Sarah Gudeman
Sarah Gudeman is the epitome of "Work Hard, Play Hard" while striving to "Be the Change You Want to See in the World." As a Principal and Building Science Practice Lead at BranchPattern, Sarah brings a contagious energy and passion to everything she does. Sarah sees her role as a connector of people and ideas, a mentor, and a catalyst for change. She’s not just solving problems, she’s turning challenges into opportunities to make the world a better place. Whether she’s leading the charge on sustainability initiatives, volunteering in her local community, educating the industry, or helping her Green Building Certification team navigate complex projects, Sarah’s enthusiasm is as boundless as her expertise.
With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and wielding her Professional Mechanical Engineer license, Sarah is always asking "why" and "why not." She’s not just involved in industry organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) —she’s a driving force within them. Sarah has participated with USGBC her entire career, as a local chapter Chair, LEED Committee volunteer (and EQ TAG Chair), LEED Steering Committee, USGBC Faculty member, Pro Reviewer, and earning the distinction of LEED Fellow in 2021, building on her professional credentials of LEED AP BD+C and LEED AP ID+C, Sarah doesn’t just follow the rules—she writes new ones and sparks transformative change in communities everywhere.
At IWBI, Sarah’s energy and vision shine through as WELL Faculty, WELL Performance Testing Agent, and WELL AP. Her passion for creating healthier, more sustainable environments is further amplified through her work as an AIA COTE Technical Reviewer for Equitable Communities and Integration, as a Fitwel Ambassador, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Passive House Consultant, and much more. Sarah’s commitment to the industry extends even further, with active participation in organizations like ASHRAE, CREW, ILFI, PHIUS, and IAQA, where she relentlessly advances sustainability and building performance. Whether mentoring, leading community outreach, or contributing to sustainability councils, Sarah is always driving innovation and excellence in the name of staying at the forefront of industry developments for her team and clients. To say the least, Sarah is a powerhouse of innovation and impact, consistently pushing the envelope in the name of improvement.
Sarah’s passion for life doesn’t stop at the office door. She’s a former kickboxing and resistance training instructor who loves pushing herself and others to be their best, both physically and mentally. She’s also a dedicated foodie with a meticulous approach to culinary exploration. As a long-term Yelp Elite member and recovering food blogger (@SarahEatsOmaha on Instagram), Sarah elevates any interest to an engineering art form, whether its spreadsheets tracking her whiskey collection, reviewing air quality monitors on her YouTube channel, 10+ years of ranked readings for her book club, or detailed forays into nature-based scavenger hunts and science experiments for her kids. For Sarah, every experience is an opportunity to thrive, and she tackles both work and play with the same level of dedication and boundless enthusiasm.
