Women-Owned, Locally Built Contracting Company in Maryland: Meet Nina Orlando-Zunt from EHSMD
If you’ve got a vision for a space, whether it’s a new business, a community hub, or a home project, EHSMD is ready to make it a reality.
Transforming Howard County One Space at a Time, and Proving Women Build It Better
When you live in a place like Howard County, Maryland, you start to notice the small details that make our community special, the cafés, the cheerful play space your kids can’t get enough of, or that modern office that somehow feels warm and inviting.
But what you might not know is that behind many of these spaces is a local, woman-owned construction company that's been quietly shaping the heartbeat of our community: EHSMD, led by Nina Orland-Zunt, a powerhouse in a hard hat who’s redefining what it means to be a contractor in Maryland.
The Woman Behind the Build
I first met Nina through my husband and through the kind of friends who always seem to know the movers and shakers in town. Everyone described her as the kind of person who could walk into an empty shell of a building and already see the vibrant, fully functioning space it was meant to be.
Nina started EHSMD because she was tired of watching other construction companies cut corners, undervalue clients, and underestimate women. She knew there was a better way to do business, one built on craftsmanship, transparency, and genuine respect for the people she served. She wanted to prove that women in construction aren’t a novelty; they’re a force.
The road has been exhausting at times, exhilarating at others, and filled with moments that would make for a hilarious memoir someday. Through it all, she’s sharpened her voice, strengthened her resolve, and built a team that shares her commitment to valuing skill over stereotypes.
Why Howard County, MD Matters
EHSMD isn’t just based here in Howard County, it’s woven into the fabric of the community. Nina grew up in Howard County and is now raising her own daughter here. When she works on a project, she knows she’ll be walking past it at the farmers market, taking her family there on weekends, or seeing friends enjoy it.
That kind of accountability means every build has her full attention. She treats each project as if her own name will be on the front door, because in a way, it is.
A Project Close to Our Hearts: Play Street Museum in Columbia, MD
If you’ve been to the Play Street Museum in Columbia, you’ve experienced Nina’s work firsthand. And if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat.
Play Street Museum just so happens to be a build that EHSMD brought to life from the ground up. This wasn’t just a job for Nina; it was a project that tapped into her instincts as both a seasoned builder and a mom. Every detail reflected Nina's deep commitment to the families who would be using the space. Each element, from the selection of durable, child-friendly finishes to ensuring parents felt comfortable letting their children explore, perfectly balanced function, comfort, and safety.
Today, when families walk through Play Street Museum’s doors, they see an engaging play space. But behind every wall and every feature is the expertise of a local, woman-owned business that poured heart, skill, and vision into making it a place where memories are made.
Beyond Play Spaces
The Play Street Museum is just one example. Nina’s fingerprints are all over Howard County:
LifeMed Institute is a medical office designed to feel less like a doctor’s appointment and more like a calm escape.
Supreme Sports Club electrical work for major renovations.
Breakout Games both locations, so families can challenge themselves in custom escape rooms.
Frequentis a military communications company’s displays and labs.
Sweet Frog & Papi’s Tacos places where families gather, date nights happen, and memories are made.
Each project tells its own story, but they all have one thing in common: care, craftsmanship, and community connection.
The EHSMD Difference
EHSMD is often described as the “Swiss Army knife of construction,” capable of handling everything from roofing to full-scale commercial buildouts. Nina believes in doing things right from start to finish, the permits, the people, and the materials. Nina is on-site, actively involved, and deeply invested in every project. You won’t find her hiding in a corporate office, you’ll find her in a hard hat, sleeves rolled up, making sure the work meets her high standards.
From Consult to Completion
Working with EHSMD starts with a free consultation, not just a quick estimate. It’s an in-person conversation where they learn about your vision, share examples of similar work, and walk through possibilities together.
After that, clients receive a detailed proposal and a second meeting to ensure every detail is understood before construction begins. It’s a process built on trust and collaboration, and it’s one of the reasons EHSMD has such a strong reputation for delivering on promises.
Ready to Build Something Great?
When you choose businesses like EHSMD, you’re doing more than hiring a contractor, you’re investing in the future of Howard County. You’re supporting women in leadership roles, encouraging local entrepreneurship, and helping ensure our community spaces are built with care and pride.
If you’ve got a vision for a space, whether it’s a new business, a community hub, or a home project, EHSMD is ready to make it a reality.
Howard County is full of incredible spaces. With EHSMD, the next one could be yours.
