Elevating Sustainability: The Architect’s Guide to Conscious Material Selection

Earn 1 AIA HSW LU.

Uncover the power of architects in shaping a sustainable future through mindful material choices. This presentation delves into key principles guiding architects in environmentally responsible selections. From life cycle analysis to understanding seamlessly integrating sustainability into designs. Join us to explore how architects can influence positive change, impacting the built environment as early as conceptual design.

Learning Objectives

• Develop a foundational understanding of sustainable design principles related to material selection and the interconnectedness of design choices with long-term impacts.
• Gain proficiency in analyzing and interpreting material life cycles, allowing for informed decision-making in selecting materials based on their environmental impact, resource use, and potential for recycling or reuse.
• Understand the criteria and significance of various environmental certifications related to building materials, enabling participants to make informed choices aligned with recognized sustainability standards.
• Learn practical strategies for seamlessly incorporating conscious material selection into architectural designs, emphasizing the integration of sustainable principles as an integral part of the overall design process.

Larry Flynn

Architectural Liaison and Resource Specialist

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Larry Flynn

Larry Flynn has more than 30 years in the design and construction industry working with architects, engineers, contractors and building owners and developers in the building and bridge markets. His work in the design and construction industry spans 17 years as a journalist and editor for building and bridge magazines, including Building Design + Construction and Roads & Bridges covering design and construction of commercial and multifamily buildings and the design of our nation’s bridge infrastructure. In his 20 years with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the technical institute for domestically produced and fabricated structural steel, he served in national roles where he focused on outreach to architect and engineer decision makers in business development roles providing information, education and resources to the building design community. During this period, Larry also served as the local steel representative for designers in Seattle, Portland, Ore., and in Florida. He currently serves in AISC’s Architecture Center as Architectural Liaison and Resource Specialist providing curated resources and experiences to architects to spark their curiosity for their next great building design.

Erin Conaway, PE, LEED AP

Senior Director of Building Initiatives

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Erin Conaway, PE, LEED AP

Erin Conaway is the Senior Director of Building Initiatives at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), leading a team of architects that champion innovation and collaboration between the design community and structural steel industry. With over 20 years of experience spanning both the eastern and western U.S, Erin Conaway is a thought leader and strategic partner in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Her work empowers design professionals to leverage the full expertise of the steel industry, delivering superior project outcomes and driving transformative advancements in the built environment. Erin also serves on the Editorial Board of STRUCTURE® magazine, where she helps shape the discourse that defines the future of architecture and engineering.