This is a program of the AIA Seattle Committee on the Environment

Passive sustainable design elements are infused into both the Terry Thomas and Joseph Vance Buildings. A year after opening, valuable data regarding the realities of operations juxtaposed with design process metrics provides a better understanding of how developmental decisions impact long-term performance. A review of post-occupancy evaluations and operational data begins the dialogue, followed by a tour of the Terry Thomas Building.

Project 1: The Joseph Vance Building, ZGF


Presenters: Chris Flint Chatto, Associate AIA, LEED AP, Sustainable Designer, ZGF Architects and  Peter Alspach, PE, LEED AP, Associate, ARUP

Description: The renovation of the historic Joseph Vance office building in downtown Seattle focused on restoring the building’s original materials and passive sustainable design functions such as high ceilings, terrazzo floors, operable windows and floor-plan layouts designed to maximize natural light. Since completion of the renovation, the building earned LEED-EB Gold certification and an Energy Star Score of 96 (putting it in the top 4% of its peers), and the project team continues to monitor and fine-tune building performance through energy monitoring, post-occupancy surveys, and a current re-greening effort.
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Photography: William Wright Photography

Project 2: Terry Thomas, Weber Thompson

Presenters: Scott Thompson, AIA, LEED AP and Peter Greaves AIA LEED AP from Weber Thompson

Description: The Terry Thomas, located in South Lake Union, was awarded LEED GOLD for core and shell and LEED PLATINUM for commercial interiors by the US Green Building Council. The project’s passive cooling and day light harvesting strategies reduce use in the building is less than 50% of a conventional office building. The Terry Thomas is a working demonstration of the possibilities of sustainable design.
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Photography: Lara Swimmer