Connecticut WELL APs Lead in Healthy Building Movement

Facilitated by Antonia Ciaverella

 

 

Antonia Ciaverella, EDAC, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador, is an architectural designer with Tecton Architects in Hartford, Conn.

 

 

 

As curiosity sparks around health and well-being in the built environment, our network of Connecticut WELL Accredited Professionals leads the way. Today, they share their stories and insight into the WELL Building Standard:

What inspired you to become a WELL AP?

Andrea E. Olson: After being introduced to WELL concepts through a potential project, I became excited by the opportunity to learn more and participate in something that mirrors my core personal and professional values surrounding health and wellness.

 

Andrea E. Olson, NCIDQ, WELL AP, is an interior architectural designer with id3A in Glastonbury, Conn.

 

 

 

 

 

Debra L. Seay: One of my clients was interested in knowing more about WELL when it was first released, but no one in my firm had any knowledge of the standard. Once I started reading about WELL, I became enthused by so many of the concepts. I started educating not only my clients, but also my firm, on the features in WELL. I started a Wellness Committee within my firm, which has implemented several wellness initiatives within the last two years.

 

Debra L. Seay, AIA, WELL AP, is a project manager with Amenta Emma Architects in Hartford, Conn.

 

 

 

 

 

Emily E. Knipe: I was inspired to become a WELL AP because I believe that incorporating wellness features into design is simply good design. I also work in the senior living sector to improve interior environments for residents who have limited exposure to the outdoors and wellness features, and I have seen the positive impact that WELL features have on this community. It made complete sense for me to become a WELL AP.

 

Emily E. Knipe, IIDA, LEED AP, WELL AP, is an associate with Amenta Emma Architects in Hartford, Conn.

 

 

 

 

 

Eleana Petsitis Lynch: When I first learned of the WELL building standard and its mission “to improve human health and well-being in buildings and communities across the world,” I immediately thought that it was a natural fit with what our university clients are trying to offer their students and faculty. The buildings we design for them need to be high performing and support the work they are doing, but they also need to support their health and well-being as they learn and work to help others live healthy lives. This ultimately was the catalyst for me to inquire more about the standard and eventually study and achieve my WELL AP credential.

 

Eleana Petsitis Lynch, NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP, WELL AP, is an interior designer and senior associate with The S/L/A/M Collaborative in Glastonbury, Conn.

 

 

 

 

In your opinion, what concept or feature in WELL is most impactful?

Chad Groshart: As a lighting designer, the features centered around circadian lighting and daylight are exciting because they touch the visual sense, which is where humans get 90% of our information.

 

Chad Groshart, IALD, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, WELL Faculty, is an associate director with Atelier Ten in New Haven, Conn.

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah M. Stadler: I have to pick two: water and air. Carl Sagan’s quote is quite memorable: “Anything else you’re interested in is not going to happen if you can’t breathe the air and drink the water. Don’t sit this one out. Do something.”

 

Deborah M. Stadler, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, AIA, NCARB, is a principal with Viridis Sustainable Building Consultancy LLC in West Hartford, Conn.

 

 

 

 

 

Tracy Herzer: I think fitness or movement is the most important Wellness concept. To reduce stress, refocus your brain, help you sleep, get circulation going for healing, and making a strong heart and body, movement is the single most important part of our day, and it is being ignored. I hope we reawaken the need to move, and I am hoping WELL with help with that!

 

Tracy Herzer, IIDA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, WELL AP, is an associate and senior interior designer with The S/L/A/M Collaborative in Glastonbury, Conn.

 

 

 

 

What advice do you have for those considering a WELL AP credential or a WELL Certified project?

Caitlin A. Magoon: I recommend visiting a WELL building and talking to the people using the space to experience the difference. The aesthetic and positive energy of the environment speaks for itself. What I love about WELL is the focus on the well-being of each and every individual. As human beings, we should all strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

 

Caitlin A. Magoon, NCIDQ, WELL AP, is an interior architectural designer with id3A in Glastonbury, Conn.

 

 

 

 

Laura Bedus: Think about the things in your office or building that you don’t have positive feelings towards and understand how WELL could have an impact on them.

 

Laura Bedus, Assoc. AIA, WELL AP, is an architectural designer with edm in Unionville, Conn.

 

 

 

 

 

Nora Rizzo: The WELL Standard and checklists are online and available to anyone for free. I encourage people to spend some time exploring the intent and language of the standard. There are also some great resources about the certification process.

 

Nora Rizzo, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, is the director of sustainability with Fusco Corporation in New Haven, Conn.