Spotlight on Sustainability

Aug 14, 2023 By Vasia Rigou

Insights from the Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund recipients for a future framed by sustainability

By Vasia Rigou Aug 14, 2023

Published in Articles

Sustainability is a cornerstone of both Keilhauer and IIDA’s ethos. This is why joining forces to build a future that is transparent, sustainable, and ethically conscious for the wellbeing of the planet can be truly life-changing. The Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund is a strategic initiative designed to support our IIDA members committed to integrating sustainable design strategies into their professional practices. This commitment is often displayed through the achievement of LEED Green Associate or LEED AP certification, which serves as a clear signal to clients and employers of a designer's dedication to environmental sustainability and occupant health and safety.

Obtaining a LEED accreditation stands as a testament to mastering modern standards in sustainable design, construction, and operations. With over 203,000 professionals worldwide holding this prestigious credential, it's a globally recognized symbol of sustainability leadership. Becoming a LEED AP entails gaining a fundamental understanding of green building concepts, including aspects such as transportation, energy, water, and air quality. Moreover, a LEED AP ID+C credential specifically denotes expertise in the realm of interior design and construction.

At a time when environmental sustainability is of utmost importance, the sponsorship, which covers the entire cost of the exam for ten IIDA Student, Associate, or Professional members and is awarded biannually, not only drives an increase in architecture and design professionals becoming skilled in environmentally sustainable design but also positively contributes to the industry as a whole.

Binhong Tang, IIDA
Northern California Chapter
Interior Designer, Co-Founder and Vice President
T+C Architecture

This year’s awardees include Jaruwan Familara, Assoc. IIDA, Illinois Chapter, designer and senior furniture specialist at NewGround, an industry leader in planning, designing, and building branded spaces for financial institutions, organizations, and retailers for over 100 years, Virginia-based Clarissa Ochoa, IIDA, West Virginia Chapter, and Eva Outhavong, IIDA, New England Chapter, who serves as an interior designer at TranSystems, a firm committed to the planning, designing, and supervision of construction projects aimed at improving transportation networks and infrastructure. Their work is dedicated to making communities more habitable, both in the present and in the future.

“The driving force to pursue architecture and design was my upbringing,” says awardee, Antara Naik, Assoc. IIDA, Texas Oklahoma Chapter. “I grew up in India watching all the cultural influences shape the infrastructure. Since then I wanted to explore the world and learn about architecture and design,” she adds. She’s joined by Reshalla Ramsaran, IIDA, North Florida Chapter, interior designer at kasper architects + associates and current President of the North Florida chapter of IIDA, Sanya Thakrar, IIDA, New York Chapter, interior designer and project associate at New York-based, EvensonBest LLC, and Binhong Tang, IIDA, Northern California Chapter, interior designer and co-founder and Vice President of T+C Architecture and Interior Design, located in Danville, California.

“Being chosen as a recipient of the esteemed Keilhauer Sustainable Design Education Fund Award holds immense significance for me—it is a great honor and serves as a profound validation of my steadfast commitment to integrating sustainable principles into our industry,” she says. “This prestigious recognition reinforces the value of my endeavors and signifies the importance of sustainable ideas in shaping the future of our field. Importantly, it acts as a catalyst, propelling me to persistently explore new avenues, pursue innovation, and drive positive change within our industry.”

Devin Neufeld, IIDA, Great Plains Chapter, design assistant at Kitchens By Design, and Sarah Espinosa, IIDA, New York Chapter, architect at Vera Iconica Architecture, the Summer 2022 recipients, reveal another successful year for IIDA, the design industry, and the future. As Tang best described it: “The LEED certification represents a sense of duty and a unique ability to propel our designs toward sustainable goals,” says Tang, who looks at the award as a recognition of knowledge and expertise. “This certification empowers me to educate and guide my clients, highlighting the benefits of sustainable design not only for the success of their projects but also for the well-being of our environment,” she adds. “It instills in me a deep sense of responsibility to continue advocating for sustainable solutions and to contribute meaningfully to a greener and more sustainable future.”