THE CASE
This is not a typical project case study. Rather it is a study of the learning opportunities, processes, and value of the research conducted by two students during two separate eighteen-week full time Practicum Studio experiences at Gensler SF. One investigated the Gensler SF Office Design relative to LEED criteria and the other evaluated Gensler SF's material selection processes.

Gensler SF's stated commitment to sustainable, green design, how their office design reflects its stated philosophy and to what extent that philosophy is embraced throughout the entire office is the focus of this study.

"Gensler regards sustainable design . . . as a guiding principle for our building and workplace designs . . .

Gensler has been an advocate of green design for many years. We have amassed a large collective body of knowledge about energy efficiency, advanced systems, green materials and construction practices."

Gensler SF: Office Design
In 2002, Gensler, one of the world's foremost architecture and interior design firms, accomplished the demanding task of designing its new San Francisco office acting as both client and architect. Conceptual planning and design principles focused on simplicity to: represent the world-class design firm in a regional context; have a "residential ambience"; minimize hierarchy, allow leadership accessibility; be an open environment with a variety of private and collaborative spaces and flexible furnishings; maximize use of local and regional materials, sustainably harvested and salvaged wood, rapidly renewable and natural materials, finishes and color; minimize additive structure and finishes. (Image 1, 3, 4)

According to TL, a Practicum Student, "While a LEED rating was not a specific design goal initially, the sustainable elements consciously incorporated offered the possibility of obtaining a LEED rating. I felt that a LEED Compliance Analysis of the Gensler SF Office Design (GSF OD) in partial fulfillment of my Practicum Studio experience would be an ideal benefit for both the firm and me."

Upon learning of his interest, TL's primary Practicum Unit Mentor, SD, introduced him to designer MM, one of the firm's most ardent supporters of sustainable design. MM explained that there was definite interest to determine whether or not a LEED rating could be obtained for the GFS OD (which was being constructed) although there had been no money or time budgeted for such study.

TL's semester-long research activity (referred to as The Project) was not a typical project, however, a team was formed to support it. Key Gensler GSF OD project administrators on The Project team included SD, Project Principal; MM, Project Interior Designer; and support staff as well as AP from BCCI Construction. TL acted as LEED Student Consultant for The Project, communicating with consultants and product representatives of the GSF OD including the mechanical engineer regarding alternative energy solutions; millwork representative for cabinet finishes; and Gensler's furniture consultant and facilities manager to determine reused furniture credit value.

The Project prompted LEED-focused meetings prior to weekly GSF OD construction meetings between TL, SD, MM, and BCCI during which TL was able to voice concerns from The Project's perspective, which provided meaningful input for the GSF OD. "While my Practicum program provided numerous opportunities to take part in office meetings, the LEED-focused meetings were certainly unique as I was able to contribute meaningfully, instead of being a silent observer."

Documentation
TL created a text document outlining the LEED Commercial Interiors credit points for The Project stipulating further action, if necessary, for each one; and a color-coded spreadsheet of the project's compliance or non-compliance - a simple graphic reference rating each credit as "yes", "no", or "possible". He also coordinated with AP and BCCI's team to compile a construction material information spreadsheet that included location of manufacturing and extraction, recycled content, and cost to translate the information into LEED credits. The final color-coded summary spreadsheet as well as all back-up documents and calculations, were archived for easy access for anyone to complete The Project or use as reference. (Image 5)

Knowledge Exchange
TL shared the results of his research during the final weeks of his Practicum experience at Gensler to three groups, the Gensler Vice-Presidents, the Workplace Studio, and the entire Gensler SF office. The 45-minute presentations generated "numerous questions regarding both The Project and LEED in general, since it was the first LEED evaluation undertaken by the San Francisco office and designers were especially interested in how their design decisions scored. I believe that my presentations instilled upon attendees greater awareness about LEED, a degree of pride in their office, and a curiosity in environmental products and strategies."

Lessons Learned
The Project addressed most of the issues for the Commercial Interiors category but a final LEED rating was not determined. Uncertainties due to confusing LEED wording or outstanding material information limited TL's findings to a point range determination based on a best-case and worst-case scenario of points required for LEED certification. However The Project addressed additional credits and compiled information in a format suitable for submission to LEED.

"The Project had far-reaching effects. Although I had been introduced to LEED in school, The Project was my first experience with the Commercial Interiors category. More importantly, The Project provided me with my first opportunity to work and communicate with design professionals as a colleague, not just a student. The Project presentations to so many members of the office were major milestones for (my professional growth).

The Project was a turning point for MM and SD. MM learned exactly how much time and effort a LEED evaluation necessitates, as well as what types of calculations and documentations are required. One particular lesson for MM involved project specifications wording. In sourcing gypsum core for drywall, MM wanted to use real gypsum mined in California that would contribute to the locally harvested credit. However, review of AP's spreadsheets revealed that the gypsum provided was actually sourced in Mexico, thus contributing no credits. MM realized that she would need to be more rigorous in her specifictions to ensure local gypsum use in the future.

I believe that The Project had a profound impact upon SD. Although definitely sensitive to environmental issues, LEED was relatively new to him. SD learned about the credits and requirements through the LEED-focused meetings and especially my final presentation. He recognized the need for more LEED-accredited professionals within Gensler and decided to take the accreditation exam himself. He also suggested the creation of a Sustainable Consulting division to provide sustainable solutions and LEED evaluations. The Project as a LEED learning tool was also an indication to MM and SD of the value that a student can add to a project or a firm."

Gensler SF acts as the firm-wide managing headquarters. Thus, their effort to attain LEED certification was an inspiration for Gensler's other offices. TL's research reinforced those efforts. For example, an employee in the Gensler Newport Beach office learned of The Project and requested information for a presentation. Subsequently others e-mailed to express their eagerness to utilize TL's work to promote sustainable design expertise firm wide.

The Project marks a turning point for Gensler. Previously, interiors work had no place within LEED, as it differed too greatly from "new construction" for reasonable credit evaluation. With the creation of a Commercial Interiors category, projects representing millions of square feet can now use the LEED system. As one of the world's top interior design firms, Gensler has the opportunity to continue the sustainable work exhibited in their San Francisco Office Design, inspiring others to design more LEED certified projects.

The Project also educated those associated with the GSF OD project. The contractor discovered what information was pertinent for LEED criteria, and the engineers learned of the LEED-specified limits in areas such as air quality and energy use. Vendor representatives also began to provide environmental data on their products, and with further LEED projects, will become more knowledgeable about their sustainable attributes.

Gensler SF: Sustainable Commitment
In Spring 2004, for her Practicum Studio research requirement, EN evaluated Gensler SF's design process relative to interior finish material selection and specification. The relevance of her research is her extensive analysis of how Gensler SF supports their claims of being green and the tactics they utilize to incorporate sustainability into their projects.

EN's research was conducted as a project (Green Project) in the same manner as TL's research, with weekly meetings that engaged team members of a renovation project in Palo Alto, with SD, and MM as principals.

Documentation
EN's research began with the question "Is Gensler really being green" as stated in their published design approach?

Her analysis centered on Gensler's product specification process, starting with a list of questions such as:
· Is there a standard procedure in specifying green products?
· Is this selection process used in all projects? If so, how long has this procedure been in place?
· Do all designers know how to specify green products?

The goal of the research was "to educate designers of the impact of material selection and help enforce or improve selection tactics within the firm."

The major compilation of EN's findings was a "Firm Analysis Tool", essentially a matrix organized into five topic columns: 1) What makes a design firm sustainable? 2) Excerpts from Gensler Marketing Materials, 3) Observation Areas of Praise and Possible Areas of Improvement), 4) Discussion for future plans, and 5) Questions/ Comments. The topics were categorized horizontally into six groups: 1) Firm, 2) Products/ Materials - Interiors, 3) Building Systems - Architecture, 4) Specifications, 5) Designers, and 6) Vendors.

Lessons Learned
In general, EN discovered that Gensler SF provides numerous learning opportunities for increasing sustainable design knowledge such as: Marketing materials and presentations with clear sustainability goals; LEED accreditation study groups; Gensler SF Sustainable Committee on design issues; Sustainable Task Force on firm wide green issues; LEED certified projects; sustainability classes; USGBC membership, conference participation and required feedback reports by attendees; LEED guidelines incorporated into Gensler specifications; selected "lunch-learn" pre-screened vendor events to prevent "green-wash."

EN's study of LEED Accredited Professionals in Gensler's 25 offices located worldwide revealed that In Spring 2004, 158 of 1603 (10%) Gensler employees (Image 6) and 11 of 133 Gensler Principals (8%) were LEED Accredited Professionals.

In spite of these initiatives, EN feels much more can be done. Information use and accessibility for designers are of concern. Gensler is striving to create a database for green materials. Management of quality data for timeliness and accuracy are ongoing challenges. Client education is also an issue. The Palo Alto Project client initially intended it to be green then changed his mind. "Interestingly, the Gensler team reduced their efforts to include green products." EN was not able to determine how much the budget and fee influenced this reduction.

Knowledge Exchange
EN's Green Project research and final presentation raised much interest and enthusiasm in the firm regarding green design as had TL's presentation.

The question "Are there procedures used to specify sustainable products?" elicited the following EN comments. "I was surprised to see that Gensler as a firm had no tools to identify sustainable products, more surprised that individuals did have them and weren't sharing."

EN's suggestions include 1) Produce an easy to flip through green product analysis tool that describes the life cycle analysis of materials, 2) Create a small resource group responsible for research of specific topics, 3) Define a scope of services for projects aiming for LEED certification, 4) Define options for clients concerning level of green they want to achieve, 5) Include sustainable in-house practices (double sided printing, etc)

Does Gensler SF do enough to support their stated goal of "taking a sustainable approach to the design of places.?" According to EN "Green leaders seem to take on a lot of initiative to promote sustainability. Green activities such as Green Week and Green classes are terrific! However it seems unclear how other research is supported."

Positive steps are being taken. The Gensler SF librarian screens vendors, investigates their products, keeps records of service and is a major resource for green information. A Sustainability Evaluation Questionnaire developed by EN, MM and others to assess sustainable qualities of materials specified for a project in an easy to use form highlights the important LEED criteria of the material considered. An educational tool has been created (not yet distributed) by Gensler NY to identify roles and events of the Client, Gensler, and the Contractor relative to sustainable initiatives for particular project phases. It is clear that Gensler is striving for firm-wide consistency and standards to ensure they do meet their goal of being green.

Gensler SF Practicum Research Values
EN and TL received their LEED accreditation in Spring 2004. This prompted SD to set aside time to study while vacationing in Hawai'i. In Fall 2004 he became the first Gensler SF Vice President to achieve LEED Accreditation.

Both TL and EN used their Gensler SF experience and findings as a basis for their respective post Practicum research and have continued to share their knowledge on sustainable design.

In Fall 2003 while completing his second Practicum Studio at Gruen Associates, TL was invited to join MM at a conference and expo "Using LEED with Green Interior Design" held at the Gas Company's Energy Resource Center in Downey, California. He participated in the Q&A session of the panel discussion and was perceived as an "expert". " . . .Someone asked what my role was at Gensler, and when I explained I was a student completing my Practicum Studio research, the audience seemed totally amazed at my contributions."

For his Architecture Doctorate project, "A Sustainable Culinary School for Kapiolani Community College," TL is utilizing the LEED documents he generated for The Project as a basis for his design guidelines. The project will be completed in Fall 2005. EN brought her knowledge of green products to her second Practicum firm, KYA in Honolulu. Since KYA has developed their practice using Gensler as a model, EN's insights relative to green product selection strategy was very beneficial to KYA's design processes.

EN's final Architecture Doctorate project, "Primary Interior Materials: Measuring Sustainability," will extend the work she did at Gensler. She will receive her Architecture Doctorate degree in May 2005.

Both TL and EN agree that their respective experiences were "extremely enlightening". Both have continued their information exchange regarding LEED and green design strategies with the professionals they interacted with while at Gensler.

According to SD, Gensler SF is committed to truly living up to their stated goal of including sustainable design and green solutions to every project. How to accomplish that is a challenge. SD, TL and EN agree that Practicum students' research requirements can have great value for architecture firms because a neutral student observer's simple questions can elicit candid responses that reveal the true effectiveness of information exchange within a firm. Thus the student is an important catalyst for learning and stimulating design improvements if their observations are properly directed, documented, and disseminated.

Sources
Dunlap, Scott, Personal Interviews with Author. January 2003 - April 2005 Gensler San Francisco Marketing Material, Practicum Studio Submittals January 2003-April 2005

Lum, Trenton, Practicum Student. Personal Interviews with Author, Practicum Studio Submittals. January 2003 - April 2005

Noborikawa, Erin, Practicum Student. Personal Interviews with Author, Practicum Studio Submittals. January 2004 - April 2005

Amended Team List
Gensler
·Project Principal: Scott Dunlap AIA, Vice President LEED ·Consultant: Melissa Mizell, Interior Design Associate

University of Hawai'i School of Architecture
·LEED Student Consultant: Trenton Lum, Practicum Student Architecture Doctorate Candidate
·Green Student Consultant: Erin Noborikawa, Practicum Student Architecture Doctorate Candidate
·Author: Faculty Advisor Joyce Noe AIA, Practice Program Director