VMDO has made a significant commitment to sustainability with the hire of two nationally-recognized experts, Director of Sustainability Michelle Amt, AIA, LEED AP and K12 Studio Leader Rob Winstead AIA, LEED AP BD+C.
Both Michelle and Rob have dedicated their careers to working with clients and communities to support sustainability and make a difference through design. Together, they bring almost 45 years of experience in the field to VMDO. They join a passionate group of professionals who have already established VMDO as an industry leader in sustainability, zero-energy, and design for health and well-being.
VMDO is one of a very small number of firms that has received more than one award from the AIA Committee on the Environment—including recognition in 2017 for the design of Discovery Elementary School, the largest zero-energy school in the United States. In spring 2017, VMDO received the Best of Green Schools Business Leader Award from the Green Schools National Network and the USGBC’s Center for Green Schools.
VMDO is also a signatory of the AIA’s 2030 Commitment, an initiative calling for all new buildings and major renovations to be carbon-neutral by 2030. VMDO takes this commitment seriously. “Our industry and our clients are looking for innovative solutions to the most challenging problems of our time,” shares Rob Winstead, K12 Studio Leader. “VMDO intends to remain a leader in the areas of sustainability, resilience, equity, health, and well-being. Smart sustainable strategies can help save money, support healthy outcomes for people and the planet, and contribute to better learning environments that inspire pedagogical innovation. I’m thrilled to join a company with a meaningful and authentic commitment to sustainability and a body of work that demonstrates that commitment.”
"In the right hands,” shares Michelle Amt, VMDO’s Director of Sustainability, “a robust sustainability agenda unlocks new areas for design innovation. It expands the definition of design quality to include both short and long term effects on humans and their surrounding ecosystems. It deepens the connections between our buildings, their local and global communities, and the natural world. It fosters discussion within our profession about the larger meaning of what we make and why we make it—and spurs us to lead other industries in defining how to design with future generations in mind.”
All three of VMDO’s studios are working at the leading edge of design and health to incite innovation and deliver long-term sustainable solutions. We are proud to have Michelle and Rob join our team to help amplify our commitment to sustainability.
Press releases announcing the arrival of Michelle Amt and Rob Winstead to VMDO are linked below:
Michelle Amt Joins VMDO Architects as Director of Sustainability Rob Winstead Rejoins VMDO Architects as K12 Studio Leader
