Nico Kienzl - Atelier Ten  

Listen in as DESIGN:ED talks with Nico Keinzl, a sustainability consultant from Atelier Ten, a firm that evolved from a mechanical engineering background into a leader in sustainability and environmental design consulting. The conversation explores the firm's role in integrating sustainability into architecture through performance analysis, benchmarking, and resiliency planning. Keinzl critiques the overuse of the term "sustainability," emphasizing the need for measurable strategies rather than superficial greenwashing. Key challenges addressed include reducing carbon emissions in both building operations and material supply chains, designing for long-term adaptability, and shifting toward a circular economy. The conversation also highlights the firm's roadmap toward "absolute zero" emissions, advocating for deep reductions over reliance on carbon offsets. Additionally, the discussion touches on the industry's broader transformation, the importance of innovative yet practical architectural solutions, and the need for global cooperation in sustainable development. Looking ahead, Atelier Ten aims to expand its global impact, leveraging new resources and expertise to drive meaningful change in sustainability practices worldwide.

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Photo courtesy of Atelier Ten

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.