How to become a sustainable architect in 3 easy steps

If you care about climate change, you may have considered becoming a sustainable architect. But how do you become a sustainable architect, and what does that look like in practice? Here is our step-by-step guide to pursuing a career in sustainable architecture.

What does sustainable architecture look like?

Sustainable architecture or green architecture is a building that helps reduce the negative and harmful effects on our environment through design strategy, construction materials and process and building operation. These days, sustainable architecture means thinking through the entire lifecycle of a building to make it as efficient and valuable as possible to its users or inhabitants.

Related: Experts weigh in on how to create a sustainable home design

Many sustainable architects even plan buildings that can be rearranged in a modular floor plan or recycled to make their own replacement building. But this makes sustainable architecture a sprawling subject in 2023, from materials to transport to design. After all, an architect still has to deliver on the core responsibilities of an architect: to design a building that meets the needs of and enhances the lifestyle of its inhabitants, a building that moves around their every whim and makes life more enjoyable. All the while saving the planet and operating at net-zero or even net negative emissions. It’s a tall order.

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So how to you become a sustainable architect? Well, here are three steps to get you started on your journey.

Step 1: Identify your goals as a sustainable architect

Sustainable architects specialize. Some know how to build without concrete that contributes to global CO2 emissions. Some only work with cross-laminated timber or natural materials. Some are interested in multi-use properties that cultivate entire lifestyles around buildings that double as residence and shops and recreation outside. When considering a career as a sustainable architect, look at what’s out there and what inspires you. Which architects’ work speaks to you and why? What aligns with your values?

Step 2: Find an architecture school that has a sustainability program

It’s not enough to want to study sustainable architecture. You need to find a school with a sustainability program to introduce you to new materials as they come to market, and keep up with the latest design trends. Find programs in architecture that examine biodiversity during site planning, that think about the construction process and waste. Above all, programs that are designing buildings that make a difference to the planet. Most schools have teams that consult and are involved in designing local public and university buildings. Find your favorite style of architecture and look up the architects. See what universities or programs they work with or graduated from. Now build a list of potential schools and narrow down your options.

Step 3: Get an architecture internship at a sustainable firm

There are actually a growing number of sustainable architecture firms out there, you may just need to travel to find the right internship. Look at mentoring programs, internships, grants, travel opportunities for grad school to introduce you to other cultures of architecture, and make those connections at professional events. You want to try a few different types of jobs and firms on to see what fits. Whatever you’re passionate about finding in a job just might be your core theme of work you want to explore yourself. Find the teams working on similar projects or that have similar values, and ask how you can get involved.

Identifying a quality sustainable architecture firm

Here are some ways to identify which architecture firms take sustainability seriously:

1. They have an ethos and they live up to it with their work.
2. They create LEED certified buildings or work on projects that partner with third parties certified as sustainable.
3. The firm only uses sustainable plumbing fixtures and rainwater runoff management systems for water conservation.
4. The firm uses non-toxic and recyclable or biodegradable building materials and décor.
5. They use innovative energy systems such as solar, geothermal and passive lighting and ventilation.
6. There is a green waste management plan for every project’s construction and building operations.
7. They use native plants for landscaping, create designs that are minimally invasive or harmful to the environment and think about design in a holistic way. For example, creating a built-in rooftop garden or greenhouse as part of a building design.

You’ll want to make sure a firm is a supportive place to work with opportunities for growth, so you might also ask to sit in on a workday at firms you want to explore working with.

Sustainable architecture job openings and requirements

Sustainable architects can work with the growing number of green architecture firms, or they can be self-employed. To work in architecture requires a masters degree or bachelors degree in architecture, a license issued by the state you live in granted by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB). Sustainable architecture is a growth area for job openings. But keep in mind that like traditional architecture, the median salary for sustainable architects can be a slightly lower than you might expect. The median salary for architects in 2014 was $74,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And to be an architect requires advanced skills not only in design and conceptualization, but also people skills, analytical and technology skills. Most architects work with CADD, a computer-aided design and drafting program. Most U.S. architecture students enroll in a five-year bachelor of architecture program starting with CADD and structural systems courses. You will also study architectural history, design studio materials and building construction. Later, you will study environmental applications and integrated building systems.

To be licensed as an architect, you must work under the supervision of a registered architect. An internship is thus required for this career field, which can be done under the supervision of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the NCARB. You must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become an architect. If you move states or might consider working in multiple states in the future, consider becoming additionally certified by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards. This certification allows individuals with architecture degrees to earn their license in other states.

To be certified as a green architect, you will need to first pass your license exam, and then pursue green certification. The U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to certify qualified individuals as LEED Green Associates. You can meet your requirements by being involved with LEED-registered projects, being employed in the green building industry or completing LEED-approved courses focused on sustainable building.

Continuing education for sustainable architects

Okay, there is a fourth step: rinse and repeat. Architects maintain their license and LEED certification by participating in continuing education coursework to keep them up to date. Requirements for CE vary by state, but may include workshops, college courses and conference attendance. Fifteen CE courses biennially will keep you in good standing with your LEED Green Associate credentials.

Via New School of Architecture and Design

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