How the Living Future Community is Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow
When I set out to write about ILFI’s new Introductory Membership, I knew I had to create something more than a Top 5 list of reasons to join. It needed to be authentic, inspirational, and a little fun–a lot like our Living Future Community! Inspired by the storytelling elements of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) and the curiosity and playfulness central to Biophilic Design, I’ve taken the opportunity to virtually connect with five of our members, learn more from some of the brilliant and passionate people that make up the Living Future Community, and share our stories. I’ll start with mine.
Bri DiNicola (she/her) | Austin, TX | International Living Future Institute
Being a part of the Living Future Community, I’ve found a space where I’m not just seen and heard but truly understood. This community has become my anchor, especially during times when the challenges of climate change feel overwhelming. My journey into sustainability was sparked by Professor McLelland (you’ll hear from him later in this post) during my first sustainability course at the University of Alabama. That passion deepened through my Sustainable Built Environments program studies at the University of Arizona and led me to the heart of the Regenerative Buildings movement.
In 2023, I officially joined the Living Future Community, drawn by the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the most cutting edge industry developments and expand my knowledge through becoming a member and enrolling in Living Future Accreditation (LFA) with my Professional Member discount. The $0 Introductory Membership, now available, would have been a game-changer during my student years. It’s a perfect gateway for those eager to integrate into the professional realm of this inspiring movement.
A little over a year later, I found myself facing probably the biggest opportunity of my life so far: the chance to join the Living Future Membership team and officially dedicate my career to the regenerative buildings movement. While I may not be on the front lines creating products, buildings, or cities like many of you, I am truly grateful and honored to be able to have a role in connecting those who are— By creating opportunities for you to learn together and work together, I know that this community is unstoppable.
Ateet Singh (he/him) | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India | Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
Ateet is a young architect driven by a deep passion for continual learning. His passion for sustainable design was ignited during a pivotal course at Thomas Jefferson University, where he was first introduced to the LBC by Professor Rob Fleming. This experience opened his eyes to a holistic approach to architecture, beyond the traditional rating systems prevalent in India. Previously working to support the Sustainable Architecture initiative at FivD, Ateet is now pursuing a master’s degree in Advanced Ecological Building & Biocities through the IAAC. Since joining the Living Future Community in 2021, Ateet has deepened his commitment by earning his LFA and is now working towards advancing regenerative design in a market still dominated by conventional, more prescriptive methods.
“ILFI has been my go-to source of knowledge since I first heard about it. Here in India, we usually focus on rating systems, but ILFI helped me approach sustainable building design in a new way. It has drawn my attention towards the finer details of building design, such as the importance of equity.”
Despite the challenges, Ateet remains committed to developing a greater level of expertise and connecting with like-minded individuals to help expand the adoption of more holistic and equitable approaches to building design.
Lauren McNeill (she/her) | Denver, CO, USA | Group 14 Engineering
Lauren’s introduction to ILFI came at an early Living Future Conference, where the launch of the Just Label ignited her passion for sustainability.
“I found ILFI right out of college and I wasn’t very technical at the time, so it was nice to find a group that was welcoming me with open arms, even at a baseline understanding of what these principles were. Everyone was always very willing to share their experience, share their background, and just widen the circle. That was something different in the [AEDC] industry, and I found it really motivating and inspiring.”
As a direct result of Lauren’s LF conference attendance, her firm, Group 14, pursued their first Just Label. The process of earning the label catalyzed internal changes, prompting the firm to formalize practices such as paid volunteer time to employees. The Just Label became a cornerstone in Group 14’s journey, and as they soon pursue their 5th Just label under the newly-updated Just 3.0, they continue to ensure that their internal practices reflect the values of sustainability and social responsibility they champion in their projects.
One of Lauren’s standout projects is the Northglenn City Hall project, which is pursuing Core certification under the LBC. This project is a shining example of regenerative design and innovation through collaboration, particularly with its rainwater capture system—an impressive feat in a state like Colorado, where water laws are notoriously strict. Made possible through Lauren’s collaborative work with Denver Water & City of Northglenn, the project team worked closely with local water authorities to create an augmentation plan that ensures compliance with Colorado’s water laws while still achieving their goal of no potable water use for irrigation. Lauren’s work has made a substantial impact, demonstrating that industries traditionally intensive in energy and water use, like distilleries, can also adopt sustainable practices, inspire broader change, and even seek Net Positive Water under the Living Building Challenge!
Lauren’s work, both in her professional projects and as a leader of Colorado’s Regional Member Community (RMC), providing locally-focused education and fostering connection, exemplifies the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines the Living Future Community.
Jonathan McLelland (he/him) | Tuscaloosa, AL, USA | McLelland Architecture | The University of Alabama
Though Jon initially envisioned changing the world through diplomacy, it was the discovery of sustainable architecture that truly resonated with him. In addition to his work as an architect, he finds a deep sense of purpose and optimism in his role as an educator.
Jon uses his teaching platform to inspire students to embrace regenerative design and challenge students to think critically about the future, not only of architecture, but of everything. Achieved through collaborative work on semester-long independent projects, he shared that his students’ work restores his faith [in the movement] every time. Jon describes his small seminar community as “a great wellspring of possibility that keeps [him] inspired,” as he faces the challenges of implementing sustainable architecture in a conservative industry and geographic region.
In a similar spirit, Jon shared what being part of the Living Future Community means to him:
“Joining the Living Future Community has kept me inspired, even when local projects don’t always align with my vision. The community provides hope and a sense of belonging, reminding me that we can make a difference.”
Despite challenges, he remains optimistic and continues to educate future generations about the importance of sustainable design. Jon’s story is a testament to the power of community and the potential for change when like-minded individuals come together.
Angela Iraldi (she/her) | Philadelphia, PA, USA | Re:Vision Architecture
Angela became involved in sustainability through energy auditing and managing energy systems in buildings as a part of her master’s degree. Later, her experience in HVAC Commissioning led her to recognize the widespread waste of energy and resources, even in projects aiming for high levels of sustainability certification. This fueled her passion for sustainability consulting.
One of her most impactful projects involves collaborating with a major building product manufacturer to pursue Core LBC certification for their office building. Through this project, Angela has encountered challenges with product sustainability, particularly with materials that lacked Declare labels or contained Red List substances. This challenge led Angela to work closely with ILFI and lean into the greater philosophical framework of ILFI’s programs to approach the challenge by fostering collaboration and open dialogue. As a result, the manufacturer is expanding their product offerings for better compliance with Red List and biophilic design principles. They’ve also increased engagement with the Institute through a Corporate Package and event sponsorship.
Angela reflected on her involvement with the Living Future Community and the personal and professional impact it has had on her:
“The Living Future community is the best group of ego-free people I’ve ever met. Everyone is in it for the right reason, trying to do better without any competition. It’s refreshing and inspiring to be around people who are genuinely trying to figure things out together. The organization has influenced how I approach projects and even how I live my life. It’s my North Star.”
By connecting professionals committed to sustainability, the Living Future Community empowers its members to foster meaningful change in the building industry.
Shayna Kerkstra (she/her) | Grand Rapids, MI, USA | Catalyst Partners
After first learning about the LBC as a part of her education in the Sustainable Business program at Aquinas College, Shayna’s involvement with ILFI began through her firm, Catalyst Partners, which engaged with ILFI to pursue the Just Label and buildings programs. One of Shayna’s notable projects is the John Ball Zoo Pygmy Hippo exhibit, currently pursuing Materials Petal Certification under the LBC. The project faced unique challenges, particularly with materials and water management, but the resources and support from the Living Future Community played a crucial role in overcoming these hurdles.
Reflecting on her experience, Shayna shares, “The process of working together with the owner, construction manager, and architect, trying to find sustainable solutions has been an incredible learning journey. Living Future Membership is more than just access to resources—it’s about being part of a supportive, innovative community that empowers us to make a real impact.”
In all the conversations I had, members highlighted ILFI as a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for the future. The Living Future Community is one that is uplifted and accelerated by education and mutual knowledge sharing. United by shared values and a commitment to a socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative world, this community continues to exceed expectations and drive industry transformation.
To close, I’ll leave you with the words of our CEO Lindsay Baker, shared at the 2024 Living Future Conference:
“We know that it is deeply possible to build buildings that celebrate place, create good jobs, and are built out of the materials of the ecosystem in which they are constructed. Many might think that this vision for the future sounds impractical. We are not those people.”
If these stories resonate with you, we invite you to join us. Our Introductory Membership offers a preview of our full-access Professional Membership with no financial investment. Join the Living Future Community today or open our community door for a friend or two!
Cover photo: Jessica Yurinko Photography
