Gensler Sustainability Discussion with Maria Perez

<p><strong>Maria Perez</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is a Senior Associate and Director of Sustainable Design for Gensler, an integrated architecture, design, planning and consulting firm of 5,000+ professionals networked across 46 global offices. In this role, she serves as one of the firm’s leading sustainability ambassadors and promoters, engaging staff, clients, and the public on innovative and sustainable design, construction, and operational thinking.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A recognized expert in LEED standards and sustainability rating systems, Maria is a leading advocate for performance-based design. Maria is a licensed architect in Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from ITESM, Monterrey, Mexico and a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Houston. In 2015, she was named a LEED Fellow for her exemplary leadership, impactful commitment, service, and advocacy in green building and sustainability. She is an Accredited Professional in multiple credentials including Building Design(BD+C), Interior Design(ID+C), Operations and Maintenance(O&M), Neighborhood Development(ND) and WELL. Maria is currently serving in the GBCI Credentialing Steering Committee and USGBC Texas Chapter Board of Directors.</span></p> <h3><strong>Maria Perez - Cultural Impact on Future</strong></h3> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Maria was born in Mexico City and grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico.  She was influenced at a young age by the three, distinct people groups within her hometown -  the Tarahumara Indians, the Mennonites and the Mexicans.  Each different in their own culture and lifestyle, the Indians lived without electricity in their homes made of stone or adobe, the Mennonites produced their own energy, made their own clothes, and did not use anything civilized and lastly, the Mexican culture seemed more wasteful, taking many of their natural resources for granted. As a child, Maria began questioning these varying lifestyles and knew she wanted to help find a bal