Presenter Information

Name: Stephanie Vierra, Assoc. AIA, LEEP AP BD C

Title: President, Vierra Design & Education Services, LLC

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, managed, and taught 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 whole building design. She 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 actively developing education and outreach programs for the natural stone industry for the past six years on sustainability. This includes Veronafiere, the Natural Stone Council, and the Marble Institute of America. Stephanie also serves as the technical editor and curriculum specialist for the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), a website portal to technical information, guidance, and resources to support a whole building approach owned by the National Institute of Building Sciences. This effort entails coordinating with the federal agencies and military to develop education and outreach across federal mandates, executive orders, and policy affecting the building design and construction processes. She was part of the team that developed the content for the AIA’s Carbon 50>>50 program and AGC’s LEED for contractors training program. Stephanie also served as the first woman Executive Director of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and as Director of Practice Research at the national headquarters of The American Institute of Architects (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, NAVFAC, GSA, Santa Margherita, and others. 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, the Whole Building Design Guide, 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 participated in the DOE-sponsored Solar Decathlon as a juror, jury chair, and volunteer between 2002 and 2007. She actively supports environmental causes and organizations through political activism and hands-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.