Hemp Voices: Traci Quinn, Pink Hats Construction and Development
Traci Quinn, owner of Chicago-based Pink Hats Construction and Development
I’m totally fascinated by how hemp turns something as humble as a plant into a superhero building material. It’s like it woke up one day and said, “I can be your cozy walls, your healthy insulation, and your eco-friendly best friend—watch me!” I love that using hemp can help reduce our carbon footprint and promote more sustainable building, all while creating houses that look modern yet feel down-to-earth. Plus, there’s something beautiful about living in a home where the walls themselves are a nod to nature’s brilliance. It’s as if the plant has come full circle: once known mostly for rope and fabric, now it’s stepping up to help us reshape the future of construction. It’s a feel-good story I can’t resist!
What was a win for your company in the past year?
One of our biggest wins over the past year was getting to see hemp-based insulation really take off in projects that truly make a difference for people and the planet. First, we brought in our very first pallet of Hemp Wool to insulate a mobile home, and it was incredible witnessing how quickly and easily it transformed the space into a more energy-efficient, comfortable environment. We also had the opportunity to help insulate the greenhouse walls at 1st Presbyterian Church in Chicago—talk about a project that directly benefits the community and models sustainability in action.
This year, we’re taking it to the next level with a 20,000-square-foot, 30-room building that will serve as a recovery home for women and children. Not only does hemp insulation offer top-notch performance, but it’s also healthier for residents and kinder to the environment. Being able to combine innovation, sustainability, and social impact in one project feels like the epitome of a “win” for us—and we can’t wait to see where hemp takes us next!
What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago? One surprising fact I learned over the past year is just how phenomenal hemp is at regulating indoor moisture and temperature and how impressively strong hemp can be in building applications. I knew it was a great insulator, but I didn’t realize that hemp-based building materials (like hempcrete or hemp wool) are hygroscopic, which means they naturally absorb and release moisture. This not only helps prevent mold, but also keeps your indoor climate more stable—warmer in winter, cooler in summer—without over-reliance on heating or AC. It’s a fantastic built-in “air conditioning system” that’s totally plant-powered! It’s not just a lightweight, eco-friendly material—it has serious structural integrity! When used in products like hempcrete or hemp blocks, the fibers create a tightly bonded matrix that can handle the stresses and strains of everyday construction like a champ. Mother Nature really knows how to flex!
What challenges does the hemp building industry face that it must overcome?
One of the biggest hurdles facing the hemp building industry is the lack of clear, widespread regulations and standards. Because hemp-based construction materials are relatively new to mainstream markets, local and national building codes often don’t fully recognize them yet, slowing down approvals. Another challenge is creating a robust supply chain to ensure consistent availability of high-quality raw materials—right now, demand sometimes outstrips what’s readily on the market.
Additionally, there’s a general lack of awareness and skilled labor specific to hemp construction: many contractors and builders simply aren’t familiar with how these materials work or why they’re beneficial. Finally, convincing the public (and sometimes even developers) that hemp is a reliable, cost-effective alternative can be an uphill battle. Overcoming these obstacles will involve educating builders, consumers, and policymakers, as well as standardizing procedures so hemp can shine on job sites everywhere.
The cool thing is as a Developer, Im choosing the materials I use in my projects. So Im not getting any push back. With offering the workshop 2 yrs ago, they are now seeking information and knowledge to use here in Chicago. I believe Pink Hats Construction and Build Green Inc will lead the way here in Chicago.
Pink Hats Construction and Development
Email: Tquinn@pinkhatsconstructiondevgrp.com
