National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is one of the most visited museums in the world—welcoming millions of visitors annually to explore humanity’s journey of flight and discovery. Mueller Associates is proud to serve as the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer for the museum’s landmark $1 billion modernization, a transformative effort redefining sustainability, performance, and visitor experience within this 687,000-square-foot icon on the National Mall.

Engineering the Future of Flight

In concert with Quinn Evans, Mueller’s partnership with the Smithsonian began in 2013, leading comprehensive feasibility, sustainability, and envelope studies before advancing to final design in 2018. The challenge: modernize all building systems in a phased sequence while keeping the museum open to the public.

Our team replaced every major MEP system—HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and controls—while preserving the integrity of 23 galleries and exhibition spaces. Extensive modeling, field surveys, and computational analyses informed each decision, ensuring the modernized NASM achieves unmatched precision in temperature, humidity, lighting, and acoustic control.

Precision and Performance at Scale

• Energy-recovery chillers provide more than 80% of heating capacity year-round

• N+1 redundancy in condensing boilers for efficient, reliable operation

• 20+ miles of new piping for chilled water, hot water, and rainwater systems

• Two 100,000-gallon cisterns capture 4.4 million gallons annually for reuse in irrigation, cooling, and plumbing

• Advanced DMX lighting control system integrated with exhibit technology

The modernization introduces a centralized building automation system with demand-based ventilation, energy curtailment, and real-time monitoring—reducing energy use while maintaining rigorous conservation standards for artifacts and exhibits.

A Model for Sustainable Stewardship

The National Air and Space Museum has become the first Smithsonian museum renovation to earn LEED Gold certification, a milestone that reflects both the Institution’s commitment to sustainability and Mueller Associates’ leadership in high-performance engineering design.

From envelope optimization to advanced energy recovery and rainwater reuse, Mueller’s systems are designed to deliver measurable environmental performance without compromising artifact preservation. The modernization introduces intelligent controls, water-saving technologies, and energy-efficient mechanical systems that together reduce operational costs and carbon footprint while ensuring stringent temperature and humidity standards for priceless exhibits.

This recognition affirms the Smithsonian’s role as a steward of innovation—not only in aerospace history but in sustainable building practice—setting a new benchmark for cultural facilities worldwide.

Read more about the Air and Space Museum in Mueller’s newsletter, Momentum. Mueller’s work was also featured in Engineered Systems.