Elaine Asal

Trained as an architect, Elaine’s approach to problem solving and design-thinking 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 in 2004 from the University of Oklahoma and is currently working for Gensler, a global design, planning, and strategic consulting firm. Elaine is leading an office initiative to incorporate social responsibility and community-driven design into architecture and planning projects throughout Baltimore City. She helped launch gServe, a corporate social responsibility program for Gensler and currently serves on the firmwide steering committee. Active in the local social enterprise community, she fosters connections across organizations and identifies opportunities for partnership and collaboration. She also works with the AIA Baltimore Lecture Series, developing the overall theme and speakers as well managing the graphics for the last seven years. She is on the National Board for the Network of Arab-American Professionals, leading the local Baltimore chapter and managing the national re-brand effort. She has an affinity for all things urban and community development, social justice, loves playing in parks and chocolate chip cookies. A Baltimore resident for eight years, Elaine was raised in Oklahoma City, speaks English and Arabic, and loves sunny days when she gets to ride her bike to work from her apartment in Fells Point.