Conor manages Southface’s role in Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program, provides support for the Southface Energy Rated Homes (SERH) providership and acts as a technical advisor for HERS raters and Southface staff. In addition, he provides residential cross-team support including energy modeling, field work assistance and training support.
What brought you to Southface?
Southface felt like a natural fit for me. I was drawn in by the great opportunity to get hands on experience in the field of green building alongside a group of individuals that are also dedicated to the welfare of the environment.
What drives your passion for the built environment?
My passion for the built environment is driven by its synchronicity with the natural environment’s wellbeing. My job gives me the means to apply my sustainability education in conjunction with my prior residential building experience.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the technical aspect, and being able to apply my knowledge to solvable problems, such as residential energy use. It can be tough trying to come up with the best combination of function and design in a home to demonstrate the least amount of energy use possible. Southface has the added bonus of a good work environment, and I enjoy working with everyone here.
What is your favorite place on the Southface Campus?
The green roof is by far my favorite place on campus. It serves so many functions for me. It is a great place to get some quick solace and recharge at work when I need a break from my computer. A lot of people eat lunch up there when the weather is nice, which makes it a great place to hang out and get to know your colleagues.
How does Interior Design fit into green building?
Green building is not just a focus on the reduction of energy use from fossil fuels, but a holistic approach to healthy living. Interior design’s focus on cohesiveness and flow is synergistic with the systems based approach to homes. Interior designs that incorporate a selection of products that have a low impact to the environment through their lifecycle and keep the occupants of the home happy and healthy are integral to the success of green building.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I like to be outdoors as much as possible, whether that is trying not to get hit by a car on my bike or heading out of town for hiking and backpacking. I also enjoy running, woodworking projects and video games.
