October 6, 2020

We are pleased to welcome Declan Walsh, PE, LEED AP, our new Senior Project Engineer, to Epstein’s MEP department! Declan is an experienced project manager for MEP systems with a main focus on mechanical engineering and sustainability.

Prior to joining us, Declan worked for the likes of Cartland Kraus Engineering, from 2003-2011, and Arup, from 2011 until most recently. At these jobs, he worked on mostly commercial projects in the hospitality, higher education, retail and office building sectors throughout the U.S. and international locations. He also has experience in aviation and with government projects.

Declan interned for an MEP design firm during his college years. From this, he developed a desire to learn more about the built environment and how it relates to energy usage and sustainability. “The MEP design industry seemed like a perfect place to get in at ground level to guide clients on sustainable strategies for their building portfolios.”

While his main discipline and knowledge base is building mechanical systems, his first design firm out of school allowed Declan to design building plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems. This has allowed him to become a well-rounded project manager for building MEP systems. Some of his favorite Chicago-area projects that he has worked on include the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on the Mag Mile, which happens to be the world’s largest Starbucks, Sepia restaurant, which is just a few blocks from the Epstein office, and Notre Dame Walsh Family Hall School of Architecture in South Bend.

Having grown up in Winfield, which is a western suburb of Chicago, Declan went to West Chicago High School. He then attended the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. While there, Declan participated in intramural softball and ultimate Frisbee.

Outside of work, playing sports or being involved in any outdoor activity is generally what Declan does for fun. He is an avid golfer (see Dave Hilty in Civil) and regular paddle boarder. He also enjoys camping, softball, gardening and cooking. Oh, and he is a big fan of live music.

A few other tidbits around Declan: He currently lives in the Logan Square neighborhood with his girlfriend and their Chihuahua, Chico. He is also a first generation American, as both of his parents were born in Ireland. He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Ireland!

Once again, welcome, Declan! Epstein is delighted to have you join us.