Conversation with Ali Kriscenski

The following interview with Ali Kriscenski, managing editor of Inhabitat, took place by e-mail with the bulk of the responses coming on 5 July 2008.

What is the work that you are currently doing?
I work in new media (blogging/internet) and communication design. I am managing editor of Inhabitat, freelance writer and new media specialist. I also continue to work as a design consultant on residential restoration and new construction projects during the initial design and/or project development.

What does the design process entail for you? How do you go about designing?
For me, design is a process of meeting client's needs while incorporating sustainable ideas whenever possible. For instance, on remodel and new construction I try to start at from a baseline of basic green build principles like solar orientation, solar shading, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, and work up from there.

How is sustainability integrated into the design process and/or the end result of your work? How do you balance the aesthetics of design with the requirements of sustainability?
I pretty much see everything through a sustainable lens, but also have an awareness that theory and practice are not always the same. It is important to me to advocate sustainability and also accept that it is not the only factor for clients. Time, budget and other variables play a part in design. In other words, do the best I can.

How did you get involved with design? What was the education path? What would you say the most important skills are for designing?
In my opinion, a multi-disciplinary understanding of environmental issues is crucial. I studied environmental design at the beginning of undergraduate work, as a compliment to liberal arts studies in graphic design, art history and cultural studies. (BA Art history – UConn). I then studied environmental science with field study in tropical ecology, ornithology and environmental justice (Environmental Science at Antioch New England Graduate School). Since building science is an integral part of overall environmental issues, I felt it was important to have an understanding of technical issues related to green building and completed a Master's Certificate in Sustainable Design from Boston Architectural College.

While many people think that bird studies are completely unrelated to green building, I have found that the knowledge gained through a multi-disciplinary approach to training has given me a unique perspective and skill set to use as an environmental communications specialist.

If you are interested in green building, I would highly recommend looking into the certificate programs offered by BAC. The courses are taught by adjunct professors, including Alex Wilson of www.buildinggreen.com and are on the USGBC's Education Provider Program list. (www.usgbc.org).

How popular do you think eco-consciousness is among designers? Is it becoming more popular?
I think the trend is towards eco-awareness in design and it has definitely become more popular, but is still a small part of the design industry at large. I think the trend towards sustainability is overall a good development, but not without some related problems. My concern with "green" as a trend is that it is at times sensationalized and might not become truly rooted in the values of society, but only a superficial acknowledgment of what is "in" at the moment. In order for the trend to become long lasting, society needs to understand that going green is a long term commitment.

What role do you think designers can/will play in the movement towards popular sustainable living?
The designer has a vital role in sustainable living, as they have a deciding role in what products reach the consumer. Even small efforts in design, like efficient stacking for transport, can make a big difference. But I also think the consumer has a responsibility to consume more efficiently and be less careless.

Is the simpler answer for sustainability not to make 'stuff'? That is, do you think the making of products is in contradiction to sustainability?
In many ways, yes. Most of the things in my life that are "green" are old ideas - clothes drying rack instead of electric dryer, hand crank coffee grinder, natural cleaning products, reused jars for kitchen spices, second hand furniture, second hand clothes, bicycle transportation, train transportation, basket for grocery shopping, growing one's own food, being frugal. At times, the green trend in the US feels like a new way to sell more stuff that we don't really need.

It is important that everything new is done with sustainability in mind, but making new things in the name of sustainability is not the answer to environmental problems. The answer is in a shift in societal values from more to more frugal. One of the best professors I've had, Tom Wessels, articulates this in a recent commencement speech which you can view online - http://www.antiochne.edu/commencement/ - his latest book is also a good resource on this issue - The Myth of Progress: Towards a Sustainable Future. Tom teaches forestry and ecology, so he's not a designer, but his is an important perspective.

In what areas is the most interesting work in sustainable design occurring?
I think that some of the most interesting work is in technology, computers, cell phones, etc. Building green is an age old idea that has regained momentum under new labels, but technology is still pretty new and has no real sustainable history. That this industry is making a shift towards more energy efficient and material conscious design is, I think, a true sign of change.

What is the most challenging part of your work? The most fulfilling?
The most challenging part of my work is shutting off and stepping away. Another challenge is not getting frustrated with some of the self-righteous attitudes I encounter. I don't believe that alienating people or judging other people is an effective way to further the environmental movement. Yet I find it does still happen quite a bit, particularly in the US. Here in Germany, green is more common sense and absent of the "look how green I am" attitude. It is more an accepted responsibility rather than something to brag about so, in that way, feels and probably is more deeply rooted.

The most fulfilling part of my work is the opportunity to be continually learning.

Is there anything I should have asked that I haven't?
Maybe: Who are we designing for? It’s a question about intent. Is the intent of the designer to solve real problems (like meeting basic needs with the environment in mind: food, shelter, so on) or to solve problems of luxury (convenience factor, status) that have no effect on most of the global population / environment? Are we designing things to perpetuate consumerism or are we designing to alleviate the burden that over-consumption has on the people who live with less? It is a monster question, but one that can't be ignored in today's global world.

Do you have any advise for me?
No matter what you do in your professional career, there are ways to bring sustainability into the picture.