Jhaelen is responsible for the $2 billion capital program that is reimagining how the institution adapts to rapidly evolving socioeconomic and environmental challenges. Under his leadership, The Met has reduced its carbon footprint by 35% and commissioned a bold array of architectural voices, for which he plays a key curatorial role. These initiatives enhance community engagement and visitor experience by altering a quarter of the institution’s 2 million square feet spanning galleries, education spaces, amenities and infrastructure. At the Met, Jhaelen has redefined how cultural institutions create lasting economic and social impact by investing project budgets in the local community, prioritizing artisans, small and MWBE businesses, and regional materials, while promoting workforce training and job creation. A key figure in public approvals, he collaborates with city agencies, special interest groups, and community stakeholders, while actively participating in fundraising from public and private sources. Balancing external demands with the needs of nearly 50 internal departments, he fosters a unified vision while determining effective implementation strategies.Selected Projects include:• Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art | $500M | Designed by Frida Escobedo with Thomas Woltz, Beyer Blinder Belle • Galleries for the Ancient Near East and Cyprus | $45M | Designed by Nader Tehrani with Moody Nolan • Michael C Rockefeller Wing for the Arts of Ancient America, Oceania, and Africa | $85M | Designed by Kulapat Yantrasast/WHY with Beyer Blinder Belle• European Paintings Galleries & Skylights | $150M | Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle• Watson Library | Designed by Kutan Ayata • Great Hall Gallery and Public Realm | Designed by Peterson Rich• 5th Ave Restaurant | Designed by David Rockwell • 81st Street Children’s Studio | Designed by Mishi Hosono and Adam Weinberg of Koko

Jhaelen led the revitalization of communities through the strategic development of revenue generating city-owned assets, using place-based approaches to foster neighborhood connectivity and economic resilience. The portfolio spans urban/public realm improvements, industrial and commercial assets, community and institutional facilities, maritime facilities including the City-wide ferry system, film/tv studios, public markets, as well as warehouse and distribution centers. The group oversaw a $500M+ annual cash flow across 100 active projects. Selected projects include:• Made in NY Garment Hub | 360k SF | nARCHITECTS• Made in NY Film & TV Soundstage Facility | 100K SF | SO-IL with Marvel Architects • Made in NY Public Realm & Waterfront | 9 acres | W Landscape • Solar One HQ & Community Center | 5k SF | Bjarke Ingels Group • Brooklyn Army Terminal | 500k SF; 4 acres | WXY with Mancini Duffy • MART125 Community Center | 15k SF | Mario Gooden • Manhattan & Brooklyn Cruise Terminals | 460k SF • NY Public Food Markets & Cultural Centers | 50k SF (multiple projects)

At DS+R - the architects of The High Line, MoMA, Lincoln Center, and 15 Hudson Yards - Jhaelen was responsible for aligning the firm's operations, finance, and architecture departments to ensure strategic growth. During his tenure, the studio grew from 25 people to 125 with revenues increasing seven-fold.Selected projects: • Google Pier 57 HQ | 350k SF | Commercial • 15 Hudson Yards by Related | 285 Units, 1M SF | Residential • Columbia University Medical School | 100k SF | Institutional • Stanford University Arts Center | 100k SF | Institutional • Juilliard School, China | 350k SF | Institutional • The High Line Phase 3 | 1.5 miles | Public Space • Public realm for 8Million SF of development at Greenwich Peninsula, London (Knight Dragon Development)

Courses taught within the Design & Management Program, include: + Introduction to Design Management I+ Introduction to Design Management II + Design Technology & Domesticity+ Management Thesis Seminar

Acorn Deck House is a prefab housing manufacturer started by architects and engineers in the 1940s. As Director, Jhaelen managed the internal architecture studio responsible for the design of the manufacturer’s modern houses branded for Dwell Magazine. Jhaelen was also responsible for curating and collaborating with external architects who utilized the company's prefab system to realize Dwell Magazine's growing portfolio of branded modern homes.