Insights

In this month's blog, LEED accredited professional Josebet Luna continues to provide insight on practicing sustainable design. This edition details the process of conceptualizing a sustainable build, from goal setting to implementation. Read the blog to learn more about putting sustainable ideas into action!

In this blog, LEED accredited professional Josebet Luna breaks down the fundamentals of what sustainable design truly means. Discover how aligning human well-being, financial health, and environmental responsibility leads to design that is sustainable not just in theory, but in practice.

After signing up for the LEED Certification exam, the studying process might seem daunting. But no worries, the key ingredients are time and dedication to study and to fully comprehend the contents of the exam. In this Part Two, AGD emerging professional Gabriela Sortino Herrero shares her personal experience with studying for the exam.

Written by Gabriela Sortino Herrero & Josebet Luna Dear Future Architects, Welcome to the LEED certification journey. I'm a 5th-year Cal Poly architecture student who has recently embarked on obtaining my LEED Green Associate accreditation while balancing studies and work responsibilities. When I began researching this process, I was surprised to find limited resources specifically for students juggling multiple commitments. This blog aims to fill that gap by providing a clea

For years, our practices have played a vital role in protecting the planet and creating a livable future. Now, more than ever, we are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability—both in our workplace and in the work we do. As we take meaningful steps forward with a comprehensive sustainability action plan, we are excited to share the first phase of our efforts in honor of Earth Day, and we hope that you will join us on this journey toward a more sustainable future. O

Vernacular architecture can be defined as built structures that respond to their local environmental context and local traditions. It is not a specific style but is rather a broad typology of architecture that exists and has existed all over the world during all time periods that incorporates wisdom of communities that have been in a specific region for hundreds of years. It’s inherently sustainable, celebrates local culture, and often stems from knowledge passed down through

Sustainable design encompasses more than just environmental and social impacts. Despite often being perceived as costly upfront, it ultimately proves cost-efficient in the long run. True sustainability integrates economic feasibility, environmental mitigation, and social responsibility as its core criteria. While conventional approaches may initially appear cheaper, sustainable methods demonstrate and retain their value after occupancy begins, resulting in greater long-term s

What if you were able to commute to work, dine out, attend class, shop for necessities, and return home after a long day, all without ever needing to step foot in a car? For most of us here in America, such a lifestyle may seem like an unattainable dream. But for those who live in urban European or Asian cities, this practice of strolling from place to place is a way of life. This begs the question: what is it that makes walkable communities more prevalent in these regions c