Funding a Greener Future

Sep 23, 2024 By Laura Botham

The Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund reimburses IIDA members for their commitment to sustainable design

By Laura Botham Sep 23, 2024

Published in Foundation

Prioritizing sustainability doesn’t have to come at the cost of good design. In fact, doubling down on sustainable practices can go hand in hand with attractive, functional, future-focused design. Just ask Keilhauer—for decades, the manufacturer has emphasized environmental sustainability while making comfortable, well-crafted, design-forward furniture. In partnership with IIDA, Keilhauer has committed to helping more interior designers become LEED-certified through the Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund, now in its second year, which reimburses members who have passed the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP exam for associated costs.

The strategic initiative was designed to encourage and support IIDA members’ pursuit of a LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional certification, both of which establish designers’ commitment to incorporating sustainable and green strategies into their work. As the most widely used benchmark for rating green buildings, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation shows that designers have a deep understanding of sustainable design and building principles and adopt strategies that protect and enhance human health, reduce contribution to climate change, harness sustainable materials, safeguard water resources and biodiversity, and otherwise improve communities’ quality of life. In short, LEED is the gold-standard of sustainability.

With Keilhauer’s implementation of circular design, carbon neutrality, sustainable materials, and clean electricity, the company strives to incorporate LEED goals and positively impact human health—and the education fund helps IIDA members do the same. The fund provides a path towards more sustainable design education for IIDA members at all stages of their careers.

Recent graduate Melody Waguespack says of pursuing LEED credentials that her desire “stemmed from both an interest in sustainable design and an effort to demonstrate my commitment to industry standards and continued learning from an early point in my career.”

LEED is a great supplement to traditional design education, and can be useful to pursue in tandem—as Wenfei Xu, a student at New York School of Interior Design, remarks, “before diving into LEED studies, I had no idea how profoundly sustainable architecture and interior design could impact our planet. This realization fueled my desire to create spaces that reduce environmental impact and improve people’s lives.” Auburn University’s Mia Conrad added, “engaging students and young professionals in the green building industry is crucial to creating a healthier future that benefits everyone.”

Erin Passehl, IIDA, LEED Green Associate
Facility Designer, Interiors, UW Health

Gina Fabiola, IIDA, ASID, LEED Green
Interior Designer, Andrea Bruley, Inc

Mia Conrad, Student IIDA, Student ASID, LEED Green Associate
Auburn University

For professionals, a big part of pursuing this accreditation is the opportunity to think about their work in a different way. Facilities Designer for Interiors at University of Wisconsin Health Erin Passehl says of her decision, “LEED is slowly transforming business as usual in the design-build industry. As future versions are developed, I’d like to push for a greater focus on furniture, fixtures, and equipment as part of the overall carbon reduction goal. Designers need to be part of the solution before occupancy—and after.”

Interior designer Gina Fabiola puts it, “I feel [being LEED certified] is a way that you can contribute positively to environmental stewardship and stay competitive in the industry by aligning with the growing trend towards sustainability.” Conrad seconds that sentiment: “Future projects have the potential to change this narrative, reducing waste and restoring the planet.”

Melody Waguespack, Student IIDA, LEED Green Associate
Interior Design Intern, Spiezle Architectural Group

Wenfei Xu, IIDA, LEED Green Associate
Graduate Teaching Assistant · New York School of Interior Design

Regarding the ability to obtain financial support in their sustainable pursuits, everyone agrees—it’s essential for the industry. “Offering financial support for professional certifications like LEED is important,” says Waguespack, “[it makes] the certification prep/exams more accessible to a wider range of professionals, especially those who might not be able to afford the fees.”

Xu stresses that “it’s important to make it more accessible to encourage industry professionals to take the next step in their career because it allows more professionals, regardless of their financial situation, to acquire the skills needed to drive sustainable practices forward in our industry.” Not only that, but as Passehl adds, “Reimbursement for study materials and certifications empowers the next wave of curious professionals to eliminate the financial hurdle and go for it!”

Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 awardees include: