With over a decade of experience in structural engineering, Elena has played a key role in designing commercial, industrial, educational, and multi-family facilities across 18 states. She holds professional licensure in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Idaho. Now based in Denver, she is spearheading Schemmer’s expansion into the mountain region, bringing innovative and resilient design solutions to the area.

Elena’s engineering journey began with a love for physics, earning her bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College in 2013 before completing a Master’s in Architectural Engineering (Structures) at the University of Nebraska in 2016. As a kid, she dreamed of designing roller coasters—until she realized that people expect those to shake and rattle. Now, she prefers buildings: they’re just as impressive but ideally don’t make you scream in terror.

• Former high school and club volleyball coach, leading teams to the Girls Junior National Championships—twice.
• Passionate about climbing mountains, as long as the summit view is worth the suffering.
• Will absolutely ride any roller coaster you put in front of her—but prefers her own designs to stay firmly on the ground.