Elan Abneri, PE

As a former client, I first got to know GFT while serving as senior director at the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA). I saw firsthand how the firm listened, adapted, and steadily grew into one of our trusted go-to consultants. I appreciated their integrated design and full-service capabilities, and their commitment to continuous improvement through active feedback. Now, being part of the team, I value the opportunity to contribute to a wide variety of projects, each with its own unique requirements. These experiences continue to support my professional development and career growth.

A mentor told me that when a process or procedure is not working well, it is best to think about the solution and present that rather than the problem. I took that to the next level and learned to become a solution-oriented problem solver.

While at the SCA, I was part of a project that replaced an outdated, leased school building that lacked a gymnasium with a newly designed facility. I’ll never forget standing in the new, state-of-the-art gym just before the students arrived and witnessing their awe and excitement as they experienced it for the first time.

More recently, I’ve been proud to contribute to two electrification initiatives. These projects will eliminate reliance on fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and cooking in school buildings. I’ve also gained valuable experience working on complex, multi-faceted developments, such as high-rise residential buildings that incorporate schools at their base, which involved navigating legal, real estate, and developer negotiations.

I really enjoy being outside in nature. I love to garden; there’s something rewarding about planting seeds, watching them grow, and eventually harvesting, cooking, and eating what I’ve grown. I also enjoy walks in natural settings and usually take my camera to capture the scenes that inspire me.

Outside of work, spending time with my family is incredibly important. Whether it’s a quiet dinner out with my wife or a special gathering with our kids, those moments keep me grounded. They remind me why building better communities matters—not just for today but for the people we care about most.