Having Researchers on Staff | A Discussion with LEED Fellow Z Smith

<h3><strong>About this Episode</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;"> </span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode, Charlie talks with Z about his very unique career through the green building industry after earning multiple degrees. Z Smith decided to get his Master’s degree in Architecture after he already had a Bachelor’s in Physics and PhD in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science. Yes, you read that right. His career also includes a variety of experiences with pioneering brands and countries including Xerox, RCA Labs and the Japanese government.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <h3><strong>Key Talking Points</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;"> </span></h3> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why Z Smith became interested in the “green” movement</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">The journey Z Smith took from physics through electrical engineering and computer science to architecture</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">The importance of internal researchers within architecture firms</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Setting up feedback loops and learning from the outcomes</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are we really trying to get the building to do, elegantly, with the least amount of materials</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding resistance when hiring</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Picking up the pace with rating systems and raise the standards in communities</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <h3><strong>Key Milestones of the Episode</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[1:40]</span> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Z Smith’s background</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[2:34] The university job that introduced Z Smith to the sustainable industry</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[5:57] The start of Z Smith’s journey into architecture</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[7:49] What is happening behind the scenes