Robin Graves
Principal
“The most rewarding aspect of working at AEI is the opportunity to design buildings that truly impact society. It fills me with pride to see how these innovative structures positively influence people’s lives.”
Robin Graves is a trusted mechanical engineering leader in the Madison office, known for delivering high-performance systems for technically demanding science and technology projects. She brings deep expertise in system design for complex environments, particularly laboratories and research facilities, where she balances innovative design, performance, and aesthetic appeal. Her portfolio includes work with nationally and internationally recognized institutions, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Takeda, Promega, Princeton University, and the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.
Robin joined AEI as an intern and steadily advanced through the firm, building a strong foundation on high-profile healthcare projects before taking on leadership roles across increasingly complex project types. She is widely recognized for her technical depth in HVAC system design and her ability to translate ambitious sustainability goals into practical, well-coordinated engineering solutions. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Robin works closely with clients and multidisciplinary design teams to align technical solutions with project goals, schedules, and long-term operational needs.
In addition to her project leadership, Robin is deeply committed to talent development and education. She plays an active role in strengthening AEI’s internship and onboarding programs. An alumna of the University of Wisconsin (UW) - Madison, she serves on the Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, teaches extension courses, and regularly presents to students and professional organizations, including ASHRAE and the Society of Women Engineers.
Robin’s work on the Promega Kornberg Center earned a 2024 ASHRAE First Place Technology Award, and she was named to Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 40 Under 40 list.