HMC Architects Welcomes New Director of Sustainability

HMC Architects is proud to announce that Jennifer Wehling AIA, LEED AP BD+C & ID+C, WELL AP, has been named the firm’s new director of sustainability. Wehling will lead strategic initiatives for sustainable building across HMC’s practice areas, including healthcare, higher education, PreK-12, and civic design.

Wehling joins HMC at a time of growing global demand for leadership in sustainable design that looks at the entire lifecycle of a building. As a licensed architect with over 20 years of experience working on a wide variety of project types, Wehling brings noteworthy expertise and perspective to HMC.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer as a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said Brian Staton, president and CEO. “As architects, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to eliminate carbon emissions and reduce energy demand. With Jennifer at the helm, our clients and communities benefit from buildings that are good for people and overall better health.” 

Located in HMC’s Sacramento office, Wehling will support the business, people, and projects with sustainable goals and strategies—aiming to minimize the firm’s footprint, while maximizing its positive impact. Wehling received a degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and earned her license three years later. Since then, she has worked on a variety of projects as both a designer and architect before shifting her focus to sustainability full time.

Wehling’s portfolio of projects includes the Concourse and Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport, West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Gilmore Center at Mission College, UC Davis Midtown Clinic, and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services High Desert Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Clinic. 

At just eight years old, Wehling decided to become an architect. By high school, she felt conflicted about the built environment’s impact on the natural environment. Her experience as an architect and passion for sustainability gives her a unique appreciation for the various constraints of a project. According to Wehling, her goal is to deliver the most sustainable project possible without negatively impacting the budget, scope, and schedule.  

“To me, sustainability is all about balance,” she says. “It’s the balance between the built and natural environments. It’s the balance between economic, social, and environmental considerations. It’s the balance of priorities and resources. It’s the balance of decisions we make as architects to deliver the best possible project, making the most out of the opportunities and constraints that are inherent in every project.”