Earth Day 2020

04.2020Ideas, Stradistas POV, Uncategorized

By Chelsey Atkins, Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Assoc., WELL AP

No doubt April 22nd 2020 looked different than the forty-nine Earth Days that have come before. In this time of quarantine, remote working, and seemingly endless video conference calls, many of us are spending more time indoors than ever before and topics of health and wellness are at the forefront of all of our minds.

As architects, designers, and creative problem-solvers we recognize that the concepts of environmental sustainability and human health and wellness are inextricably linked and that together they form a symbiotic relationship that we can leverage to create healthier, more dynamic, environmentally sensitive, contextually rich designs. Designs that provide maximum physical and psychological benefit to the building occupants while mitigating impact on the natural environment. That is what nature does, it heals, soothes, rejuvenates and inspires us!

So, as we move bravely forward towards our “new normal” let us do so with a holistic perspective and by looking at both the challenges and opportunities presented to us through a lens of both human wellness and sustainability! As Stephen R. Kellert wrote:

“One of the great challenges of our time is to bring the beneficial experience of nature into the design of contemporary buildings, landscapes, communities, and cities.”

Well, challenge accepted Mr. Kellert. Happy Earth Day!

Chelsey Atkins, Assoc. IIDA, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP

Chelsey came to Strada armed with fresh ideas, boundless enthusiasm, and a tremendous eye for detail. The time she devoted to building her professional credentials and knowledge of environmental sustainability before joining the firm have carried over to reinforce her excellent work on design projects.

Before joining Strada, Chelsey founded a Student Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council at her school, and became active with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Her work with IIDA has included recruitment and support at all membership levels, and planning and executing events for members such as tours, continuing education sessions, community outreach, and more. Chelsey’s sense of purpose combined with her confident design aesthetic are bringing great results to interior design projects at Strada.