Jennifer Pugliano McDowell (NCIDQ, LEED AP) is the Senior Director of Design and Construction for Campus Design and Facility Development (CDFD) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where she leads a team of direct reports, including architects, engineers and interior designers. Immersed in her father's construction business from a young age, she developed a strong industry foundation that inspired her design education and subsequent career in design and construction. Her 30-year career spans higher education, hospitality, retail, and corporate design. After a decade as an external design consultant for CMU, she joined the university in 2013, bringing her expertise in leading design and construction teams. Her leadership and dedication to enhancing the university experience led to promotions to Director in 2018 and then to Senior Director of Design and Construction in 2021.
At CMU, Jennifer has overseen major campus projects, including several that have received industry recognition. Her recent portfolio includes the 36,000-square-foot, $28 million Ansys Hall; the 85,000-square-foot, $80 million Scaife Hall; and the 150,000-square-foot, $100 million Robotics Innovation Center (RIC) at Hazelwood Green. The RIC is a key component of an initiative revitalizing the neighborhood with housing, retail, and an expanding university presence, helping to activate the development.
Jennifer is a key member of the university’s Classroom Strategy Committee, leading the effort to create innovative and replicable classroom designs. This past year, she was invited by the President and Provost to participate in the University's Middle States re-accreditation efforts. She also serves on multiple university committees, including the Design Review Committee, and plays a key role in developing and implementing design standards and guidelines. These efforts ensure that renovations and new construction not only complement the existing campus context but also enrich the experience of students, faculty, and staff by creating inspiring and functional physical spaces.
Outside of CMU, Jennifer serves on the Steering Committee for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Pittsburgh’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). Her proudest accomplishment is her growing family, including her husband of 30 years, Gregory, and her three children: Madeline and her husband, Nicholas; Jarrod and his wife, Maura; and her youngest, Colin, who is currently in college. She also enjoys the company of her dog, Daisy, and her grand-dogs, Sadie, Millie, and Finn.