Sustainable solutions:

- McDonald's global flagship net-zero restaurant: Presented by Ryan Giblin, AIA (Principal, Ross Barney Architects), Maximiliano Carmona, AIA (Senior Director, McDonald's Corporation), and Mohammad Abassi, Assoc. AIA (Senior Consultant, WSP USA), this presentation delved into the design and engineering strategies behind the world's first net-zero fast-food restaurant. We learned about biophilic design elements and renewable energy systems that aim to minimize the building's environmental impact.

- Risk & reward in the era of building performance standards: Anica Landreneau, Assoc. AIA (Sr. Principal, Global Director of Sustainable Design, HOK), Donovan Olliff, AIA (General Counsel, HOK), and Vanessa Hostick, AIA (Sustainable Design Leader, HOK) led this session focusing on the implications of rising building performance standards. They explored how contracts and project managers can adapt design tools to navigate new regulations and ensure buildings meet stringent sustainability goals.

Designing for equity and well-being:

- Outdoor & work-from-home spaces, tools for environmental justice in housing: Cyrus Dahmubed, Assoc. AIA (Director of Research, Utile, Inc.) and Rachelle Ain, AIA (Associate, Utile, Inc.) discussed the importance of incorporating well-designed work-from-home spaces and outdoor areas in housing projects, particularly affordable housing. They explored how these features can address inequalities and promote resident health and well-being.

- Cohousing communities, designing for high-functioning neighborhoods: Led by Charles Durrett, AIA Emeritus (Principal Architect, The Cohousing Company) and Nadthachai Kongkhajornkidsuk, Assoc. AIA (Architectural Designer, The Cohousing Company), this session explored the concept of cohousing. This unique residential model emphasizes social interaction and environmental sustainability. We learned about the participatory design process and the benefits associated with cohousing communities.

Advocating for change: 

- Let's ban windowless rooms! A call to action: Juan Miró, FAIA (Principal, Miró Rivera Architects), delivered a passionate presentation that addressed the growing trend of windowless bedrooms in student housing. The speaker argued for the importance of natural light and ventilation in promoting mental and physical well-being, urging architects to advocate for minimum habitability standards in building codes.

Industry events help us stay at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies. This continuous learning drives us to refine and improve our service offerings, which range from architectural production to construction management. By staying ahead of the curve, we seek to provide exceptional results for our clients. Want to learn more about how we can improve your project? Contact us today.