Do you know the difference between a LEED Accredited Professional and a WELL Accredited Professional? While both are credentials related to the sustainability of the built environment, a LEED credential focuses on environmental impact and sustainability, while a WELL credential focuses on human health and well-being. Both programs provide certifications involving healthy, sustainable design for buildings, people, and our communities.
With 7 LEED AP’s and 2 LEED Green Associates, TLCD is very proud to share that Interior Designer, Lauren Davis has earned the firm’s first WELL AP credential! Lauren began her interest in WELL Building Standards a couple years ago and here is what she shared about her journey:
When I first heard about WELL, I remember being taken aback when a colleague told me that they had requirements such as having healthy food on site. As someone who is personally interested in wellness and nutrition, I found it very interesting that healthy food would be talked about in the context of design.
In Summer 2022, I began studying for the WELL exam and was pleased to pass in November – just a week after attending the Ed Spaces Conference in Portland. Ed Spaces is an incubator of progressive ideas and knowledge sharing for more engaging learning environments from kindergarten through college. All in all, this was a very exciting time for me!
Diving into the WELL concepts, of which there are ten, I particularly enjoyed the focus on the human experience which includes not only the technical criteria of concepts such as thermal comfort, light and sound but human wellness concepts such as nourishment, movement, and community.
As a designer I feel these topics can broaden the conversations with the client and help define and prioritize project goals with a human centric approach. The program is also very flexible and has pathways for application on any project type.
Who wouldn’t want to live, work, or play in a space that considers if the occupants’ water is safe, food choices are sustainably grown from local sources, lighting supports a proper circadian rhythm for ultimate rest, movement is encouraged, civic engagement is the norm, and implements policies to promote a diverse equitable culture?
I’m so excited to bring these concepts to my project work at TLCD across all our market sectors.”
Lauren Davis, Interior Designer, WELL AP
