Elaine Asal

About Elaine Asal

A connector, catalyst, instigator and communicator, Elaine believes solutions to the wickedest problems come in many forms, and often from the most unexpected places. Trained as an architect, Elaine’s approach to problem solving is driven by balancing visionary ideals with realistic measures. She believes that positive impact comes from thoughtful, informed and tangible solutions, achieved when passionate people come together around a shared narrative and common goals. She is a visual communicator that excels at organizational development and strategic planning. Elaine received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and is currently working for Gensler, a global design, planning, and strategic consulting firm. Elaine has guided several initiatives to incorporate social responsibility and community-driven process into architecture and planning projects. She helped launch the Gensler Public Engagement Lab and is a co-chair on Gensler’s Global Inclusion Committee. Her current focus is public and stakeholder engagement, civic infrastructure planning with an emphasis on library systems, and creating community benefits agreements in collaboration with developers, clients, and communities. Active in the local social impact community, she fosters connections across organizations and identifies opportunities for partnership and collaboration. She has worked with the AIA Baltimore Lecture Series, Network Of Arab American Professionals and currently serves on the Executive Committee for Central Baltimore Partnership. She has an affinity for all things community development, social justice, loves a good outdoor concert or sunset sail. A Baltimore resident since 2004, Elaine was raised in Oklahoma City, speaks English and Arabic, and loves bringing people together around food, culture, creativity and fun.

Experience

1. Principal

   Gensler

   Dec 2023 — Present · Baltimore, MD, US

   Elaine leads our Southeast regional strategy practice on projects across our nine offices from Philadelphia to Miami. She has an expertise in public engagement, and aligning planning and development with community benefit, storytelling, and leading our robust workplace practice through portfolio optimization, change management, and workplace strategy. She has a wide ranging portfolio that makes her an agile contributor at any scale.

Education

• University of Oklahoma

  Bachelor of Architecture

  1999 — 2004