San Francisco-based designer Kelly Roberson has earned her LEED certification, assuring her understanding of green building practices and principles, as well as familiarity with LEED requirements, resources and processes. The accreditation program recognizes experienced building practitioners and helps meet the growing demand from the public and private sectors for green buildings. As the whole country becomes more aware of energy consumption, the LEED program attempts to address consumption from building construction and operating systems.
The LEED Rating System also gives architects, consultants (including lighting designers) and contractors a common language to facilitate efficient design regardless of whether a building is seeking a LEED Certificate or not – the language and awareness are present and available for use on any project.
As a Senior Designer and project manager, with a background in both architectural and theatrical lighting design, Roberson decided to seek LEED accreditation to participate professionally in environmental conservation and remain on the forefront of green building design. "Everyday, we reap the benefits of what we sow," commented Roberson. "Lightswitch’s work benefits from a strong awareness of environmentally sound design practice. The owners will benefit in the long run from reduced energy bills. Good lighting serves to support and enhance the architecture, as lighting is the media that reveals the building. Close your eyes – that is architecture without light. But architectural lighting design is more than art – it must be environmentally responsible."