Photo: Samantha Simmons
Environmental come-to-Jesus moment: Paying my first water bill.
Saddest cutting-room floor casualty: Al Gore’s presidency.
Favorite mode of transportation: Walking.
The perfect city would have: Jobs, a clean and safe public transportation system, an accessible body of water, and as many outstanding new buildings as old ones.
One technology on the horizon that can change the world: Innovations in transportation and mobility. The self-driving car will change the world and how we get around it.
Your topic if you were asked to give a TED Talk: The Upside of Density and Transit-Oriented Development.
The next big idea will come from: Children.
Building you would save if the world was going to end: If our civilization ended, perhaps Sagrada Familia in Barcelona could be completed by the next one.
A century from now humanity will: Be less human.
One book everyone should read: Underworld by Don DeLillo.
Most resonant environmental documentary: Gasland, a darkly entertaining and startling look at the effects of fracking.
Wasteful habit you’re trying to kick: Long, hot showers.
Industry jargon you would banish: OMG, enough with the acronyms.
Global topic that needs more attention: Water scarcity.
Way to make the environment nonpartisan: Focus on the economic benefits.
Most common green myth: LEED equals green.
What you’d pitch to the President if you had 30 seconds: Shelter for everyone.
What you’d tell the green movement if it was your child: Stop procrastinating.
Current project you’re most excited about: AIA National Convention in Chicago.
Most impactful experience in nature: Hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai reminded me how beautiful the world still is.
Most meaningful project you’ve completed: Rebuilding my home after a devastating fire.
Explain “green” to a kindergartner: Green means not hurting the Earth.
Social media—helping or hurting: We know more, but we’re no smarter.
Most compelling argument for environmental stewardship: We all need clean air and water. It shouldn’t be so hard to sell.
