--- title: Sustainable Design Blog & Information | architecture (3) description: architecture | Sustainable design blog providing articles, insight, & research information for green building projects. (3) --- # Sustainable Design Blog ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14238386-jpg/images/gulfcoastbiz-csa.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [usgbc](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/usgbc), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/sarasota), [community center](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/community-center), [tampa](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/tampa), [LEED-CI](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed-ci) ### [Carlson Studio Architecture & Eco-Consulting is the only firm in the region to have six projects successfully achieve LEED Certification.](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/34386/carlson-studio-architecture-eco-consulting-is-the-only-firm-in-the-region-to-have-six-projects-successfully-achieve-leed-certification) Wed, Jul 07, 2010 | ##### Carlson Studio Architecture & Eco-Consulting is the only firm in the region to have six projects successfully achieve LEED Certification. What does that mean for... | | --- | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/34386/carlson-studio-architecture-eco-consulting-is-the-only-firm-in-the-region-to-have-six-projects-successfully-achieve-leed-certification) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239877-jpg/images/lwrps_web_1.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [usgbc](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/usgbc), [sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/sarasota), [studio](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/studio), [jedd](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/jedd), [heap](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/heap), [LEED-CI](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed-ci), [plastic surgery](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/plastic-surgery) ### [Tampa Bay Business Journal lists LWR Plastic Surgery as "COOL" Office](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/33064/tampa-bay-business-journal-lists-lwr-plastic-surgery-as-cool-office) Thu, May 20, 2010 | [Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery Office](https://www.carbonae.com/projects/---public/commercialoffice1/) is the second project to recieve the "COOL" rating form the Tampa Bay Business Journal, [CSA'a own office](https://www.carbonae.com/projects/---public/carlson-studio-offices/) received the honor in 2009. LWR Plastic Surgery is currently seeking LEED-CI certification for the US Green Building Council. Tampa Bay Business Journal - by Margaret Cashill Staff writer Tampa Bay's coolest office spaces designed to inspire employees - Tampa Bay Business Journal Coolest Office Spaces, a TBBJ feature now in its third year, is dedicated to recognizing the "cool" in Tampa Bay area offices. This year's spaces prove that cool is an ever-evolving concept, one that in 2010 departed from conventional design concepts and restored the notion of fun in the workplace. Companies are choosing bright colors to liven up the mood and original artwork, in some cases created by the owners. Owners favor collaborative, open environments that foster communication and camaraderie. Read more: [PDF of Article](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-2417172821-pdf/docs/cool-office-2010-web.pdf) [www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com](http://www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com/) |  ![Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239877-jpg/images/lwrps_web_1.jpg?width=263&height=174&name=lwrps_web_1.jpg)![leed certified](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture/page/Portals/42364/images/cert%20color.png) | | --- | --- | | [tampabay.bizjournals.com ](http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2010/05/17/focus1.html) |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/33064/tampa-bay-business-journal-lists-lwr-plastic-surgery-as-cool-office) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14238028-jpg/images/gateway_bank.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/sarasota) ### [Gateway Bank Is First LEED Certified Bank in Sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/31548/gateway-bank-is-first-leed-certified-bank-in-sarasota) Mon, Mar 22, 2010 | [Gateway Bank's University Parkway branch](http://www.carlsonstudio.org/projects/---public/gateway/) was recently awarded LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This was the third branch Gateway renovated in Sarasota but it's now the first certified bank in Sarasota County. Carlson Studio Architecture re-designed the facility and Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. was the contractor. Because more than 50% of the building was remodeled, the project qualified as a major renovation under the USGBC's LEED-NC program.  According to Michael Carlson, LEED AP BD+C, AIA and principal of Carlson Studio Architecture, by maintaining the existing structure the embodied energy originally expended to create the building was preserved.  This decision became the cornerstone of the project's sustainable direction.  Green renovations can save building owners money and time in many cases.   Green features of the completed renovation include an estimated 15% reduction in energy use and water demand has been reduced by approximately 40%.  The addition of large windows and interior glazing allowed day lighting to pass through the building, as well as provide views to the outside from every office. Day lighting helps reduce energy costs and increases worker productivity while contributing to decreased absenteeism rates.  One of the best and most recognizable improvements to the Gateway Bank branch is the flooring which was manufactured using recycled materials.  Low emitting materials, paints and adhesives were also used throughout the project to improve indoor air quality. For more information, visit [http://www.carlsonstudio.org/](http://www.carlsonstudio.org/), [http://www.willissmith.com/](http://www.willissmith.com/) or [http://www.gatewaybankandtrust.com/](http://www.gatewaybankandtrust.com/).   | ![gateway bank](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14238028-jpg/images/gateway_bank.jpg?width=260&height=326&name=gateway_bank.jpg) ![leed certified](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14236151-png/images/cert_color.png)   | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/31548/gateway-bank-is-first-leed-certified-bank-in-sarasota) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241624-jpg/images/usgbc_dec_dinner_joshmichael_web.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [usgbc](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/usgbc), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [Michael](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/michael), [usbgc](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/usbgc), [award](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/award), [Announcements](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/announcements) ### [Michael Carlson, AIA, LEED AP Earns USGBC Leadership Award](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/28948/michael-carlson-aia-leed-ap-earns-usgbc-leadership-award) Fri, Dec 11, 2009 | The [Florida Gulfcoast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council](http://www.sustainabletampabay.org/) awarded its highest honor, Chapter Leadership Award, to Michael Carlson of Carlson Studio Architecture during the group's annual award program December 8 in St. Petersburg.  The annual award recognizes the chapter member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, active involvement and service to the organization and has helped to advance the green building/design profession. Earlier this year, Carlson established and led a new division of the Florida Gulfcoast Chapter, the Myakka River Branch, which serves the Manatee-Sarasota area.  In addition, he was appointed chair of the Green Business Leadership Council of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, a recent initiative for the organization.  In 2009 Carlson was also selected by [HGTV](http://www.hgtv.com/) to design the production company's second [Green Home](http://www.carlsonstudio.org/projects/---public/hgtv-2009-green-home/) which earned LEED Platinum certification from the USGBC and is located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Carlson Studio Architecture is located at 1613 Fruitville Road in downtown Sarasota, Florida.  The studio headquarters became the fourth project in Florida to earn LEED Silver Certification for Commercial Interiors.  The architectural firm has been a member of Sarasota County's Green Business Partnership since 2008. | ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241624-jpg/images/usgbc_dec_dinner_joshmichael_web.jpg) Josh Bomstein, USGBC Chapter President & Michael Carlson ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241632-jpg/images/usgbc_dec_dinner_rickmichael_croped.jpg) Michael Carlson & Rick Fedrizzi, CEO USGBC | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/28948/michael-carlson-aia-leed-ap-earns-usgbc-leadership-award) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [Michael](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/michael), [sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/sarasota), [Announcements](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/announcements), [home](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/home), [HGTV](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/hgtv), [asid](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/asid) ### [ASID Designer Resource Show, November 5th](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/27904/asid-designer-resource-show-november-5th) Wed, Nov 04, 2009 | This Thursday - November 5th - ASID Designer Resource Show go to [www.asidfwc.com](http://www.asidfwc.com/) website for details, or contact our office at 941-378-9964. Michael Carlson, AIA,... | | --- | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/27904/asid-designer-resource-show-november-5th) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14240448-jpg/images/residential_design_build.jpg) [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [Announcements](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/announcements) ### [Building the HGTV Green home featured in Residential Design & Build](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/25228/building-the-hgtv-green-home-featured-in-residential-design-build) Fri, Aug 28, 2009 [![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14240448-jpg/images/residential_design_build.jpg)](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14244773-pdf/docs/residential_design_build-06-09.pdf) Click to read the article. [HGTV 2009 Green Home ](https://www.carbonae.com/projects/---public/hgtv-2009-green-home/)   [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/25228/building-the-hgtv-green-home-featured-in-residential-design-build) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241110-jpg/images/summer_sarasota.jpg) [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [Announcements](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/announcements) ### [Michael Carlson interviewed in Sarasota Magazine](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/25227/michael-carlson-interviewed-in-sarasota-magazine) Fri, Aug 28, 2009 [![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241110-jpg/images/summer_sarasota.jpg)](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14244832-pdf/docs/summer_sarasota.pdf) Click to read the interview. [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/25227/michael-carlson-interviewed-in-sarasota-magazine) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14242422-jpg/images/_aia4012.jpg) [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [award](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/award), [aia](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/aia), [Announcements](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/announcements), [associate](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/associate) ### [Carlson Studio's Jedd Heap Wins State AIA Award](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/22330/carlson-studio-s-jedd-heap-wins-state-aia-award) Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | The American Institute of Architects for the state of Florida has awarded [Jedd Heap, Associate AIA, LEED AP](https://www.carbonae.com/key-personnel/---jedd-heap/) of Carlson Studio Architecture the Associate Member... | | --- | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/22330/carlson-studio-s-jedd-heap-wins-state-aia-award) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14235787-png/images/biz941_award_web.png) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [architecture](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/architecture), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [Michael](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/michael), [sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/sarasota), [studio](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/studio), [award](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/award) ### [CARLSON STUDIO ARCHITECTURE WINS GREEN BUSINESS AWARD FROM BIZ 941](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/19355/carlson-studio-architecture-wins-green-business-award-from-biz-941) Fri, Jan 09, 2009 [![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14235787-png/images/biz941_award_web.png)](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14244176-pdf/docs/biz941_award_09.pdf) [Biz941.com](http://www.biz941.com/Articles/2009/01/Best-Green-Businesses.asp) [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/19355/carlson-studio-architecture-wins-green-business-award-from-biz-941)