#54 Always Moving Forward with Elaine Molinar, Partner and Managing Director at Snohetta

Elaine Molinar is a Partner and Managing Director at Snøhetta.
She began her career as a designer of the Alexandria Library in
Egypt after participating in the initial conception for
Snøhetta’s winning competition entry. Throughout her time with
Snøhetta, Elaine has held key positions in major cultural
projects and competitions in Canada, the Middle East, Europe and
the United States including the award-winning Norwegian National
Opera & Ballet and James B. Hunt Jr Library at NCSU. In 2005,
she helped found Snøhetta’s New York office after the firm was
awarded the National September 11th Memorial Museum Pavilion at
the World Trade Center in 2004, the office’s first commission in
the Americas. Elaine currently leads the general management of
Snøhetta’s US practice.


Elaine’s commitment to the issues of social and physical
well-being influences her work not only as a design leader but
also as an employer and cultivator of Snøhetta’s growing
practice. Her early training in classical dance and performance
brings an insightful understanding of ergonomics, perception, and
comfort to the environments we design and inhabit. Her experience
in the design of theaters, libraries, and the workplace has given
Elaine an in-depth understanding of complex programmatic issues
and has positioned her well to champion design from the user’s
point of view.


Elaine’s work has led to numerous international awards and
recognition including the Stanford Prize for Innovation in
Research Libraries,  AIA/ALA American Library Award, 
and an AIA Presidential citation, among others.  Elaine has
served as guest lecturer, studio critic, and awards juror in
addition to daily practice. She is a member of the American
Institute of Architects and is a LEED accredited professional.