At GA Smart Building and its subsidiaries Ossabois and PREGA, a senior site manager, a production area manager in a timber factory, a carpenter specializing in precast concrete, and a commercial real estate development director share their experiences. Their stories illustrate how the industrialization of construction is creating new opportunities and helping to transform the role of women in the sector.
Can You Tell Us About Your Career Path?
Louise Sauer, Senior Site Manager at GA Smart Building:
“Originally from Alsace, I followed a dual academic and basketball program before joining INSA Toulouse through its elite sports program. I graduated in 2019 with a degree in Civil Engineering and completed my final internship with Bouygues. I was already familiar with GA Smart Building because the Group has a strong presence at INSA. I can share a funny story: while at INSA Toulouse, I took part in a mock interview led by Julien Gullaud, GA Smart Building’s Director of Operations, and I also had the opportunity to meet Patrick Veyrunes, the Group’s Director of Studies and Projects. It made me want to apply. We connected well, and I was hired as a works manager. Over the past six years, thanks to a variety of project types, I have progressed to my current role as Senior Site Manager.”
Gaëlle Hayart, Area Manager at Ossabois:
“I hold a vocational qualification in finishing trades and spent ten years working in plastering and painting for the same company, with very limited opportunities for advancement. After an eighteen-month temporary assignment, I completed a training program through the French employment agency when the Ossabois factory opened in Balbigny, close to where I live. I applied to Ossabois and initially joined as a temporary worker before being hired permanently in April 2021. I became a technical lead in 2022 and was promoted to Area Manager in August 2024. Two promotions in three years—I’m proud of my journey.”
Christine Crouzil, Carpenter at PREGA:
“I originally trained as an administrative assistant, but office work was not for me. I enjoyed creating and building things, so in 2000 I earned a vocational qualification in carpentry. I joined PREGA by chance during a temporary assignment making formwork. I’ve now been here for seven years.”
Sondès Smaoui, Director of Commercial Real Estate Development, Southwest Region, GA Smart Building:
“A graduate of HEC, I have worked in the real estate and construction sectors for several years. At GA Smart Building, I now lead commercial real estate development for the Southwest region. Together with my team, my role is to oversee the development and delivery of real estate projects by coordinating all the necessary areas of expertise: design, project structuring, development, construction, as well as client and partner relationships. What particularly attracted me to GA Smart Building is the Group’s ability to integrate all professions across the value chain, along with its strong commitment to low-carbon construction and innovation, particularly through off-site construction.”
How Does Off-Site Construction Change Your Day-to-Day Work?
Gaëlle Hayart:
“I don’t think I would ever go back to traditional construction! Off-site construction allows us to work in a factory environment without having to deal with weather conditions, logistical challenges, and unpredictable schedules. For example, there’s no need to return to a depot to unload a truck—everything is already on site. And the tools available in the factory are far more supportive than those typically found on a construction site.”
Christine Crouzil:
“I would never go back to working on a traditional construction site. It’s physically and mentally exhausting, with constant uncertainties and less efficient organization.”
Does Off-Site Construction Promote Greater Diversity?
Gaëlle Hayart:
“When I arrived in Balbigny, there was only one woman. I encouraged managers to hire more women. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t paint a wall or install a panel. Today, there are four women in the workshop. If you want to be here, there’s room for you.”
Louise Sauer:
“Mindsets are changing, and off-site construction is helping accelerate that change. Women absolutely belong on construction projects.”
Sondès Smaoui:
“Diversity is a major issue for our industry. Industrialization and evolving job roles are creating new opportunities and making certain work environments more accessible. But beyond how work is organized, the challenge is also about changing mindsets and making concrete commitments as companies. At GA Smart Building, diversity is a subject we take very seriously, and we demonstrate this commitment over the long term, particularly through our involvement in the Real Estate Gender Equality Charter.”
What Message Would You Like to Share with Young Women?
Christine Crouzil:
“Manual trades are incredibly rewarding because you create something tangible. Women are just as capable as men. Don’t be shy—speak your mind. You have to be determined, but it’s extremely fulfilling.”
Louise Sauer:
“Go for it. Construction careers are demanding, but they are also incredibly educational. One of GA Smart Building’s strengths is that all real estate professions are represented in-house. We work with many different teams and build strong relationships.”
Gaëlle Hayart:
“Nothing is impossible. Be bold. If you’re interested, practical, and detail-oriented, go for it. We even have a female crane operator and female truck drivers. Being a woman doesn’t create barriers, even though it doesn’t mean the path will always be easy.”
Sondès Smaoui:
“I would tell her to be bold. Careers in real estate and construction are fascinating because they allow you to make a tangible impact on cities and communities. They also offer a wide variety of career paths and many opportunities for growth. Diversity brings greater collective intelligence and better performance—this is a strong conviction at GA Smart Building.”
