--- title: Sustainable Design Blog & Information | LEED (5) description: LEED | Sustainable design blog providing articles, insight, & research information for green building projects. (5) --- # Sustainable Design Blog ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239926-jpg/images/lwr_desk1.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [lakewood ranch](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/lakewood-ranch), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [desk](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/desk), [coutertop](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/coutertop), [solid surface](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/solid-surface) ### [Carlson Studio Design Choosen for National Case Study](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/33513/carlson-studio-design-choosen-for-national-case-study) Mon, Jun 07, 2010 | [Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces](http://www.cambriausa.com/) has chosen the countertop design at [Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery](https://www.carbonae.com/projects/---public/lwr-plastic/) for a national case study. They choose the project due to its unique use of the material which pushed the limits of the product. Features include a 4" edge and curved form. Parried with Bamboo laminated cabinetry and glass accent tile, the Check-in and Check-out desks create an incredible design feature for this project. Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery is currently seeking LEED-CI certification. When pursuing LEED certification it is important that all installed materials help the design become more sustainable. Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces are durable, nonporous composite products composed of 93% quartz. Cambria surfaces do not off-gas and contain zero formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Cambria surfaces are GREENGUARD for Children and Schools certified and GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified. | ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239926-jpg/images/lwr_desk1.jpg) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239958-jpg/images/lwr_desk2.jpg) | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/33513/carlson-studio-design-choosen-for-national-case-study) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239581-jpg/images/lwps050510.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [usgbc](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/usgbc), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [sarasota](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/sarasota), [healthy building](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/healthy-building), [healthcare](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/healthcare), [jedd](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/jedd), [heap](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/heap) ### [Operation Soothing: LWR Plastic Surgery's Green Office in Maddux](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/32687/operation-soothing-lwr-plastic-surgery-s-green-office-in-maddux) Wed, May 05, 2010 | [Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery](http://www.carlsonstudio.org/projects/---public/lwr-plastic/) has been showcased in the May 2010 issue of [Maddux Business Report](http://www.maddux.com/2010/May/toc.asp). The article features the Sustainable & Architectural features of the project.  Article below or click image for PDF version. by Jennifer Lugo A cosmetic surgery center brings calm through architecture and design: When passersby come into your office just to get a closer look at the décor and drop some compliments, you know you've got a unique design going on. That's the case at Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery & Skin Care,a first-floor office of a three-story, otherwise nondescript medical office building near Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The facility is a new one for the husband and wife team of Drs. Joshua and Andrea Kreithen. To design their dream office, the couple worked with Sarasota's Carlson Studio Architecture. "Their old space was a typical, cold medical space with white bare walls," says Jedd Heap of Carlson Studio and primary designer. "The doctors came to us looking for an organic, spa-type feel." Carlson Studio pulled the look off with a smart use of natural materials like stone, cork and wood. Curvy walls, undulating ceiling light fixtures and wavy flooring transitions eliminate all sense of "boxy" office space within the five exam rooms, four offices and the tranquil lobby space. Inspiration also came, Heap says, from the doctors' original artwork that's displayed throughout the space. The purple partial wall in the lobby,for example, was built to anchor the sofa and provide a place to hang a painting. "Most of the scenes in their artwork are organic landscapes, almost surrealist," says Heap. "We wanted to integrate those into the design." The lobby space has two main focal points - a "water wall" and a stone wall. The water wall screens the waiting area from the hallway that leads to the exam rooms. The stone wall begins in the lobby and continues into an exam room, winding through the space and out to the exit. It's dotted with lighted apertures for product display. Besides the obvious aesthetics, the project is registered to earn a "Silver" designation for green commercial interiors from the U.S. Green Building Council. The office is located in a corner of the building, which allows for daylight and outdoor views from most of the interior spaces. White translucent glass runs along the lower portion of the exam room corridor and clear glass runs above to provide ample natural light but maintain privacy. Other sustainable features include: - Zoned thermostats - Carpet tiles with recycled content - Renewable materials like cork and bamboo - Low-flow plumbing fixtures and sensor faucets - Lighting sensors and high-efficiency lighting - Custom-built, no-added formaldehyde cabinetry and desks - Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) interior paint - Reused and Green Guard-certified furniture The result is just what the doctors ordered. "People tell us it's the prettiest office they've ever seen," says Josie Cirrintano, the doctors' office receptionist. "We get compliments all the time. Not only from patients, but from people going to see other doctors." Says Heap: "When you walk through the door, it's a mindset change."   |  [![lakewood ranch plastic surgery](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14239581-jpg/images/lwps050510.jpg?width=259&height=346&name=lwps050510.jpg)](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-2417172686-pdf/docs/lwps-050510a.pdf) | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/32687/operation-soothing-lwr-plastic-surgery-s-green-office-in-maddux) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241480-jpg/images/twl_web_1.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [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), [jedd](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/jedd), [aia](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/aia), [tampa](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/tampa), [heap](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/heap) ### [Carlson Studio Architecture has been asked present their body of work to the Tampa Bay AIA Chapter](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/32312/carlson-studio-architecture-has-been-asked-present-their-body-of-work-to-the-tampa-bay-aia-chapter) Thu, Apr 22, 2010 | Michael Carlson, AIA, LEED AP & Jedd W. Heap, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP will present several of the firms LEED certified projects and discuss the philosophies behind each project's design and environmental integration. Carlson Studio Architecture is a Sarasota-based, full service architecture firm, committed to design excellence, comprehensive project delivery and personal attention to each project. The firm is a regional leader in sustainable design and LEED projects. Sustainability is a key principal we apply to all of our projects. The integrated design approach that we utilize in all our work allows us to provide high quality, high performance buildings for our clients. We look at our buildings as part of the greater "whole system." Everything is part of one Whole System.   | ![Twin Lakes](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241480-jpg/images/twl_web_1.jpg?width=261&height=180&name=twl_web_1.jpg) ![Sun N Fun Idoor Pool](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241181-jpg/images/sunnfun_sm-resized-600.jpg?width=315&height=74&name=sunnfun_sm-resized-600.jpg)  | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/32312/carlson-studio-architecture-has-been-asked-present-their-body-of-work-to-the-tampa-bay-aia-chapter) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14240028-jpg/images/mc_new_image2_bw.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [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), [usbgc](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/usbgc) ### [Michael Carlson to speak at USF about Green Building](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/32309/michael-carlson-to-speak-at-usf-about-green-building) Thu, Apr 22, 2010 | Thursday, April 29 Roundtable discussion on Sustainable Building:  Turning Green into Green. Hosted by University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.  It is part of the Environmental Economics Policy Forum at USF. Lee-En Chung will be serving as moderator for  the Roundtable. Panelist include: Michael Carlson, AIA, LEED AP / Carlson Studio Architecture Ben Sasse / Willis A. Smith Construction Monica Kennedy / Elite Solar The Roundtable will be held in the Selby Auditorium on the USF Sarasota/Manatee campus. 3:30-5:30 PM. [http://sarasota.usf.edu/green/ ](http://sarasota.usf.edu/green/) **Series Overview** The 2010 Environmental Economics Policy Forum Series will consist of three presentations on critical environmental issues facing our world, with each having not only global, but also local implications. In each Forum program the respective issue will be addressed, reviewed and analyzed, and then attendees will be encouraged to comment and provide questions related to the topic. **Roundtable Series** The 2010 Environmental Economics Policy Roundtable Series will consist of three presentations on critical environmental issues facing the Sarasota-Manatee area. During each Roundtable, panels of local area experts / practitioners will participate in a directed question discussion, and questions will be taken from the audience both in advance and during the presentation.   |  ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14240028-jpg/images/mc_new_image2_bw.jpg?width=240&height=171&name=mc_new_image2_bw.jpg) | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/32309/michael-carlson-to-speak-at-usf-about-green-building) ![](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) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [healthy building](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/healthy-building), [healthcare](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/healthcare) ### [THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY OF SW FLORIDA BEGINS CONSTRUCTION](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/27616/the-wellness-community-of-sw-florida-begins-construction) Wed, Oct 28, 2009 | After almost a years of delay, The Wellness Community of SW Florida has begun the vertical phase of construction. Follow along with the construction as it progresses with our slide show of images. The slide show will be updated every two weeks. [Building Hope](http://www.carlsonstudio.org/projects/---public/wellness/) |   | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/27616/the-wellness-community-of-sw-florida-begins-construction) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14241270-jpg/images/tribune_092809.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [carlson](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/carlson), [LEED](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/leed), [Michael](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/michael), [home](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/home), [HGTV](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/hgtv) ### [Greening your House, HGTV 2009 Green Home features applied your home](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/26433/greening-your-house-hgtv-2009-green-home-features-applied-your-home) Mon, Sep 28, 2009 | Carlson Studio Architecture's [HGTV 2009 Green Home](http://www.carlsonstudio.org/projects/---public/hgtv-2009-green-home/) was featured in Harold Bubil's (of the Herald Tribune) recent article about how to take small steps in greening... | | --- | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/26433/greening-your-house-hgtv-2009-green-home-features-applied-your-home) ![](https://www.carbonae.com/hs-fs/file-14240458-jpg/images/ribbon.jpg) [green](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/topic/green), [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) ### [Residents of Janie's Garden Open their Community Center](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/25369/residents-of-janie-s-garden-open-their-community-center) Wed, Sep 02, 2009 | Janie's Garden, an 86-unit, garden-style community in North Sarasota opened yesterday. The apartment community replaces the former Janie Poe public housing complex and... | | --- | [Read More](https://www.carbonae.com/journal/bid/25369/residents-of-janie-s-garden-open-their-community-center)