About this Episode
In this informative episode, we talk with Teresa Coady, an architect working on globe-transforming projects.
Teresa shares her unlikely path to architecture, the work the United Nations’ Environmental Programme, her “12 Principles of Conscious Construction,” and why she believes we need to support the building industry as it moves into the digital age.
Key Talking Points
- Teresa’s unlikely path to architecture- – and how that made her a better architect.
- Terea’s unlikely firm-that helped lead the industry.
- The 12 Principles of Conscious Construction.
- Why everyone in the building industry has an important role to play for the planet?
Key Milestones of the Episode
[1:30] Teresa’s origin story
[3:32] How Teresa got into sustainability before it even was a thing
[5:34] Finding mentors when you are an outlier
[7:36] Projects at the innovative Bunting Coady Architects
[10:42] Teresa’s work with the United Nations
[15:05] More current projects
[16:35] Where is the future of sustainability going?
[18:28] 12 Principles of Conscious Construction
[29:48] Rituals to keep you grounded
Key Quotes
“My career start was an actual refusal to be an architect because my father felt architects are underappreciated.”
“I realized that our industrial cities…were making us unwell.”
“While all the other sciences has moved onto to the digital age, architecture was still in the Dark Ages…”
“Architecture is all about shaping our world so we can live better.”
“LEED, at its heart …is an education program.”
Key Resources
Rebuilding Earth: Designing Eco-conscious Habitats for Humans
Other Resources
BC Architect Teresa Coady Wins Canada’s Top Business Award For Female Entrepreneur
United Nations Environmental Programme
Universal Water: The Ancient Wisdom and Scientific Theory of Water by West Marrin
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Learn More About Teresa Coady
Teresa Coady is the Board Chair of Capital Regional District. An architect by training, she co-founded her own agency, B + H Architects, winning several awards for her sustainability work. She is also a member of the United Nations Environmental Programme Advisory Board.
Don’t forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the Green Building Matters website.