Gary Olp grew up outdoors in the Wisconsin suburbs and the rural Midwest. Whether tending the garden, working in a steel mill or building a fort, he was hand’s-on, immersed in nature. Since the third grade, he had wanted to be an architect, to design buildings. He was inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright to understand the integration of the natural world and the built environment. He attended the University of Cincinnati and created his own path of study. Early successes validated his design philosophy and entrepreneurial talents. In the 1980’s, Gary moved to Dallas to pursue career opportunities with established architectural firms. Early projects included schools, shopping malls, and consistent improvements in sustainable approaches. He decided to focus on his own interests, and started GGO Architects, the first green architectural firm in Dallas. He was part of the North Texas collaborative efforts in the early 1990’s. Gary was a key member of Sustainable Dallas, a grassroots effort of entrepreneurs dedicated to forming local coalitions and educating the public about green practices. In the late 1990’s, Gary became intimately involved with the USGBC at the national and local levels, developing LEED rating systems and initiating the North Texas Chapter. Gary continues to advocate for community engagement. His approach is informed by a connection to the site, a thorough understanding of materials, and an intuitive design sense concerned with environmental stewardship.