Tony Onagan – Salvation Army Central Territorial Headquarters

Transitioning from designing high-end spaces for Fortune 200 companies to working for a not-for-profit organization focused on community needs represents a profound shift in purpose and impact. High-end corporate projects often prioritize aesthetics, functionality and brand representation, offering the designer opportunities to craft visually stunning and technologically advanced spaces.

However, such projects, while professionally rewarding, may lack a deeper, tangible connection to societal impact. A designer moving into the not-for-profit sector often seeks a more personal and meaningful legacy—creating environments that directly enhance people’s lives, such as hospitals, schools or community centers. These spaces are not about luxury but about providing comfort, accessibility, and dignity, often to underserved populations.

Tony Onagan’s journey from high-end architecture to nonprofit real estate is a testament to the power of adaptability, innovation, and purpose-driven work. As the director of real estate and workplace for the Salvation Army Central Territory, he shoulders an immense responsibility, overseeing nine divisions and one ARC Command across 11 Midwest states. His portfolio includes over 3,000 buildings, collectively valued at over $1.5 billion. These structures, ranging from soup kitchens to youth camps, serve critical roles in supporting needy communities. Yet, for Onagan, managing these assets isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about optimizing spaces to enhance the lives of the people they serve.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization dedicated to helping those in need through various charitable and social services. Founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth in London, it operates in more than 130 countries, assisting regardless of race, religion, or social status. The organization is known for its iconic red kettles and bell ringers during the holiday season, raising funds to support programs such as disaster relief, homeless shelters, food distribution, rehabilitation centers and youth initiatives.

A career evolution

Onagan’s story begins in Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago, where his career took root in architecture. Early on, he worked with some of the most prestigious firms in the world, designing corporate interiors for Fortune 200 companies such as Google, Apple, and Amazon. These projects came with hefty budgets, and his mission was often to create spaces that won design awards and elevated corporate identities. His talent for marrying form and function earned him acclaim, but it also set the stage for a pivotal career shift.

In time, Onagan’s career evolved into corporate real estate, where he brought his architectural expertise to bear on large-scale projects for clients like Liberty Mutual and Verizon Wireless. His work with Verizon was incredibly demanding, as he led a team tasked with opening a new retail store monthly. This rapid pace was driven by intense competition with AT&T, as both companies sought to dominate the market.

“We used the retail spaces as a revenue model,” Onagan recalls. The experience honed his skills in lease negotiation, real estate strategy, and operational efficiency—skills that would later prove invaluable.

Despite his success, Onagan began to feel the effects of burnout. The fast-paced, high-budget projects had their rewards, but they also lacked a sense of deeper fulfillment. When an opportunity arose to join the Salvation Army, Onagan was initially skeptical. His understanding of the organization was limited to its well-known red kettles and thrift stores.

“I wasn’t interested because I thought they only had one building type,” he admits. But as he delved deeper, he discovered the organization’s real estate portfolio was far more diverse than he had imagined, encompassing 12 distinct building types, including freedom centers, adult rehabilitation centers and shelters.

A new direction

One of Onagan’s first projects with the Salvation Army was the Bread and Bed program in Detroit, which feeds 360 people daily while providing shelter. It was a transformative experience for him, marking a stark departure from designing luxury office spaces. The work demanded a new perspective, one that prioritized functionality and safety over aesthetics.

“Buildings are about more than just looking good—they have to serve their purpose and meet the needs of the people who use them,” he explains. This philosophy has since become central to his approach.

Working within a nonprofit environment comes with its own set of challenges. Budgets are tight, and Onagan often finds himself “stealing from Peter to pay Paul” to make the most of limited resources. His ability to value engineer projects—cutting costs without compromising safety or functionality—has become crucial.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Onagan led efforts to improve building safety, enhancing HVAC systems to increase fresh air intake and reduce exposure to harmful Volatile Organic Compounds. By leveraging grants, he maintained existing facilities and upgraded them to create healthier environments for staff and beneficiaries alike.

Onagan’s commitment to innovation is unwavering. He is currently exploring using artificial intelligence to optimize space utilization within the Salvation Army’s buildings. Partnering with the AI platform Pangeam, he plans to launch a study in early 2025 to analyze how different building types are used in one division. The goal is to identify inefficiencies and demonstrate that the organization can achieve the same outcomes with fewer spaces.

“Less is more,” Onagan says. “By using AI, we can save thousands—or even more—by better using our existing resources.”

Committed to serve

Despite the personal sacrifices involved in his role, Tony finds deep satisfaction in his work. As a nonprofit employee, he earns below market value and has reached a glass ceiling within the organization. Recognition is often limited by the Salvation Army’s hierarchical structure, which prioritizes rank and seniority. Yet, Onagan’s faith and commitment to the organization’s mission motivate him.

“It’s about helping people, not winning awards,” he says. “Designing a building that restores dignity to someone experiencing homelessness or lifts someone’s spirit—that’s what matters.”

Onagan’s background in architecture, construction, and real estate uniquely positions him to navigate the complexities of his role. His hands-on approach and big-picture thinking ensure that projects are executed efficiently and effectively. From pre-buying long-lead items like elevators and roofing materials to meet grant deadlines to leveraging his industry relationships to save money, Onagan employs every “trick of the trade” to deliver results. His work on low-income tax credit housing projects has been significant, allowing families to rebuild their lives.

Reflecting on his journey, Onagan acknowledges the profound changes he has undergone. The ambitious architect who once sketched elaborate designs on velum is now a resourceful problem-solver dedicated to creating spaces that uplift and empower.

“It’s more challenging now,” he admits. “But it’s also more satisfying. I’m not just designing buildings but helping people improve their lives.”

For Onagan, that sense of purpose is the ultimate reward.