Elaine Gallagher, AIA, LEED AP

My passion for fixing broken things has shaped my unique career path. I started in historic preservation, focusing on retrofitting historic buildings for energy efficiency. It was the late ’90s, and as sustainability became a global movement, it pulled me in, changing the trajectory of my career and lifestyle. I now fix not just buildings, but campuses and communities, often before they’re even built—a challenge I absolutely love.

One of my proudest accomplishments is my involvement in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). From the start, I argued that sustainability is a civil rights issue, reflecting the African American experience’s intricate ties with water and ingenuity. I led the sustainability and integrative design efforts for the six-year project, coordinating a team of 28 sub-consulting firms. My team and I linked most design decisions to building performance, ensuring every element served at least two purposes. The result? A building that performs 30% better than the Smithsonian’s best-performing museum. This achievement even won me a steak dinner from the MEP! There’s a part of me in every corner of that building.

While saving the planet is a noble goal, what truly excites me is being part of something innovative and impactful. I love the continuous learning and the blend of creativity and technical expertise required in my role. There’s never a dull moment, and I enjoy inspiring young people to pursue design careers with enthusiasm.

I bring tenacity and energy to every project. When clients have complex goals for the environment and decarbonization, I find a way to achieve them. I believe in the power of the right people and the right attitude, guided by the principles in my favorite book, “Thinking In Systems.” There are no paradigms for where we need to go, and that’s the approach I bring to challenging projects.