Hi, I’m Cynthia Hurd-EL, Founder of BuildWise Solutions.
My journey into construction began long before artificial intelligence entered the conversation.
In the 1990s, I developed a strong interest in home improvement and DIY projects.
That curiosity evolved into real-world construction experience in the early 2000s, while working alongside my brother on residential projects.
During that time, I gained practical, field-level experience in:
Drywall installation, taping, and finishing
Corner bead installation and surface preparation
Interior painting (full home applications)
Hardwood flooring installation
Floor tile installation (including bathrooms)
Installation of bathroom fixtures (sinks and toilets)
Basic plumbing work related to fixture installation
Assisting with kitchen installations
Supporting project operations, including contracts and advertising
Recognizing the value of formal trade training, I enrolled in the Chicago Women in Trades program, where I gained hands-on exposure to multiple skilled trades. Through this program, I visited and trained within union facilities including carpentry, bricklaying, electrical, and operating engineers programs. I successfully passed multiple apprenticeship entrance exams and went on to begin training in the Sheet Metal Workers program, gaining both classroom and field experience.
I continued expanding my construction knowledge through the Chicago Urban League T-CART program, a partnership with the Laborers Union, Operating Engineers, and the Illinois Department of Transportation. Through this program, I trained at both the Laborers Training Center and the Operating Engineers Local 150 training facility.
Following this training, I was selected as an apprentice with Operating Engineers Local 150, where I worked as a material tester for approximately a year and a half. In this role, I gained valuable experience in construction materials, site conditions, testing procedures, and quality control processes in real-world environments.
After my time with the Operating Engineers, I enrolled in a Chicago Urban League solar installation training program, where I gained foundational knowledge in renewable energy systems and solar installation practices. Although I was unable to complete the program due to health challenges, the experience expanded my understanding of energy-efficient building systems and emerging construction technologies.
Even after stepping away from the trades professionally, construction never left my life. I continued applying my skills through hands-on work, including building a porch and completing various renovation and repair projects on my own property.
Alongside my field experience, I developed a strong interest in construction planning and project management. Through my academic studies, I earned an MBA and completed graduate-level coursework in project management, where I developed and executed a full-scale construction project plan.
This project included:
Site selection and land acquisition
Permitting and regulatory compliance
Engineering coordination and blueprint development
Construction phase planning
Staffing and operational setup
Through both hands-on field experience and advanced business education, I gained a comprehensive understanding of construction from multiple perspectives:
The job site
The planning table
The business and operational side
Why BuildWise Solutions Exists
BuildWise Solutions was created to bridge the gap between real-world construction knowledge and practical AI technology.
Our mission is simple:
Help contractors, homeowners, and project managers make faster, smarter, and more informed decisions - without wasting time, money, or materials.