Lake Flato Architects' director on sustainable design training

How do we shift the conversation from cost to value when it comes to healthy, sustainable materials? 🌱 In this excerpt from our Designing for the Desert webinar series, Maya Cochrane ARB RIBA (ARB, RIBA) shares how long-term thinking — from lifecycle performance to occupant wellbeing — reframes the idea of what’s truly “affordable” in architecture. Sustainable, healthy materials aren’t just a design choice; they’re an investment in resilience, comfort, and the future of our built environment. At Green Grid Designs, we believe that communicating this value clearly can help bridge the gap between developers’ priorities and sustainable outcomes. 💬 How do you make the case for healthy materials in your projects? Watch the full conversation and join the dialogue on redefining value in design. Udeet J. Methala Aparna Chintakunta Ashutosh Jha Harkeerat Singh Woohyun Cho Chris Adhiraj Miglani Anita Nouri Mohammed Hassan Maryam Siddiqui Steven Velegrinis Sandra Woodall, FRIBA, FRSA, AoU Simona Azzali

How do we convince private-sector stakeholders to invest in sustainability when the returns aren’t immediate? In this excerpt from our Green Talks webinar series, Anita Nouri, CEO of Green Growth Planning Consulting - GGPC, shares her insights on bridging short-term business goals with long-term environmental responsibility — and why patience in sustainability often leads to greater value. At Green Grid Designs, we believe sustainable architecture isn’t just about reducing impact — it’s about building lasting resilience and smarter investment for the future. 🌱 What’s your take — how can we make sustainability a stronger business case in today’s market? Udeet J. Methala Aparna Chintakunta Ashutosh Jha Harkeerat Singh Woohyun Cho Adhiraj Miglani Anita Nouri Mohammed Hassan Maryam Siddiqui Steven Velegrinis Sandra Woodall, FRIBA, FRSA, AoU Simona Azzali Maya Cochrane ARB RIBA malak hasan Benazir Qureshi #SustainableArchitecture #CircularEconomy #GreenGridDesigns #AnitaNouri #WebinarSeries #SustainableDesign #ArchitectureIndia

First Building - Bradfield City Centre is greatly deserving of the 2025 Good Design Award for Sustainability. This state-of-the-art facility is a catalyst for sustainable growth. It's Stage 1 of Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), a project that anchors Western Sydney’s emerging Aerotropolis. Good design principles have been cleverly used throughout to unite regenerative design, cultural storytelling, and innovation. First Building was designed by Hassell in collaboration with cultural research agency Djinjama. The project was commissioned by the Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) and NSW Public Works. Liz Westgarth, Managing Director and Architect at Hassell, offered a look inside the project's design thinking. Dive deeper with our latest article: https://lnkd.in/g98k5N3g

We also delved into the practical side of sustainability — understanding not just what to use, but how to build responsibly. Our team discussed major hurdles architects face when implementing green strategies (case in-point the recycling of water within in mid-rise ad high-rise buildings) and identified key practices that make sustainability achievable rather than aspirational. The conversation was grounded in context, exploring how architecture can serve both people and the planet without sacrificing modern performance or aesthetic ambition. Each insight reinforced the idea that sustainability starts with intention and grows through shared knowledge. This raises an important question: 👉 When we face resistance in the implementation of green sustainable practices, how do we convince the clients towards green architecture and ensure that we get the best results for projects we're involved in? We’d love to hear how others in the field approach this challenge.

Lundén Architecture is driving sustainability forward across all companies Thomas Andersson has joined our team as Chief Sustainability Officer. He will be based at Lundén Architectural Institute (Institute), but his role will span across all companies, supporting them in strengthening their sustainability strategies and practices. Thomas brings extensive experience in developing systematic and strategic approaches to sustainability within organizational operations. His focus is on finding solutions that deliver the greatest impact, environmentally, socially and commercially. For the past seven years, Thomas has been leading sustainability initiatives at IKEA in both the procurement organization and in product development. In these roles, he helped integrate sustainability into daily processes and decision-making, empowering the business to develop new practices and a product range aligned with the sustainability ambitions of the company, like circular economy principles and reduced climate impact. Prior to IKEA, Thomas has over a decade of experience in consultancy, specializing in environmental and sustainability management across different industrial sectors. At Lunden Architecture, we recognize our responsibility in shaping the built environment. We are looking forward to working with Thomas to broaden and deepen our approach to sustainability. Together, we will identify key areas where we can transform how we do business and create meaningful, positive impact in a rapidly changing world. #lundenarchitecture #lundenarchitecture_institute #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #vastuullisuus #kestäväkehitys

How can architects and designers rethink materials to build a healthier future? In next week’s Habitable webinar, Designing Out Plastics: A Blueprint for Healthier Building Materials, we’ll be joined by Eric Corey Freed, AIA, LEED Fellow, Principal and Sustainability Director at CannonDesign. Eric is a LEED Fellow and leading voice in regenerative design and the circular economy. He’s helped shape over 40 LEED and net-zero projects, written 12 books on sustainable design, and continues to push for a future where restorative buildings are the standard. Featured Speakers: • Gladys Ly-Au Young, Founding Partner, Side x Side Architects • Eric Corey Freed, Principal, CannonDesign • Rebecca Stamm, Principal Researcher, Habitable • Priya Premchandran, VP Market Transformation – Product, Habitable Register: https://lnkd.in/eMW9Szqm #DesignOutPlastics #Sustainable #GreenBuilding #Environment

LEED v5—the most significant update in over a decade—redefines how projects address carbon, equity, resilience, and occupant well-being.   In this article, Lauren Wallace and Carmen Evans, unpack what’s new, and how these changes impact the future of sustainable design.   🔗 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/g4uKXTwe #EngineeredForImpact

Excellent insights from Lauren Wallace and Carmen Evans, on what the shift to LEED v5 means for building owners and project teams.

Last week at the BalREc 2025 conference, Arch. Elitsa Panayotova moderated The Green Panel, confirming that Sustainability and ESG are no longer just compliance—they are the core business strategy. Key takeaways driving investment decisions: Green Financing: The primary engine pushing transformation forward. The "Green Premium": ESG compliance directly impacts asset valuation and returns. Decarbonization: The urgent need for sustainable retrofitting of existing buildings. At UNITED MASTER ARCHITECTS , we are committed to providing the design expertise necessary to make this transition a reality. It was an inspiring discussion about creating lasting value for investors and communities alike. #BalREc2025 #GreenRealEstate #ESG #NetZero #GreenFinance #Architecture #UrbanTransformation

Sustainability goes beyond design — it’s about purpose, performance, and people. What truly makes a building sustainable isn’t just its materials, but its lasting impact on the environment and community. 🌿  #Sustainability #Engineering #GreenBuilding #ThoughtLeadership