• Sustainability Part 2: Demystifying Design Tools & Third-Party Certifications

    In this episode, we sit down with a few industry experts to break down the myriad of ecolabels, third-party certification programs and green building rating systems on the market.
    Jan. 24, 2023
    3 min read
    Courtesy of Getty Images
    Getty Images 173912245 63cfed060456e

    There is a myriad of ecolabels, third-party certification programs and green building rating systems on the market—enough to make an architect's or designer's head spin. In this episode, we sit down with a few industry experts to discuss the tools and programs that are available to design professionals to help them reduce their environmental footprints in the battle against climate change. Guests Candon Murphy, Steven South and Pablo La Roche share insights, tools and best practices to help demystify the process of designing and specifying projects and products for the new climate reality we’re facing. Grab a notepad and get ready to take some notes as these well-versed design professionals share their insights and practical tips for bringing the big sustainability picture into much sharper focus.

    Resources discussed in this episode:

    https://www.buildingtransparency.org/tally/tallycat/

    https://www.buildingtransparency.org/ 

    https://www.buildingtransparency.org/tally/tally-lca/

    https://www.oneclicklca.com/

    http://www.sustainableminds.com/

    https://portal.mindfulmaterials.com/

    https://www.mindfulmaterials.com/the-common-framework

    https://www.aia.org/pages/6351155-materials-pledge

    Meet Our Guests

    Candon Murphy, LEED GA, sustainable building advisor, Perkins&Will's Dallas Studio

    Murphy Candon
    A determined and enthusiastic design professional with a background in industrial design and interior architecture, Candon Murphy delivers innovative solutions across a variety of markets including healthcare and corporate interiors. She is currently a LEED Green Associate professional pursuing additional certifications as a part of her full-time role as a sustainable building advisor and materials specialist for the Dallas office of Perkins&Will.

    Candon expands her sustainable influence beyond the firm, offering her expertise to her community and organizations that seek to improve sustainable design. Candon brings a well-rounded set of knowledge to her projects, with an explorative and research-based process that is engaging, thoughtful, and communicative.

    Pablo La Roche, principal and sustainable design director, CallisonRTKL

    La Roche Pablo 2019 2
    Pablo La Roche is a principal and sustainable design director at CRTKL where he leads the firm’s sustainability initiatives and works in projects worldwide. He is also Professor of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona where he teaches courses in sustainability and design. He has a Ph.D. from the University of California Los Angeles and has authored more than 150 technical papers, several books that include “Carbon Neutral Architectural Design” with a third edition scheduled for 2023, and book chapters that including the 2022 Routledge Manual on Thermal Comfort. Pablo chaired the Passive Low Energy Architecture PLEA 2016 conference in Los Angeles and is past president of the Society of Building Science Educators, SBSE. His awards include the Fulbright by the US Department of State, the Chancellors Fellowship from UCLA, the IMPACT Award from the USGBC, and the NCARB Grand Prize for Architecture for his work at Cal Poly Pomona.

    Steven South, LEED AP, NCIDQ, IIDA, Fitwel Ambassador, design director and senior associate, Spector Group

    Steven South
    As design director at Spectorgroup, Steven champions the firm’s mission to create meaningful spaces reflective of design excellence, sustainability, and innovation. With more than 20 years of architectural experience, Steven has successfully executed projects across fourteen countries and six continents, working on interior design for clients like Colliers International, Stagwell, Applied Underwriters, and MKG. He is creative, forward-thinking, and has an innate ability to problem solve, which has earned him awards from the AIA and IIDA, among other prominent organizations. At Spectorgroup, Steven uses thoughtful planning to develop workplace strategies for clients that foster inclusivity while prioritizing sustainability, wellness, and timeless design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

    About the Author

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    Robert Nieminen

    Chief Content Director

    Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources

    Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.

    He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.

    Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.

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