Staff Spotlight: Kristin Hernandez
By Jennifer Huang
Meet Kristin Hernandez, Energy Analyst at Verdical Group! Kristin first joined the VG team as an intern during her time at Loyola Marymount University, where she studied Civil Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics. After discovering her passion for environmental design and sustainable building practices, Kristin returned to Verdical Group full-time — and has been helping drive sustainable design solutions ever since.
As an Energy Analyst, Kristin works closely with the Project Management team to create energy models and perform detailed analysis for projects pursuing certifications like LEED and Title 24. Her day-to-day varies widely depending on project needs, from building model geometry and inputting design details to troubleshooting complex issues or running life cycle assessments (LCAs). Kristin also enjoys working on additional studies like daylight analysis, life cycle cost assessments, and computational fluid dynamics — allowing her to blend creativity with technical problem-solving.
“One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on so far has been the sports arena for the University of St. Thomas,” Kristin shared. “It was one of the largest models I’ve worked on, and it was rewarding to see sustainability prioritized not only in energy modeling, but also through the Life Cycle Assessment process to select low-carbon materials.”
Kristin finds joy in every stage of energy modeling — from the creative flow of building geometry to the detective-like problem-solving involved in troubleshooting model errors.
Her technical background in Civil Engineering and Applied Mathematics continues to support her work at Verdical Group. “While I’m not solving equations all day, the engineering concepts I studied definitely help me navigate the technical aspects of my projects,” she explained. Kristin is currently studying for her Professional Engineering (PE) exam to further strengthen her skills.
Outside of work, Kristin loves staying active and exploring Los Angeles’ vibrant food scene — especially new plant-based restaurants near her home in East LA. She also enjoys volunteering at beach cleanups, exploring local flea markets, and spending time with her orange cat, Kitty Jones, who often keeps her company (sometimes a little too closely) while she’s energy modeling.
When asked what keeps her motivated in the sustainability industry, Kristin shared, “It’s easy to stay inspired when you remember the bigger picture. Our work has a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency — that’s what drives me.”
Above all, Kristin values the collaborative and mission-driven culture at Verdical Group. “Everyone here is so passionate about what they do. There’s a real sense of teamwork and shared purpose that makes this such a special place to work.”
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