What does sustainability look like when it is shaped by the realities of place? Architects practicing in rural and regionally distinct communities bring perspectives that challenge one-size-fits-all approaches to sustainable design. Through a moderated discussion with architects working in the Texas Hill Country, the Permian Basin, and El Paso, this program explores how geography, climate, culture, and community influence design decisions. Panelists will examine the gap between professional sustainability language and clients’ everyday priorities, as well as the practical challenges of cost, resources, and durability. Drawing on their experiences, they will share strategies for making sustainability an integral part of good design, grounded in local conditions, responsive to client needs, and focused on long-term value. The conversation invites architects to reconsider common assumptions and discover what the profession can learn from designing for the specific places and people they serve
PANELISTS
Moderator
Ellen Mitchell, AIA LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
Ellen is a recognized leader in the industry’s move to create more energy efficient, equitable and resilient built environment. Ellen guides the LPA Sustainability and Applied Research team, focused on developing actionable research to support the firm’s informed design process. She also leads initiatives across the firm to advance sustainability and high-performance design, building a culture of education, accountability and innovation. Ellen is is the 2026 Chair of the AIA National Committee on the Environment (COTE) Leadership Group. In addition, she volunteers with several additional groups focused on promoting best practices, including the COTE Sub-Committee on Climate Action & Climate Justice and Large Firm Round Table Sustainability Group Executive Committee.
Brady Dietert, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Brady
is an architect practicing in the Texas Hill Country. Since participating in the 2007 Dept. of Energy’s Solar Decathlon, Brady has been enthusiastically pursuing sustainable architectural design in his 18 years of practice. In 2025, Brady chaired the COTE Texas Chapter, and served as a technical juror for the 2024 Boston Society of Architects as well as the 2025 COTE Award. He has designed and managed a wide variety of project types in his work experience with large firms Corgan and Overland Partners. He currently owns and operates Dietert Design Studio, an award-winning sole practitionership.
N. Cale Lancaster AIA, NCARB
Cale is very passionate about the practice of architecture, light and space, and how the built environment can positively affect the community and end user. He has worked on and managed both large and small scale projects, demanding a thorough understanding of complex building tectonics. This includes Sombreada Hasta, a small ranch retreat, to Summit Center, a large scale 22-acre mixed-use development. In 2020, Cale was promoted to Partner at Rhotenberry Wellen Architects.
Laura Foster, AIA
Laura is a public works architect with 16 years of experience in local government, combining policy insight with a passion for design advocacy. In her work she relies heavily on the AIA’s COTE principles to guide interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders with differing priorities toward sustainable investments and beloved buildings.
Register to attend
This webinar will be held on Zoom.
You will receive an email confirming your registration.
You will receive another email on the morning of Nov. 4 with the link to the zoom meeting.
1 AIA HSW Credit is offered for this course.