According to SWBR Architects, four of its employees, Lyndsey Bakos-Schneider, Deborah Wolf, Kristin Schuster and Anisa Fornataro have received their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation, offered through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This certification recognizes those who have completed the necessary training, education and testing to apply green architecture standards to their designs. SWBR now has 18 LEED accredited employees.
Sustainable architecture is a term used to describe economical, energy saving, environmentally friendly, and sustainable development. Sustainable architecture meets the needs of people today without destroying the resources that will be needed in the future. For the designer, this means being aware of the consequences of choosing particular materials, the waste created, the impact on immediate and future environments, and the health of those involved over the life of the facility.
"We're thrilled for Lyndsey, Debbie, Kristin and Anisa and are proud of their accomplishment in obtaining LEED Accreditation. LEED principles are an everyday part of our firm's designs and they stand behind what we believe in as a company," said David Beinetti, president of SWBR.  "We're strongly committed to training our entire staff in sustainable design and encourage them all to get accreditation to help us improve on the best practices we have used for years. There are a myriad of benefits to sustainable design including increased environmental quality; economic benefits such as lower operating costs; and health and community benefits including enhanced occupant health and comfort."
NYS supports green architectural practices, too.  In 2001, NYS Executive Order 111 was enacted, directing state agencies, state authorities and others to be more energy efficient and environmentally aware. Specifically, it states that renewable energy must meet 10% of yearly energy use through 2005.  By 2010, it must meet 20% of yearly energy use.
Bakos-Schneider supports design efforts by analyzing and detailing building structures, while also assisting with structural drawing production, shop drawing review and coordination for industrial, academic, commercial, medical and residential buildings. She holds a bachelor of Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
Schuster is a designer/technician with the firm. Her efforts are focused on educational design, 3-D modeling, rendering, creating presentation boards, completing NYS education department forms and helping with the design process. She earned her bachelor of science in Architecture from the University at Buffalo.
Wolf is the firm's records manager. She is responsible for organizing and maintaining records and information for all departments. She is a member of the Association of Record Managers International (ARMA).
Fornataro is an interior designer. She is responsible for designing and developing concepts for projects, creating graphics and drafting in AutoCAD and REVIT. She prepares 3-D renderings in SketchUp and VIZ, as well as design elements for LEED project submittals and documentation. She received her bachelor of fine arts in Interior Design from Marywood University. Tags: