The San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elected Studio RED Architects director of sustainability, Kristine Byers, AIA, LEED AP BD&C, president for 2011. Byers is a partner at the Houston-based firm’s San Diego office and in 2009 was named Director of Sustainability for her dedication to environmentally responsible design and contributions to Studio RED Architects’ LEED and green projects.
As president of the 1,000-member AIA San Diego Chapter, Byers plans to incorporate ongoing educational programs for members and volunteer outreach opportunities, or “good deeds,” that will benefit the community.
“We survey our members regularly about their desired educational programs and the topic of sustainability always tops the list,” Byers says. “Our members want to stay current with green technologies, codes and practices, so much of this year’s educational programs and practice seminars will be green-focused.”
First on the agenda are seminars and activities to help architects learn how to comply with the newly adopted California building code for sustainable construction, known as “CALGreen.” The code is the first in the nation to mandate green construction to help fight climate change.
“We need to be thinking greener because as architects, it’s our responsibility to make the world more sustainable,” Byers says. Her current green projects with Studio RED include the City of Houston Central Permitting Office and Green Building Resource Center and Houston’s Amazing Place, which was recently awarded the LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
These projects add to the list of public projects Houston-based Studio RED Architects has recently designed including the new City of Beaumont Event Center, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the University of Houston, Clear Lake Pearland Campus. Studio RED Architects has also designed other high profile projects including the restoration of Brennan’s Restaurant in Houston and the conversion of Houston’s Compaq Center into Lakewood Church.
