Emma Ward

Earth Day 2025 Panel hosted by AOS

Emma Ward
Earth Day 2025 Panel hosted by AOS

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, we were excited to join AOS Interior Environments in their New Orleans office for an inspiring Earth Day panel discussion titled "Resilient by Design".

This event featured a dynamic conversation about how sustainable architecture and thoughtful material choices can help shape a better future for all.

Hosted at the AOS Showroom in New Orleans, the panel brought together leaders in sustainability, including:

With buildings responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions, this panel highlighted the critical opportunity our industry has to make meaningful change—one design at a time. The discussion provided valuable insights into how architects and designers can integrate sustainability into every aspect of their work, from materials selection to energy efficiency and beyond.

 

Diagram from Kira Gould’s “Defining Design Excellence” blog linked here.

Z Smith shared his previous involvement in the creation of the Design Excellence Framework, a guiding set of principles developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to help shape the future of sustainable architecture. The framework is designed to help architects address the most pressing challenges of our time, promoting a built environment that is zero-carbon, healthy, just, resilient, and equitable.

 

"The AIA Framework for Design Excellence challenges architects to think beyond the immediate, focusing on long-term outcomes. It's about designing spaces that not only meet the needs of the people today but also ensure a thriving world for future generations."

- Z Smith

 

This framework outlines ten guiding principles, each focused on different aspects of sustainability. These principles, which range from Design for Energy to Design for Equity, provide a holistic approach to sustainable architecture. They inspire designers to incorporate environmental stewardship, human well-being, and social equity into every aspect of their work. Z shared how this framework is integrated into our firm’s design philosophy, emphasizing our commitment to creating environments that are as responsible as they are innovative.

Terri Dreyer of NANO Architecture + Interiors also spoke about the importance of designing with a long-term vision. She highlighted how every design decision—from material choices to structural elements—plays a critical role in creating spaces that positively impact both the environment and the community.

 

"Sustainability is about relationships. Everything we do is connected—our designs, our resources, and the communities we serve."

- Terri Dreyer

 

Z also discussed how EskewDumezRipple is applying these principles in our ongoing projects. While not giving away too much, he hinted at how our new office space will embody many of these design principles. The upcoming space is being carefully designed to promote energy efficiency, sustainability, and wellness for all who use it.

From left to right: Rebecca Cooley, Z Smith, and Terri Dreyer

Events like these serve as an important reminder that building a more resilient and equitable future is a shared responsibility. Every design choice we make—whether in material selection, energy use, or community impact—has the power to create lasting change.

We are grateful to AOS Interior Environments for hosting this important dialogue, and to our fellow panelist from NANO Architecture + Interiors for sharing their insights and passion for sustainable design. Collaboration across disciplines and organizations is essential as we work to create a built environment that is healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable.