Sustainable design is an approach to design that considers the impact of our built environment on the natural world, with a focus on creating spaces that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially responsible. With the world facing increasing environmental challenges, the importance of sustainable design has never been greater.
Not only does it help to preserve our planet, but it also offers exciting career opportunities for those who are interested in making a difference.
1. Architectural Designer
Architectural designers play a critical role in sustainable design, as they are responsible for creating buildings that are both functional and sustainable. This can include designing buildings that use renewable energy sources, are energy-efficient, and are constructed using sustainable materials.
2. Energy Modeler
Energy modelers are responsible for using computer simulations to evaluate the energy performance of buildings. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed to be as energy-efficient as possible.
3. Landscape Architect
Landscape architects play a key role in sustainable design by creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. They may design parks, gardens, and other public spaces that use native plants, conserve water, and minimize their impact on the environment.
4. Green Building Consultant
Green building consultants are experts in sustainable design and construction, and they help building owners and developers to create environmentally responsible buildings. They may work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that buildings meet green building standards, and they may also help building owners to obtain green building certifications.
5. Sustainability Coordinator
Sustainability coordinators are responsible for ensuring that organizations and communities adopt sustainable practices. They may work with businesses, governments, and other organizations to implement sustainability initiatives, and they may also develop sustainability plans and programs to help reduce the environmental impact of these organizations.
Sustainable design is an important and rapidly growing field that offers exciting career opportunities for those who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you are an architectural designer, energy modeler, landscape architect, green building consultant, or sustainability coordinator, you can help to create a more sustainable world by making our built environment more environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially responsible.
Fairfield’s Interior Design Program’s course in sustainable design, aims to simplify the complex world of sustainable design and how it relates to global environmental issues, climate change, and health. Course topics include an overview of the big picture of sustainability, case studies, the LEED rating system, best practice systems and the integrative design team, the impact of design and construction practices and specification of non-toxic materials on the health of occupants and the environment, guest speakers, and field trips for green resources.
Sustainable design courses are featured in Fairfield’s curriculum and are expertly led by instructor Hollie Sutherland, ASID, LEED AP. Sutherland has been teaching interior design at Fairfield University for nearly a decade, and she also runs an interior design business. In her practice, she focuses on residential design and sustainable design, utilizing her LEED AP.
