Greg Mella

Greg was thinking green before much of their society thought about sustainability, or even heard of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. As director of sustainable design, he brings an in-depth knowledge of environmentally-intelligent building materials and practices to every project and uses a "whole building" systems-oriented approach that examines how to integrate architecture with the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to maximize shared benefits. Greg's design of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Merrill Center, the world's first LEED Platinum Building, created a paragon on sustainability. As someone delighted "to design cool buildings that are connected to their place," Greg is inspired by conservationist Aldo Leopold. "Just the idea that the environment is something vital and has value has shaped the way he views the role of architecture," notes Greg. "His writing taught him the importance of forging a connection to nature."