Adriana and Iva Mema are redefining architecture and construction by seamlessly integrating safety, storytelling, and cultural identity into their work. Raised amid construction sites and shaped by their parents’ influence, they cultivated a shared passion for the industry.
Adriana specializes in safety consulting, championing mental health and inclusivity in construction. Iva, meanwhile, brings spaces to life through storytelling architecture, blending art, technology, and heritage while advocating for women in STEM and design as a means of healing.
Together, they embody a holistic, contemporary approach to building—where safety meets creativity, and structures become vessels of meaning and connection.
Turning Challenges into Safer Workplaces
Adriana’s journey into construction and safety consulting began with a clear realization — many job site accidents were preventable. “Watching incidents that could have been avoided pushed me to act,” she recalls. This moment sparked her passion for improving workplace safety, driving her to strengthen protocols, advocate for better training, and raise industry standards.
Her path from Albania to leading Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. is marked by resilience and ambition. After studying engineering at the University of Tirana, Adriana navigated a male-dominated field with determination. Moving to Canada opened new opportunities, allowing her to further her education, earning multiple degrees and certifications in civil engineering, construction, and safety, including two master’s degrees, one from the University of Washington in Heavy Civil.
“Education was my way of building credibility in an industry where I had to prove myself constantly,” Adriana explains. Her shift from hands-on construction to safety consulting led to the founding of Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc., where she now focuses on making job sites safer for everyone.
Blending Craft, Heritage, and Storytelling in Architecture
Iva’s journey to becoming Design Director at Adriatica Architecture began not in a studio but on construction sites, where she observed the blend of ambition and craftsmanship. As a child, she watched her mother build a legacy in construction safety and shared lunches with her father atop towering balconies. “I was the little girl perched on a milk crate, soaking in the hum of the radio and the quiet symphony of cranes on site,” she recalls.
Her hands-on experience started early as an elevator lift operator, gradually taking on more responsibilities to junior site coordinator. This exposure taught her that construction isn’t just about mechanics — it’s about creating spaces filled with memory, resilience, and purpose.
Iva refined her passion with a Master’s in Architecture from Waterloo, merging technical precision with poetic storytelling. Her education strengthened Adriatica Architecture’s competitive edge, blending design innovation with advanced technology. For Iva, architecture goes beyond structure — it’s the art of shaping meaningful human experiences.
Mastering the Art of Balance in Leadership and Life
Adriana balances her roles as a professor and president of Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. through strategic time management, prioritization, and delegation. Clear boundaries and efficient planning allow her to focus on both academia and consulting without sacrificing well-being.
As president, Adriana oversees daily operations, develops safety policies, manages client relationships, and ensures the company stays ahead of industry trends. She also focuses on training and mentoring, helping clients meet the highest safety standards. “It’s about creating safer environments and leading by example,” she notes.
Adriana maintains a work-life balance through time blocking and firm boundaries. Early morning workouts keep her grounded, and family remains central to her routine. “My family sees my business as a strength, not a burden,” she shares, emphasizing the value of a supportive home environment.
Motherhood has enhanced her leadership, sharpening her multitasking, organization, and adaptability. It has also deepened her empathy, shaping her mentorship approach. “My children inspire my work ethic every day,” Adriana says, aiming to model resilience, dedication, and balance.
Transforming Structures into Living Stories
For Iva, architecture is storytelling in structure. “Buildings are more than materials and measurements; they are narratives waiting to be told,” she says. A space should do more than function—it should evoke, inspire, and respond. To her, architecture is a language that whispers history, asserts innovation, and hums with the rhythm of human need. Every arch, every corridor is a sentence in a conversation between past and future, form and feeling.
This philosophy informs her approach—where structure is not separate from art but an extension of it. She looks to nature, where efficiency and beauty are never at odds. “Nature has always been the greatest architect,” she explains, citing the tensile strength of a spider’s web, the fractal intelligence of branching trees, the aerodynamic logic of a seashell’s curve.
Her work translates these principles into built environments that are as functional as they are poetic. By designing systems that bend to the elegance of natural proportions rather than resist them, she creates structures that breathe—adaptive, efficient, and rich with meaning. In her hands, construction is more than assembly; it is craftsmanship, precision, and the art of making space speak.
Bringing Vision to Life Through 3D Innovation
For Iva, 3D modeling is more than a tool—it’s a portal to possibility. “3D visualization is our window into the future,” she says. It transforms sketches into immersive realities, allowing clients to step inside a space before the first beam is placed. At Adriatica, modeling software isn’t just a means of representation; it’s an extension of creative vision, translating design into lifelike environments that feel as tangible as the world beyond the screen.
But Iva’s expertise extends beyond traditional design tools. She specializes in integrating artificial intelligence into architecture, having presented at conferences and podcasts to advocate for AI as a collaborative tool rather than a competitor. “Technology is only as powerful as our ability to harness it,” she notes, emphasizing that AI is not here to replace the human touch, but to augment it. Her team embraces this philosophy, viewing AI as a critical asset to streamline processes, enhance creativity, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Continuous learning and staying at the forefront of technological advancements are at the core of her team’s approach. They foster a culture of shared knowledge, ensuring that the next generation of designers not only masters the tools but uses them imaginatively, transforming ideas into vivid, buildable realities.
Blending Strength, Beauty, and Identity Through Purposeful Design
For Iva, architecture is a balance of technical precision, artistic passion, and cultural storytelling. “Structure is the backbone of beauty,” she says, ensuring resilience forms the foundation of every design. Her commitment to biophilic design highlights this harmony, integrating nature and architecture to create spaces that connect people to the earth’s rhythms. “The challenge is to make resilience poetic,” she notes.
This philosophy extends to her most meaningful project — a community center designed to celebrate cultural identity. As an Albanian immigrant, Iva infused the space with her heritage, creating a bridge between the past and future. Presenting the design before the Albanian Embassy and Canadian Parliament was more than a career milestone; it was a personal homecoming.
“Architecture is a vessel for identity, a space where people can find belonging,” she reflects. For Iva, purposeful design not only blends strength and beauty but also tells stories that preserve culture and foster connection.
Overcoming Barriers and Redefining Industry Standards
Adriana’s career in construction and safety consulting has been shaped by her determination to break through barriers in a male-dominated industry. One of the most significant challenges she faced was earning credibility and influence in spaces where skepticism was common. “Breaking into a male-dominated field was a major challenge,” Adriana says.
Persistence, expertise, and a commitment to continuous learning became her tools for success. By demonstrating technical knowledge, delivering consistent results, and advocating for safety improvements, she slowly gained the respect she worked hard to earn. Building a strong support network and continuously educating herself allowed her to navigate these obstacles with resilience.
When it comes to success in her field, Adriana emphasizes the need for a balance of skills. “Strong technical knowledge, leadership, and adaptability are essential,” she explains, but it doesn’t stop there. Empathy and clear communication play a crucial role, especially when working with teams to implement effective safety measures. Her passion for problem-solving and innovation has been the driving force behind her efforts to push the industry forward, constantly seeking ways to improve workplace safety and standards.
Adriana’s greatest professional achievements reflect her commitment to making meaningful change. Being recognized as an influential leader in the construction and safety industry stands out as one of her proudest moments. But what resonates most with her is the tangible difference she’s made through transformative safety policies that have improved workplace conditions.
Founding Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. was another major milestone, allowing her to build a company that not only thrives but also positively impacts the industry through education and advocacy. “It’s about more than success — it’s about making a real difference,” Adriana says, reflecting on the journey that brought her here.
Innovating Safety Consulting Through Technology and Education
Adriana keeps Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. ahead by embracing innovation, continuous learning, and cutting-edge technology. “Embracing innovation, investing in education, and leveraging technology are key,” she says.
She integrates AI, IoT, and VR training into safety protocols, enhancing risk prevention and improving safety practices. Staying updated on regulations and fostering continuous learning ensures the company remains competitive. But her impact extends beyond her firm.
Adriana has developed comprehensive safety training programs, advocated for policy changes, and introduced tech-driven solutions to improve workplace safety. “Mentorship and education are core elements of my work,” she notes, emphasizing her dedication to preparing future industry leaders.
Through innovation and education, Adriana is shaping the future of safety consulting while making workplaces safer and more efficient.
Empowering Women to Lead the Future of Construction
Adriana envisions a future where women play an even greater role in shaping the construction industry. As more women break barriers, she sees growing opportunities in leadership and technical roles. “Encouraging diversity, fostering mentorship programs, and advocating for inclusivity will be key to ensuring long-term progress,” she notes, highlighting the importance of creating pathways for women to thrive in the field.
For young women aspiring to lead in construction and safety consulting, Adriana offers clear advice: “Embrace your unique perspective and expertise, be confident in your abilities, and build a strong network of mentors and peers.” She emphasizes the value of continuous learning and staying current with industry trends, which can help set future leaders apart.
Above all, Adriana stresses the need for persistence and resilience to overcome challenges in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through her leadership and advocacy, she is helping pave the way for the next generation of women to rise and lead in construction and safety.
Shaping the Future of Architecture with Inclusive Voices
Iva sees a shifting landscape in architecture, one where women are poised to take center stage. “Women bring a unique perspective—intuitive, holistic, and deeply human-centered,” she says. While the industry still has far to go in embracing diverse voices, she believes the tide is turning, with women gradually asserting their influence.
Her work with Ontario’s Ministry of Mental Health exemplifies this shift, focusing on how architecture can foster inclusivity and prioritize well-being. “The future belongs to those who design it,” Iva notes. For young women entering architecture and design, her advice is resolute: stay relentless. “Architecture is a long, demanding journey—it requires resilience, passion, and an unshakable belief in your vision,” she emphasizes.
Iva urges aspiring leaders to seek mentors, embrace diverse experiences, and explore architecture’s intersections with art, history, and technology. Above all, she encourages them to trust their ambition. “Never let doubt be louder than your ambition,” she advises, reinforcing the power of self-belief in navigating an ever-evolving industry.
Blending Heritage, Innovation, and Purpose in Architecture
Iva draws her deepest inspiration from her parents. Her father, who introduced her to the world of construction early on, nurtured her hands-on experience, while her mother, a resilient professor and entrepreneur, instilled in her the value of education, leadership, and community service. These early influences shaped her career, leading to defining moments such as partnering with the Albanian Embassy to design a community center for the diaspora and collaborating with Ontario’s Ministry of Mental Health on groundbreaking mental health initiatives in construction.
Her resilience, vision, and commitment to driving meaningful change have earned Iva recognition as one of Forbes’ Top 3 Young Entrepreneurs of Impact. This honor reflects her leadership in not only advancing the field of architecture but also in making a tangible difference through community involvement. Whether speaking at AI conferences or participating in AI podcasts, Iva has been a key advocate for using technology as a tool for good, rather than competition. Her research into AI and parametric design, including the creation of floating structures that heal ecosystems, showcases her innovative approach to merging architecture with environmental restoration.
Iva’s advocacy extends to women in construction, where she has been a vocal champion for creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for women to thrive in the industry. Her work with Ontario’s Ministry of Mental Health is a testament to her commitment to well-being, showing how architecture can be a tool for inclusivity and mental health support. Through projects like her collaboration with the Albanian Embassy, she reconnects communities to their roots, further emphasizing her dedication to culturally responsive and meaningful design.
In her role as a young leader in the field, Iva emphasizes the importance of “humble determination.” Architecture is a field where critiques are constant and visions often clash. “You need the courage to stand by your ideas, but the humility to keep learning,” she says. Thick skin helps, but so does an open heart—one that listens, adapts, and evolves.
For Iva, true success isn’t just about the structures you build; it’s about the integrity, purpose, and impact you bring to every project, leaving the world a little more beautiful, connected, and empowered than before. As a young leader whose work continues to shape both the present and future of architecture, her journey is just beginning—and the industry is eager to see where she leads next.
Conclusion
Adriana and Iva’s journeys are a testament to their unwavering commitment to purposeful design and responsible construction. Whether advocating for safer work environments or crafting spaces that tell compelling stories, they approach each project with passion, resilience, and a shared vision to create a lasting impact. As a powerful mother-daughter dynamic duo, they are shaking up the field of construction, blending the wisdom of experience with the energy of innovation—passing the torch from one generation to the next.
By seamlessly blending safety, innovation, and cultural identity, they don’t just shape the built environment—they forge deeper connections between people and the spaces that define their lives. Their work is a bridge between the tangible and the meaningful, where every structure is not just built, but thoughtfully envisioned to enrich the human experience. Together, they are redefining the future of construction, one generation at a time, and leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and transform for years to come.
