2023 40 Under 40: Brendan McGrath, PE, LEED AP O+M, CCP, 39

Southeast Commissioning Team Leader, AKF; BS, Environmental Engineering, University of Florida

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer May 15, 2023

As a commissioning engineer, McGrath is responsible for performance verification of building systems throughout all stages of a building’s life. He specializes not only in new construction commissioning, but also retro-commissioning and energy audits. In his role at AKF he was a key member of the team that designed the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Environmental center, the 13th project in the world to achieve full Living Building Certification from the International Living Future Institute. According to his clients, McGrath always meets any challenge that is presented to him, no matter how great, which has earned him the respect of the consultants and contractors he works with. In addition to his position at AKF, McGrath is an adjunct professor at Drexel University where he teaches three building system classes with the architecture program. Previously, he was an adjunct professor at Philadelphia University teaching sustainable systems. McGrath also volunteers in his local community, where he is a founding member of the Living Futures Philadelphia Collaborative and serves on the board of directors of the Clementine Montessori School in Philadelphia as well as heading the facilities committee. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. In particular, he appreciates sharing time outdoors as a family with his wife and 6-year-old son. McGrath is also a certified weekend warrior, working on DIY projects ranging from full bathroom renovations to small carpentry projects. He fills the gaps with mountain biking or playing basketball.