Our firm has a long history of providing sustainable solutions to our clients and communities. From coast to coast, we have professionals who are looking for new ways to implement sustainable practices that can conserve resources and protect our natural systems. In honor of Earth Week, we asked some of our professionals where their passion for sustainability and environmental conservation derives from.

Why Did You Enter the Sustainability Field?

Jenni Betancourt, AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, GGP, NCARB – Senior Associate, Senior Project Manager

The seeds of sustainability and connections to nature were planted in my life at a young age. I grew up in a family of hunters, fishermen, and golfers. As a child, I was always outside riding my bike with friends, swimming in summer, sledding in winter, and playing lots of sports. At architecture school in Arizona, passive solar design was inherent in every project and it sensitized me to focus on the relationship between architecture and climate, both in the micro and macro sense. My interests have grown to include sustainability more globally with respect to food, nutrition, natural healing, and overall human health, including mental health. Merging these interests, my passion is becoming the pursuit of how we can impact the built environment by focusing on human health and wellness.

Tanner Melendez, ENV SP – Planner

Spending time at my local park as a child sparked my interest in sustainability. I remember being told not to swim in the stream that ran through the park because the water was polluted, and trash lined the trails and banks of the stream. As I grew up, I started to realize more about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, and I decided that I wanted a career in those fields.

Dave Nowak, ENV SP, LEED AP – Senior Scientist

I was drawn to sustainability because of its multidisciplinary nature. The impacts of any action we take on the environmental are complex, with interrelated (and sometimes unintended) consequences. However, this also means that sustainability is an opportunity. Positive actions can result in many benefits across the spectrum of the natural world, as well as health and well-being, quality of life, and economic opportunity. It’s a way to improve the world, our lives, and the lives of future generations.

Antoinette Quagliata, ENV SP, LEED AP – Associate, Senior Project Manager

I grew up in a family where everyone (grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc.) had a large vegetable garden that provided a significant source of food. So, early on, I realized how important the land was and our responsibility to preserve its health for the future.

Colleen Scott, ENV SP – Scientist

I entered the sustainability field because of the variety of work and crossover with other disciplines. I stay because I want to leave a better Earth for those who come after us.

April Vacca, RID, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP – Associate Principal, Senior Interior Designer

As a child, I was always fascinated with horticulture. At Epcot in Disney World, they had a ride called “The Land.” The art, science, and technology that went into agriculture and conservation always amazed me. I took those same principles as an interior designer and a LEED® and WELL accredited professional to design spaces with the lowest environmental impact. I use materials and products with the lowest volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lowest toxicity to the environment and occupants that use these spaces. I also promote the use of recycled materials that reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.  

What’s Your Favorite Way to Connect with Nature? 

Rob Hood, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, GGP – Project Manager

Virtually any activity involving being in or on the water. Most recently, wind surfing and kite boarding. By the way, if you have never had the opportunity and are looking for a way to connect with nature, go to California and hike on one of the trails in one of the parks among the giant sequoias. You will have a profound and spiritual experience.

Natalie MacDonald, PE, CEM – Project Manager

I love spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and rock climbing. I feel happiest when I’m able to enjoy the natural world and be in nature, so I love exploring new national and state parks, as well as local trails in my area. I live within walking distance to a greenway trail and have a go-to walking and running loop that I like to do when I want to re-connect with nature.

Sara Margolis, ENV SP – Senior Planner

My favorite way to connect with and enjoy nature is going for walks, runs, or bike rides—especially at the beach!

Renata Silberblatt, AICP, ENV SP – Senior Planner

I’m a Frederick Law Olmsted fan, an American landscape architect, journalist, social critic, and public administrator. I love his parks and parkways (I live on one of his parkways) and my favorite way to connect with nature is to be in his parks.