You’re transitioning from architecture to sustainable design. What are the key skills you need to learn?

1 Systems thinking

Sustainable design is not just about aesthetics or functionality. It's also about understanding how your design interacts with the natural and social systems that surround it. Systems thinking is a skill that helps you analyze the interconnections, feedback loops, and dynamics of complex systems, and identify the potential impacts and trade-offs of your design choices. Systems thinking can help you create holistic, resilient, and adaptable solutions that address the root causes of environmental problems, rather than just the symptoms.

2 Life cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that helps you measure the environmental impacts of your design throughout its entire life cycle, from extraction of materials to disposal or reuse. LCA can help you compare different design options, optimize the use of resources, reduce emissions and waste, and improve the performance and durability of your design. LCA can also help you communicate the environmental benefits of your design to your clients, stakeholders, and users.

3 Green building standards

Green building standards are frameworks that provide guidelines and criteria for sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings and spaces. Some of the most widely used green building standards are LEED, BREEAM, Green Star, and Living Building Challenge. Green building standards can help you set goals, evaluate your design, and certify your achievements. They can also help you stay updated on the best practices and innovations in sustainable design, and increase your credibility and recognition in the market.

4 Biophilic design

Biophilic design is an approach that integrates nature and natural elements into your design, to enhance the well-being, productivity, and creativity of the people who use it. Biophilic design can help you create spaces that foster a connection with nature, support human health and happiness, and inspire environmental stewardship. Biophilic design can include features such as natural light, ventilation, views, plants, water, materials, shapes, colors, and sounds.

5 Collaborative skills

Sustainable design is not a solo endeavor. It requires collaboration with a diverse team of professionals, such as engineers, contractors, consultants, clients, users, and community members. Collaborative skills are essential for working effectively with others, sharing ideas, solving problems, and managing conflicts. Collaborative skills can help you build trust, respect, and rapport with your team, and deliver high-quality and sustainable outcomes.

Sustainable design is a rewarding and challenging career path that can help you make a difference in the world. By learning these key skills, you can enhance your portfolio, expand your opportunities, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?