How did you first hear about Southface, and what attracted you to the organization?
My first contact with Southface was in 2000 as I served on the USGBC Atlanta Chapter Formation Committee. Our meetings were held in what is now the Resource Center Classroom. I was working at Emory University at the time as a construction project manager on the first LEED building in the Southeast – the Whitehead Biomedical Research Building. The Southface staff were very excited to have a LEED building nearby, and together we planned a Greenprints session and tour of the facility in 2002 once the building was completed and certified. I have been active with Southface ever since, even serving on the board. When a position came available in 2011, I was ready for a change and was excited to join the Commercial Sustainable Services group.
What project are you working on right now, and what excites you most about it?
One of the most exciting projects is a maker space on the West Side of Atlanta for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. It will be a LEED certified building that will house community training, support and business start-up space. The opportunity to support the mission of the Casey Foundation to build a brighter future for children, families and communities is invigorating.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to others interested in working in your field?
Educate yourself first – there is a great deal of information available and several certification programs. Take some time to research building science as well as certification programs to build a substantial knowledge base.
Tell us about your favorite outdoor adventure.
I went on a guided climb of the miner’s route of Mount Rainer. It was a 4 day journey over ice bridges and glaciers, up ice walls, and sleeping on beds of snow. The scenery and people were amazing, and glacier travel is very exciting.
How is the work you’re doing contributing to a better world?
Third party certification of commercial buildings including Earth Craft for Light Commercial and LEED require buildings to be built above the code standards for energy and water efficiency, provide a higher quality for occupant health and wellness and select materials that have a lower carbon footprint, which all contribute to a more sustainable world.
What do you enjoy most about working at Southface?
There are so many wonderful things; it is challenging to pick just one! Working every day to support the vision and mission to create a healthy built environment for all. This is what I appreciate the most.
