Paula McEvoy, FAIA
By: Nicole Seekely
A Legacy of Sustainable Design
For decades, Paula McEvoy, FAIA, has been a driving force in sustainable architecture, shaping not only the built environment but also the way the profession approaches sustainability. Though she has recently stepped back from practice, her impact remains deeply woven into the fabric of the industry—both in Atlanta, where she left her mark with projects like 1315 Peachtree Street, and across the globe through her visionary leadership in sustainability.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Paula earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University in 1982. Early in her career, she was drawn to the intersection of design and environmental responsibility—a passion that would define her professional journey. When she first worked on a LEED-certified project, she became captivated by the potential to push beyond energy efficiency and address broader issues like water conservation, healthy materials, and occupant well-being.
When Paula joined Perkins&Will, interweaving design with sustainability was still a niche concept. It wasn’t until she was designing a labor and delivery ward that the importance of healthy building materials truly hit home. This realization fueled her mission to challenge the status quo, ensuring that buildings not only functioned efficiently but also actively supported the health of their occupants and the planet.
She soon became a leader in the firm’s sustainability practice, co-directing Perkins&Will’s firm-wide Sustainable Design Initiative. She was instrumental in developing groundbreaking tools like the Precautionary List and the Transparency website, pushing for open access to research and encouraging industry-wide transformation. In 2010, she spearheaded Perkins&Will’s first Sustainability Strategic Plan, laying out a roadmap that helped establish the firm as North America’s leader in sustainable design.
Beyond her firm, Paula played a pivotal role in professional advocacy. As a longtime member of the AIA and USGBC, she worked to bridge the two organizations, strengthening collaboration on sustainable initiatives. She served on the AIA Atlanta Board for five years, including as President in 2010, and was later recognized at the national level, chairing the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) in 2016. That same year, she was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows, a testament to her profound influence on the profession.
Paula’s work has never been about just checking the boxes on sustainability. She has been a visionary, ensuring that sustainable design is not an afterthought, but a fundamental principle in architecture. Whether developing firm-wide strategies, mentoring young professionals, or shaping industry policies, she has always led with passion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.
