“Being a woman in this field gives me a unique perspective—I lead with both care and conviction. I strive to “nurture” our projects and our people, while holding everyone to the highest standards.”

ArchNative, meet Vincencia Adusei!

Vincencia is the President and Founder of VASE Construction, a leading construction management and real estate development firm based in New Haven, Connecticut.

Under Vincencia’s leadership, the firm has worked on over 2,000 projects including rehabbed public schools, town halls, senior apartments, offices, and commercial sites in over a dozen towns and cities in Connecticut. Vincencia has also guided VASE in establishing a real estate development portfolio, including the renovation of the 94-96 Edwards St. into five stable apartment units, in addition to building the first condominiums in her hometown in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Tell us a little bit about your introduction to construction. What made you want to pursue it as a career?

I was born and raised in Ghana in a family business that built major roads and highways in Accra and Kumasi. Watching those projects transform communities—and create jobs—sparked a lifelong fascination with construction. I realized early on that this industry would let me combine my passion for construction and real estate development with meaningful leadership.

How did you go about scaling your business? What has been the greatest challenge and what has been the biggest reward?

For our construction-management division, I built a network of reliable GC's and specialty-trade partners. Established credibility by consistently completing projects on time and on budget. Fostered repeat business by collaborating seamlessly with clients, trade partners, architects, engineers, and third-party consultants. For our real-estate division, I leveraged cash reserve, institutional lenders and broker relationships to fund acquisitions and rehab. Used our CM expertise to rehabilitate properties and then manage them post-construction for passive income. For our operations, I implemented Procore for standardized workflows. Hired top-tier staff—estimators, architects, project managers, superintendents, engineers, and office personnel—and committed to ongoing training.

Greatest challenge: Replacing underperformers with experienced staff and developing robust training and policy frameworks to keep pace with industry evolution.
Biggest reward: Employing hundreds of subcontractors, awarding tens of millions in work, and delivering vital infrastructure that drives real economic impact.

Yale University Cafe Building at York Street

Tell us about the projects you work on. Which project has been most meaningful to your success?
We manage a wide range of work, including: Healthcare upgrades (e.g., Greenwich Hospital). Affordable-housing renovations (Elm City Communities, Seymour Housing Authority, Norwalk Housing Authority). K–12 and university school renovations (Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Achievement First), Nonprofit facilities (Girl Scouts, Greater Bridgeport Community Enterprises), Mixed-use and historic redevelopments

All of our projects are meaningful. Hospital upgrades for patience and staff. Scattered-site renovations for Elm City Communities—240 aging units transformed. VASE own real estate development and after repart rentals to families and changing communities. We often surpassing SBE and minority contracting goals—proved that quality, speed, and equity can thrive together.

Partnerships and relationships are a huge aspect of the real-estate industry. How do you ensure you are continuously fostering these connections?

True partnership mindset: We treat every staff member, financial partner, brokers, design team, trade partners, and stakeholder—as an equal partner. Team members make decisions as if they own the company, building trust and accountability. I speak regularly at forums, and I stay active with mentors.

What does your day-to-day look like?

In the morning, once I get to work, I review Procore dashboards; respond to staff, client, and trade partner or lender inquiries. In the midday, I sometimes conduct site walks with superintendents to verify work status, schedule, and budget compliance. In the afternoon, I check-in on financials and open issues; work on new proposals; take strategic calls. In the evenings, I sometimes mentor emerging professionals or network, but mostly spend time with loved ones, and plan the next day’s priorities.

The construction industry is heavily male dominated—how, if at all, does this impact your approach to business?
Being a woman in this field gives me a unique perspective—I lead with both care and conviction. I strive to “nurture” our projects and our people, while holding everyone to the highest standards. Even as often the only woman at the table, I never feel out of place; I’ve invested years in mastering the technical and managerial aspects of construction. Competing against top, mostly male-owned firms means I must be exceptionally prepared, decisive, and fluent in evolving industry standards. I continually refine my expertise and communication so our value shines through—because at VASE, our work speaks volumes before anyone even meets me.

You are working on a project in Ghana—tell us a little bit about that.
I’m developing Dichemso Vista, a 60-unit condominium just five minutes from Kumasi’s new Prempeh International Airport. Tailored for Ghanaians, the diaspora, and international investors, it offers turnkey ownership with fully managed interiors, premium amenities, and optional Airbnb services. We’ve partnered with local contractors, architects, and tour operators to create immersive investment tours—and of course, I’ve reserved one of the penthouses for myself. After delivering several apartment projects in Connecticut, I’m thrilled to bring my expertise back home and make a real difference in Ghana.

What is a resource you continuously go to? What would you recommend others in the industry use?

Procore: For best-in-class project-management workflows and team training. WBDC advising: For one-on-one strategic business guidance. My network: Staff, trade partners, and clients are invaluable sounding boards. Capital resources: SBA Boost Fund for financing growth.

Restoration of the Frederick H. Cossitt Library

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Trust your instincts. Every setback is a lesson—don’t wait for permission or perfect timing. Build your team, learn on the job, and don’t hesitate to let go of underperformers once you’ve invested in their development.

Vincencia Adusei

Lauren Andersen