Presenter Information

Name: Stephanie Vierra, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

Title: President, Vierra Design & Education Services, LLC for Santa Margherita Spa

Background: With a background in architecture and advertising, Ms. Vierra has over 22 years of experience in architectural associations, practice, and research. From workshops, to educational seminars, video self-study courses, online continuing education, and Webinars, Ms. Vierra has developed programs that support an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to a variety of topics. Stephanie is the president and owner of Vierra Design & Education Services, LLC, specializing in research and educational programs on sustainability and holistic building design. Stephanie is also a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council and a member of the American Institute of Architects. Stephanie has been serving as a consultant on sustainability to the natural stone industry for the past five years. She has developed education and training programs for Veronafiere, the Marble Institute of America and the Natural Stone Council and has presented at conferences and programs in the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, Stephanie serves as the technical editor and curriculum specialist for the Whole Building Design Guide, a website portal to technical information, guidance, and resources to support a holistic building approach. Stephanie served as the first woman Executive Director of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and as Director of Practice Research at national AIA. She developed, managed, and promoted international programs for faculty, students, and building design professionals on building integrated photovoltaics, performance-based design, accessible housing, laminated glass, and natural hazards, among others. She has worked with the private, industry, and government sectors through partnerships with DuPont, Otis Elevator, Uni-Solar, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FEMA, NREL, NSF, NIBS, the U.S. Access Board, DOE, and the GSA. She has written extensively on a variety of research, education, practice, and technology subjects that have been published in ARCHI-TECH magazine, Old House Journal, and Future Energies, among others. Stephanie also served on the board of directors of the Potomac Valley Chapter of the AIA and the Kentlands Community Foundation, and as the Education Co-chair of the Courthouse Access Advisory Committee. She is an active member of the Kentlands New Urbanism and GO GREEN committees. She has participated in the DOE-sponsored Solar Decathlon as a juror, jury chair, and volunteer. She actively supports environmental causes and organizations through political activism and hand-on activities with the Kentlands GO GREEN Committee, Clean Water Action Committee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. In 2009 and 2010, the Kentlands GO GREEN Committee received Environmental Awards from the City of Gaithersburg for their efforts in educating the community and supporting green initiatives.