Helen Kessler

Helen Kessler is an Adjunct Professor at the McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, and serves as President of HJKessler Associates, Inc. She specializes in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and LEED certification with over 30 years of experience. Her affiliations include the Master of Project Management Program and Executive Management for Design and Construction Program at Northwestern.

Education:

• Bachelor of Architecture, The University of Arizona
• Master of Business Administration, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Her research focuses on integrative design approaches for sustainable buildings, with expertise in energy efficiency, commissioning processes, and LEED project leadership. She has contributed to over 80 LEED projects across diverse sectors including education, healthcare, and commercial spaces.

Awards:

• LEED Fellow inaugural class member
• Notable Leader in Sustainability (2022)
• Alumnus of the Year (University of Arizona Honors College)

She teaches courses like 'Systems Thinking for Sustainable Design' and 'Sustainability in Construction' at Northwestern. Previously, she held leadership roles in USGBC Illinois Chapter, AIA Chicago Committee on the Environment, and ASHRAE guideline development.

Her professional affiliations include Upfront Regenerative Design and advisory work for energy code development in Chicago.