Lauren Hughes
Vice President of Business Development
Capitol Construction
Fishers, Indiana
In a male-dominated industry, Lauren Hughes has made a name for herself and created brand-awareness for Fishers, Indiana-based Capitol Construction as the company’s Vice President of Business Development for 11 years.
How has Hughes built such a successful career in commercial real estate? She has leveraged the power of connections and has never forgotten the advice of her father, a career salesperson, who told her, “You cannot know enough people.”
Hughes’ efforts have created a positive economic contribution for Capitol, as she continuously brings in new opportunities, assists with the firm’s strategic direction and proudly represents the team’s capabilities, both locally and nationally.
With 15 years of experience in leasing and construction, Hughes has forged strong relationships with brokers, property managers, business owners, developers and architects. After selling new home construction for six years after graduating from Indiana University, Hughes was inspired to enter commercial real estate by her many family members who were already working in the business in Chicago. Fast forward: Hughes now has an uncle, multiple cousins, husband and sister in the industry.
Hughes’ favorite part of her role is helping prospective clients navigate through the construction process in their search for new space. She works alongside the brokerage team to guide tenants and help analyze the costs of construction. Having leased space herself, Hughes understands the importance of accurate construction numbers for lease negotiations and financing requirements.
Hughes’ most challenging time in the industry came during the shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an essential business, Capitol never closed: Hughes juggled time between “home schooling” her twin first-graders, while simultaneously fulfilling her duties at Capitol. Fortunately, that period lasted just six weeks, and she was able to return to the office and gather a sense of normalcy.
Hughes’ team never skipped a beat, and Capitol’s pipeline stayed busy by completing unoccupied spaces, making them ready for the return of office tenants and retailers.
Since 2011, Hughes has been a member of IndyCREW and served as the organization’s president in 2017. She also served three years on IndyCREW’s Board of Directors. While still active in IndyCREW, Hughes is also a member of ICSC, BOMA, IREM and IndyREAL. Additionally, Hughes serves on the Facilities Committee at Cathedral High School, actively supports St. Mary’s Child Center and St. Augustine’s Home for the Aged, and is a School Council Member at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School.
In her spare time, Hughes can be found coaching her kids’ sports or volunteering at school. She also has a newfound passion for pickleball and loves to hit the courts with her friends.
