About GAIA

INSPIRING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Team

  • Ryan McEvoy

    Principal and Founder
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  • Chris McKinley

    Principal
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  • Grant Waldron

    Director, Sustainability Strategy
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  • Francie von Tempsky

    Director, Finance, Operations, HR
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  • Jennifer Lo

    Director, Marketing
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  • Marina Filatova

    Strategic Operations and Efficiency Manager
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  • Alicia Mazingo

    Executive Project Manager
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  • Robert Fernandez

    Sr. Project Manager
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  • Laia Gimeno

    Lead Building Performance Analyst
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  • Elena Sviatoslavsky

    Project Manager
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  • Jessye Vitier

    Jessye Vitier

    Project Manager
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  • Justin Mitchell

    Sr. Commissioning Provider
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  • Alejandro Manilla

    Commissioning Provider
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  • Kevin Weinberg

    Solar Portfolio Consultant
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  • Yasemin Agi

    Yasemin Agi

    Energy Modeler
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  • Jonathan Port

    Advisor, Solar Owner's Representative
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Story

2004: World’s 1st LEED Speculative Commercial Building

Before founding GAIA, Ryan McEvoy held the position of Development Project Manager and Sustainability Coordinator at Yorkshire Development, where he played a pivotal role in pioneering sustainable building practices.

Under his leadership, the Tricom Building in Pasadena became the world's first LEED-certified speculative commercial building (and the 30th LEED-certified building in California).

Today,

GAIA has consulted on over 100,000,000 square feet of completed projects the U.S.

Vision: Inspiring Sustainable Development

Mission:
Guided by collaborative partnerships, we drive the transformation of the built environment into a resilient landscape, fostering enduring value and sustainable stewardship.

Who Are We?

  • Accredited professionals in LEED, BREEAM, WELL, Fitwel, Living Future, True Advisor, and Envision SP

  • Members of USGBC chapters, ASHRAE, and LA Business Council

  • Educators at conferences and universities

  • Urban farmers and permaculturalists

  • Policy changemakers, activists, parents, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts

Social & Environmental Impact

As a mission-driven company, we are actively involved in community programs that demonstrate responsible land stewardship, empower human equity, foster food security, and advance health and wellbeing.

Each year, we volunteer with, and donate money to, nonprofit organizations and sponsor fundraisers.

Working @ GAIA

Employee Benefits Include:

✓ Quarterly and annual profit-sharing bonuses  

✓ 401K with employer contributions  

✓ Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

✓ Project completion bonuses 

✓ Paid time off (PTO) for sick days, vacations, and volunteering

✓ 9/80 work schedule and flexible work environment   

✓ Educational, wellness, and research reimbursement package

✓ Solar program for employees’ homes

✓ Attend in-person industry events

Firm Bio

Since 2005, GAIA has led the sustainability movement within the real estate industry. Founding Principal Ryan McEvoy pioneered the world’s first LEED speculative building for commercial and industrial use in Pasadena, California. We work with developers, owners, architects, contractors, and capital partners nationwide to deliver high-performance buildings that enhance market value.

GAIA’ supports projects from inception through ongoing operations with the following services:

  • Building Certifications

  • Energy & Daylight Modeling

  • Solar Consulting

  • Life Cycle Assessments for Embodied Carbon Reduction

  • Commissioning & Energy Audits

  • ESG Strategy & Implementation

Our team has consulted on over 100 million square feet of building projects across diverse sectors, including industrial portfolios, REITs, education, multifamily, hospitality, retail, and offices. As a LEED Proven Provider recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council, GAIA excels in decarbonization strategies, driving environmental and social impact.

We focus on creating resilient properties that deliver long-term financial benefits. Our hands-on project management and extensive experience make us a trusted partner for clients seeking both sustainability and a competitive edge in the marketplace.