Connection
Sustainability across generations:
Exploring what each stage of the architecture profession thinks about sustainability How has (or has not) sustainability evolved across the last few generations of architects? Do students coming out of college believe sustainable practices in architecture are just a given? Or do they realize that, in reality, we still have to sell many of our clients on sustainable design and strategies by showing them the inherent value in holistic design? We asked the diverse group of 2022 AIAS Board of Director Liaisons what sustainability means to them to better understand how sustainability is defined across our profession. Kristine Annexstad Harding, FAIA, NCARB, AIA Board of Directors NCARB Liaison Harding, FAIA, NCARB, is an architect and principal at KPS Group, where she leads the firm’s Huntsville office. In addition to her demanding role at KPS Group, she has held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations, and was named to the Alabama General Contractors Hall of Fame in the fall of 2017. Kristine received her Bachelor of Architecture from Rice University, where she was also a scholarship athlete. Kristine is only the third woman architect in Alabama to have achieved AIA Fellowship distinction. Shawna Mabie (SM): From your experience, what do you believe sustainable design is? What does it aim to accomplish? Kristine Harding (KH): Sustainable design aims to set standards in building systems, materials, construction practices, and environmental site solutions to protect our planet and sustain life. Sustainable design also addresses the life-cycle of neighborhoods, cities and society. SM: What did your college teach you about sustainability? Was sustainable design ingrained in the curriculum? KH: I attended architecture school in the 80’s and sustainability was not even a term we used. Environmental design was all about passive solutions and siting buildings to take advantage of solar orientation and prevailing wind conditions.
KH: End-users and clients, as a whole, are not pushing for sustainable design and feel that it is cost prohibitive. Architects can use sustainable design responsibly if it does not impact cost, however, the only true way to enforce sustainable design is to create building codes that address the larger issue. We have seen newer editions of the IBC include code requirements, however, when municipalities can choose to cherry pick the editions that they adopt, it does not achieve sustainability. SM: What is your favorite sustainable project? KH: Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport. It doubled in scale and maintained the same utility costs.
SM: How has the evolution of sustainable design impacted you and the design industry as a whole? KH: Architects are keenly aware of the tenets of sustainable design and that we can make the largest impact in our building solutions. The industry needs to lead the discussion and enforce solutions. SM: Where do you think this movement is going - what’s next?
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Above Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport by KPS Group
