Julie Hendricks, AIA, was presented the Ben Brewer Young Architect Award at the Houston AIA Gala held April 14, 2012. Julie and fellow Kirksey architect, Michael Rensing, created this video that was shown at the gala. Not only is it visually engaging, it gives you more insight into the inspiration, beliefs, and mind of Julie.

Congratulations, Julie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfYM4PDrZiQ

We are happy to announce that Julie Hendricks, Director of EcoServices, has been awarded the 2012 Ben Brewer Young Architect Award. This award recognizes excellence in ability and exceptional contributions by architects who are in their first 10 years of practice based on the considerations of; design, the science of construction, literature, education, service to the profession, public service, historic preservation, research, urban design, government, industry, and architectural practice.

“Julie has changed the landscape of sustainable design in Houston and the region” said Brian Malarkey, FAIA, Executive Vice President, Kirksey Architecture. Her accomplishments include 5.7 million sf of projects made more sustainable, 6 green conferences organized, 60+ speaking engagements, and 100 students taught in architectural studio.

Congratulations, Julie! This is a well-deserved honor and everyone at Kirksey couldn’t be more proud of you.

Kirksey EcoServices assisted TSTC and its project team during the design and construction of the South Texas Education Partnership’s Multi-Institution Teaching Center, after they decided to attempt LEED Certification. The facilities department worked tirelessly with the design and construction teams to achieve this goal. The $7-million design-build project is slated to receive LEED-Gold certification because of the inclusion of many green features.

One of the ‘greenest’ attributes occurred because TSTC petitioned the Lower Rio Grand Development council to extend two bus lines and add another bus stop, to give the site access to 2 lines.  In addition, a cool roof reflects sun’s heat, a detention pond minimizes storm water runoff from the site, low flow water closets, faucets, and ‘pint urinals’ significantly reduce water usage. The project has employed many energy saving devices, such as an energy recovery unit, efficient mechanical systems and highly efficient lighting. The building has been designed to be 38% more efficient than the energy code requires. Finally, a solar panel array generates 106 kilowatts of electricity for the building. It is estimated that this will provide almost 20% of the buildings electricity.

Key Players

Owner: Texas State Technical College, Harlingen, Texas

General Contractor: SpawGlass Contractors, Harlingen, Texas

Lead Design: ERO Architects, McAllen, Texas

Civil: Halff Associates, McAllen, Texas

Structural: Green, Rubiano & Assoc., Harlingen

MEP: Halff Associates, McAllen, Texas

LEED Consultant: Kirksey Architects, Houston

Commissioning Agent: Cleary Zimmerman, San Antonio

http://texas.construction.com/texas_construction_projects/2011/1212-texas-state-technical-college-university-center-harlingen-texas-.asp

I had never heard of John Picard before today. He’s got an incredible story that begins with designing custom homes for the extravagantly wealthy and eventually leads to consulting presidents, major corporations, and the USGBC about sustainable development. This video link below gives a brief snapshot of what sparked the transformation in his perspective and shares his insights about the future of sustainable design.

Video: The Green Prophet by Eastman Innovation Lab

“With the help of BMW i, we’re proud to present the Gizmodo Guide to Green Luxury. Last week we featured a whole slew of eco-fabulous ways for you to trot the globe. Today we’re bringing green glamour a little closer to home—your actual home, to be exact. Below you’ll find some examples of sumptuous sustainable architecture, Earth-hugging home goods, and an assortment of gadgets that will keep you living lavishly—and responsibly.”

http://gizmodo.com/5844593/home-is-where-the-gizmodo-guide-to-green-luxury-is

Yes, you read that correctly, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 green buildings ranking of American cities, Houston is #1 in Texas and #7 nationally. This is quite an accomplishment for the city deemed the “energy capital” of the U.S.

Laura Spanjian, Sustainability Director for the City of Houston, presented yesterday at the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, where she spoke about Houston’s Energy Efficiency in Buildings program and gave an update on the City’s efforts to improve not only City buildings, but also those in the private sector. Additionally, she detailed Mayor Annise Parker’s Green Office Challenge, which is a friendly competition for commercial property managers and office tenants that acknowledges participants’ achievements in greening their operations through Mayoral and media recognition.

Kirksey is excited to be part of such an important achievement for our city. For more on our contributions toward a greener city, check out our LEED® milestones and some of our LEED projects.

Congrats, Houston!