Mr. Olp directs a successful environmentally focused private practice in Dallas, Texas. It is a general practice with experience ranging from historic preservation and restoration, restaurants, retail stores, industrial, corporate, public and commercial structures, medical offices, and, private residences, to regional shopping mall expansions, renovations and new centers. He established the practice twelve years ago in an effort to effect a fundamental change in the application of the craft of Architecture. The design process he employs has met with varying degrees of success over the years and is now referred to as "sustainable design" or "green building".

Mr. Olp completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati in 1977. This was a particularly challenging time for a young graduate Architect. Jobs were scarce and the stylistic discourse of the time, Post Modernism, seemed to be at odds with the emerging energy crisis. The Vietnam conflict was a tragic memory and the adverse environmental affects of America's unprecedented economic and suburban expansion were now surfacing regularly as front page news. Out of these conflicting influences grew an understanding of environmental stewardship.

Mr. Olp's civic involvement in the City of Dallas reflects his commitment to a broader vision as a practicing professional. He has served as an executive board member with the Bath House Cultural Center Advisory Council and was instrumental in the conception and planning of both major multi-cultural community events there, "Holiday by the Lake and The Floating Arts Sculpture Festival". He was one of the founders and past president of the Old Lake Highlands Neighborhood Association and now sits on the Executive Board. He is an active member with the East Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Currently he is the Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack 862, Circle Ten Council. From 1991 thru 1994 he served as the Chairman of the School Centered Education Council for Hexter Elementary School. Mr. Olp was also recruited to serve on the Neighborhood Advisory Council for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society. The City of Dallas Park Board chose him to serve on their task force committee for the reforestation of White Rock Lake and to oversee the implementation of the Master Plan for this significant City Park.

Today he is actively involved with the Citizens Committees for the dredging and renovation of White Rock Lake and the Trinity River Corridor. He also has been recognized and listed in Who's Who Among Rising Young Americans.

He has dedicated his professional career to crafting improved environments to live, learn, work and play in and believes that our society clearly stands to benefit from a commitment to habitable cities and a gardeners concern to nurture rather than exploit our limited resources. His efforts reflect an enterprising approach to reducing construction waste while increasing the use of recycled and natural building materials in lieu of synthetic products often manufactured with toxic by-products. His projects are often typified by the use of additional insulation, energy efficiency, passive solar techniques, natural day lighting, enhanced fresh air ventilation, less dependency on mechanical systems and so on.

Mr. Olp has published numerous articles and lectures regularly on the topics of Sustainable Architecture, Healthy Environments and Indoor Air Quality.