.