Experience

Works-in-Progress Associates

• United States
• Construction
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Principal

  • Jun 2018 - Present

  Debra Inwald is the founder & principal of Works-in-Progress Associates, an owner’s representative & construction management firm. During the last quarter century, WPA has been instrumental in bringing over 400+ educational, arts, social service, healthcare, community development, housing & cultural projects to completion. Recently, WPA expanded its focus to include workforce equity for women in the construction trades. The firm implemented an innovative & highly effective approach which has resulted in a significant increase through strong contract language, daily monitoring & working closely with Unions & contractors as partners, The results are that we have achieved 33.4% tradeswomen where the national average is 3%, approaching $2.0 M additional dollars going home to women and their families. Our next project is slated for 40% for the New York Women’s Building. As an advocate, Ms. Inwald & her incredible team are actively working with elected officials, City & State Agencies & the nonprofit community to make this an equity initiative for expanded mission investing. The goal will be to expand awareness that commissioning construction projects with public funding/tax exempt funding should obligate job equity for women. WPA advocates for a future where gender parity on nationwide construction sites will be required for public-funded civic work. A future where nonprofits embrace this initiative as a part of their mission by investing in union built projects which insure pay equity & gender opportunity & provides a rock solid, sustainable middle class open to women. Show less



Works-in-Progress

• United Kingdom
• Newspaper Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founder & Principal

  • 1994 - Present

  Ms. Inwalds firm, comprised of 14 project managers, has provided project management & owner's representative servicves on over 150 nonprofit design and construciton projects. Ms. Inwald’s ‘hands on’ project experience has included Casa Italiana, the Landmark Performing Arts Center, recent recipient of a Landmarks Commission Award, and 22 Columbia Univ. renovation projects. Additionally, she provides added project direction & alternative solutions during critical project junctures. During her 28 years of architectural experience in the private and public sectors, Ms. Inwald saw the need to provide comprehensive project management services related to all aspects of facilities projects for institutions and organizations. WPA assists those needs in project conceptualization & budget formulation for funding, & provides services in consultant procurement, in-house construction oversight, & post occupancy assistance. WPA has proven success in complex team coordination consisting of owner, sponsor, user, consultants and liaison with community organizations, agencies and elected officials. Show less


City of New York Division of Design and Construction
• Project Manager

  • 1992 - 1994