Senior Mechanical Engineer, Arup; BS, Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Marisa Higgins is known for delivering complex, high-impact projects across the health care and science, industry and technology markets. Her portfolio spans across health care, laboratory and pharmaceutical manufacturing projects ranging from advanced clean rooms to major capital developments exceeding 1.6 million square feet, including prominent cancer care facilities and manufacturing environments across the United States and globally. She oversees projects and helps lead multidisciplinary teams of up to 50 engineers while ensuring successful technical integration and client engagement deliver high-quality outcomes across ever-evolving designs. Higgins is widely recognized for her innovative, people-centered approach when it comes to engineering workflows and team efficiency. She has developed automation tools that significantly reduce manual effort and improve accuracy, including a process that transformed a 40-hour calculation workflow into a three-minute task. More recently, Higgins led the implementation of artificial intelligence-driven solutions that translate design data into formatted documentation, streamlining communication and allowing teams to focus on higher-value engineering challenges. While her work reflects a consistent focus on scalability and usability for technological integrations, the defining hallmark of her character is her empowerment of others as her approach to leadership is centered on integrity, mentorship and inclusivity. She is deeply committed to fostering environments where team members are supported, heard and encouraged to grow. With her passion for mentorship extending beyond the office, she supports communities globally through her volunteerism with ASHRAE, including the Presidential Initiative Challenge, helping award and guide global grant-funded projects focused on decarbonization and indoor environment quality. When she’s not at work, Higgins enjoys traveling internationally, exploring new cuisines and staying active through skiing, pickleball and outdoor adventures. She also values time spent discovering new restaurants and experiencing Houston’s vibrant food scene.
