The Modern Elder Academy (MEA) is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, dedicated to guiding individuals through life transitions with purpose and intention. Located just outside Santa Fe in the Galisteo Basin, the new MEA campus known as Rising Circle Ranch sits on 2,566 acres of regenerative land and serves as the organization’s U.S. headquarters. The campus includes ADA-compliant lodging, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and a curated resource library. All aspects designed to foster reflection, connection, and personal growth.
EEA delivered full MEP design services across three buildings at the Modern Elder Academy campus, with an emphasis on high-performance systems suited to the demands of the high-desert environment.
Mechanical design centered on variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems — a deliberate choice for their zoning flexibility, reduced energy consumption, and minimal mechanical footprint. Heat pump water heaters further reduced the facility’s reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the campus’s commitment to sustainability.
Electrical and lighting systems were designed to support diverse programming across the campus while integrating with the natural character of the site. Plumbing systems were engineered with water efficiency in mind, appropriate for an arid climate where conservation is both practical and principled.