The Business Case for Sustainability with Robert Siegel, Erin McDannald, and Steven South
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by industry experts Robert Siegel (Siegel Design), Steven South (Spectorgroup), and Erin McDannald (Elevated) to explore the business case for sustainability. The discussion covers how companies are leveraging sustainable design to improve ROI, boost employee well-being, and increase building efficiency. Topics include material transparency, smart building technologies, and how sustainability impacts real estate values. Tune in for expert insights on the future of sustainable architecture and design.
Meet Our Guests
Erin McDannald, CEO, Elevated
Erin McDannald, CEO of Lighting Environments and its sister companies Elevated and Environments, has been a dynamic force in lighting design and construction for over two decades, championing growth, innovation, and enhancement of the human experience at every step. Her passion for sustainable and human-centric design defines and distinguishes the Lighting Environments brands.
Starting her journey as an interior designer, McDannald joined Baltimore’s New Design Light firm in 2003. Her vision propelled her from the sales department to executive leadership by 2009. Under her leadership, the company rebranded as Lighting Environments, marking a pivotal shift towards integrating advanced lighting technology across all built environments. This transformation ignited a new era of growth, establishing the company as an industry vanguard. Honored as a 2022 Bisnow “Innovator of the Year” in commercial real estate, Erin is recognized as a top female leader in DC’s real estate field.
McDannald’s company Elevated is revolutionizing the built environment through powerful digital transformation with the eponymous Elevated™ app, a groundbreaking building management tool that offers access and awareness of built environments. Elevated’s comprehensive interface powers sustainable, interactive, and engaging spaces where the human experience is top-of-mind.
Environments, a remarkable testament to McDannald's visionary leadership, stands as a leading IoT integrator, delivering full-scale, adaptable solutions from energy management to health monitoring. Environments excels at providing end-to-end business support, reflecting McDannald’s unwavering commitment to scalable and sustainable growth.
The Lighting Environments brands proudly set standards within the industry so that every space is expertly designed, seamlessly connected, and uniquely adaptable for every user and occupant.
Robert Siegel, AIA, NCARB, Principal and Founder, Siegel Design
Robert Siegel, AIA, NCARB has achieved design success with a variety of building types, including major award-winning civic commissions such as the U.S. Land Port of Entry in Calais, Maine and the Korean Embassy in Beijing, China. He has extensive residential experience designing sumptuous modern homes, apartments, lofts, duplexes and penthouses.
Robert established his private practice in 1991 after earning his Master of Science in Architecture from Columbia University and his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University. He has taught architectural design and building technology at Parsons School of Design, Syracuse University, the Boston Architectural Center, Pratt Institute, City College, and NJIT. Robert is the former chair of the AIA New York Chapter Committee on the Environment and is a founding member of the Advisory Board for Syracuse University’s Study Abroad program. Appointed by the Commissioner of the United States Public Building Service, Robert serves as a National Peer Reviewer for Design Excellence in Architecture.
Steven South, LEED AP, NCIDQ, IIDA, Fitwel Ambassador, Design Director, Senior Associate, Spectorgroup
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.
