ENR MidAtlantic’s 2020 Legacy Award winner, as selected by the editors of ENR, is Barbara Mullenex, managing principal at Perkins Eastman in Washington, D.C.

Given annually, the award honors an individual in the region who has established a solid “legacy” of lifetime service to the design and construction industry, their colleagues and to their community. ENR MidAtlantic includes Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Mullenex—who will be profiled in the February 2021 issue of ENR MidAtlantic—joined Perkins Eastman’s Board of Directors in 2015. ENR recognizes her more than 30 years of service to the industry and her community, including contributions to hospitality, residential, mixed use and workplace projects.

More than anything, Perkins Eastman says her professional legacy is highlighted by a passion for mentorship, inclusion, growth and change. “Barbara has dedicated much of her career to fostering the growth of those around her,” Perkins Eastman wrote in its nomination letter to ENR. “Whether participating in events such Learn From the Best with ULI Washington’s Young Leaders Group, or clearing a path for our work force’s next generation, her commitment to every individual’s personal and professional growth has made her the leader she is today.”

Joining Perkins Eastman as a studio leader in 2013 in Washington, D.C., Mullenex brought her extensive expertise in strategic planning, organizational strategy, talent development and outcome based management for projects of all scales to the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Mullenex owned her own design firm, OPX, for 26 years.

Mullenex has lead the design and management of several high-profile projects for clients such as Marriott, Global Holdings, and World Bank. In addition to her expansive portfolio of work, she has been recognized for her philanthropic and community engagement. She serves on the Executive Committee and Membership Committee of the Federal City Council, is a member of the Economic Club of Washington D.C., and the International Women’s Forum. 

She has also served on the Board on the National Symphony Orchestra and is currently Vice Chair of the Maryland Youth Ballet Board. She has earned service awards that include Washington Business Journal’s CEO Leadership in Philanthropy, and the Corporate Award from the March of Dimes Heroines in Technology.