2020 40 Under 40: Karen Schulte, PE, CPD, LEED AP BD+C, 37

While Schulte has developed a high level of competency in diverse aspects of mechanical engineering during her 14 years at Mueller Associates, she was drawn to the design of plumbing systems in particular. From her start at Mueller as a college intern, she aided in a wide variety of tasks, while also advancing her BIM skills. She focuses on HVAC, plumbing, piping and fire protection systems design for all types of facilities including cultural buildings, office buildings, college and university facilities and historic properties. She is primarily responsible for the design and specification preparation of plumbing and fire protection systems, including domestic water distribution, sanitary wastes, stormwater piping, medical gases, vacuum systems and sprinkler systems. Schulte’s expertise includes carefully researched modernization designs for historic buildings as well as cutting-edge sustainable strategies for the conservation of natural resources. She has completed several projects for the Smithsonian Institution, Northrop Grumman and Duke University. Schulte is adept in complex renovation projects including those that involve the preservation and restoration of notable historic structures. She is also proficient in the application of state-of-the-art technology for due diligence, assessment, modeling and design. Schulte has a competitive and focused personality and these attributes extend to her longtime interest in sports. For many years, she played competitive ultimate Frisbee and now plays recreationally. She also plays softball and broomball in Baltimore’s recreational leagues and runs in local races. Schulte and her husband also enjoy travel, from Paris to Vermont. She is a regular participant in the annual Polar Bear Plunge, which raises funds for the Maryland Special Olympics with an icy plunge into the Chesapeake Bay.

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