Beyond Vanilla Green: Pushing the Affordable Housing Envelope

Mar 12, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Room # 403

Presented by: Poppi S. Handy, SMR Architects, Rico Quirindongo, Principal, DKA Architecture

Session Description:

At a time of global economic and environmental crisis, there is now a greater need and clearer emphasis that must be placed on the creation of sustainable affordable housing. Providing quality examples and replicable techniques to the broader housing community towards this effort is vital to curb global climate change. A modest level of green is now required to receive funding and be competitive in the market, however, it is not enough to comply at these modest levels.

How do we create housing that pushes the envelope and breaks the norm?

Implementing techniques that focus on economy, ecology and equity provide a framework to broaden the definition of sustainability. Incorporation of sustainable design components is a natural complement to the mission of providing affordable housing. Not only is it important to provide critical services and housing to individuals and families in the greatest need, it is critical that we provide housing and community in a way that respects both the environment and the residents being served. Providing clean energy and sustainable design components means providing reduced energy bills and healthier living environments.

Beyond providing conscientious, environmental design, we have the opportunity to change the way people live and provide job opportunities in a new green economy. Housing authorities are presently required to complete construction projects where 15% of each site's workforce comes from the populations they serve. But what happens to that untrained workforce once the project is completed? There is an opportunity for job creation that can maximize the investment in this catalyzed workforce, allowing low-income residents the opportunity for sustained change and providing a clear direction out of poverty. By working with our clients, local labor unions, and green job training experts, we can take what are now singular project opportunities and begin to transform our industry, truly becoming part of the solution. Federal monies and grants are currently being allocated to employment and re-training non-profits that can be maximized if there is vision and commitment behind the investment.

The housing and community infrastructure that we provide is not only an investment in the children of tomorrow, but an investment in the workforce of today. Now is our opportunity to address how affordable housing and non-profits represent an evolving and expanding resource that has the potential to transform our approach, to change the way we solve homelessness, to affect job creation, and to provide the benefits of sustainable design to these communities. This workshop will explore these trends, emphasize the strides we are making with a case study and ask you to explore solutions to this rapidly changing, vital issue.

Speakers Bios:

Poppi S. Handy, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, SMR Architects

Poppi has worked extensively with nonprofit housing providers to create affordable, sustainable projects. Although her work spans many different building types, the common thread of sustainability ties them together. Whether rehabilitating an existing historic building into affordable housing or designing a new building to house a childcare center and regional non-profit offices, providing thoughtful, conscientous design is a priority. She believes all building types and all socio-economic classes should benefit from healthier buildings and a healthier planet.

Poppi has thirteen years experience as an architect. She is the office sustainability coordinator, is a member of the AIA Seattle Committee on the Environment and is the lead architect on the YWCA Family Village at Issaquah and Bellingham Housing Authority Green Retrofit projects.

Rico Quirindongo, Principal, DKA Architecture

Rico is actively engaged in his community and champions positive social change supported by our built environment. In his 15 years of professional experience, Rico has developed a keen awareness of the special requirements of non-profit and public projects. His clients include King County Housing Authority, Department of Labor, and Seattle Public Schools. Rico's experience in adaptive re-use can be seen in his work as architect for the Northwest African American Museum.

Rico is involved in many professional organizations. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Diversity Roundtable, is a founding member of the AIA Seattle Editorial Board for Forum Magazine, and is a member of the AIA Seattle Board of Directors. Rico is a member of Tabor 100, a local African American business networking organization, is a board member of Arcade Magazine, a Journal for Architecture and Design in the Northwest, and a founding member of the Northwest Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects.

In 2009, Rico became an honoree of the Puget Sound Business Journal's 40 under 40 award program that spotlights top business leaders under the age of 40 who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership.