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News2025-12-17T20:36:56-08:00

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STUDIO 101: Our First Cars The McLennan Design studio staff shares their very first cars. Read this story along with the rest of the Fall 2025 Love+Regeneration. Link in our Linktree Bio. #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture Landscape Architecture Program This past week we had the pleasure of hosting Washington State University’s third-year landscape architecture students as they presented their term projects to our team for review. The project, led by Prof. Dan Cronan and our own Johanna Collins, explores a landscape design for a farmer’s hub in Liberia for the client WASUDEV (Women in Architecture for Sustainable Development). The project brief included both specific program criteria and existing site constraints. For the students, it was an important challenge and an excellent opportunity to develop their skills in research, critical thinking, and concept clarity. It was great to see all the creative proposals the students brought to the project. @sdc_wsu, @wsuasla, @wsupullman, @jo_colllins #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #wsu, #washingtonstateuniversity, #voilandcollegeofengineeringandarchitecture
THE POWER OF IRRESISTIBLE STAIRS https://isu.pub/LFMNUb9 WE LOVE A GOOD STAIRCASE. One of the core design principles of our practice is to Elevate the In-Between Spaces. These interstitial spaces - staircases, hallways, transitions, porches, vestibules - are often overlooked, yet are in many ways the most important places in a building. Special attention given to these areas elevates the overall design and experience of moving through a building. Let’s examine a few of our favorite stairs and the myriad ways they - literally - elevate our projects. This L+R feature highlights some of our favorite staircases and highlights the fabulous work of our P+W partner studios. #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #stairs, #staircase
THE RENTON SHOP Functional Sustainability King Country Renton Shop, Renton, WA See more photos in our bio LinkTree The first mass timber, net-zero Living Building for King County. Client: King County Parks Ops & Maintenance Size: 50,250 sf Completion Date: June 12, 2025 Sustainability: Pursuing LBC Energy Petal Certification Completed by McLennan Design as Design Architect, and HDR Architecture as Architect of Record Photos by Dan Schwalm #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #rentonshop, #kingcounty
From a Past of Extraction to a Future of Regeneration Read article in our Bio LinkTree Jason F. McLennan is one of the most influential figures in sustainable architecture, the creator of the Living Building Challenge and a catalyst behind some of the greenest buildings on the planet. He lives here on Bainbridge Island, where we both call home, yet his work and impact stretch around the world. But what I wanted to understand was why. What is the deeper engine behind his lifelong environmental mission? In November 2025, I sat down with him to find out. - Steve Richards, ethos-project.org
We celebrated our 3rd annual Friendsgiving in the Bainbridge Island studio last week, featuring a resplendent potluck of dishes provided by members of our team. This has quickly become a beloved tradition in our office, allowing us all a chance to connect, sample cultural cuisines from our diverse and talented team, and reflect on our thankfulness for another year spent working on truly transformative projects. We hope you, too, have a chance to slow down and connect with good people over good food this holiday week. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the McLennan Design/Bainbridge Island P&W studio! #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan
THE MAITLAND CHART HOUSE Maitland, Ontario Link to full issue in our Bio LinkTree Our wonderful client – Philip Ling went exploring one day along the shores of the majestic Saint Lawrence River in Ontario, Canada and ended up in the small town of Maitland – staring at an abandoned windmill structure on a beautiful stretch of riverfront. Soon it would consume him and he found himself the owner – but really the steward of this historic property – the site of amazing Canadian history – like the building of the last French ship before losing to the British and Upper Canada’s second largest flour mill. Philip had a vision to help heal this stretch of the water and restore old stone ruins to their former glory. He embraced the Living Building Challenge – and soon after – was working with our team. #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #maitlandcharthouse
LOVE+REGENERATION • Fall ‘25 Link in Bio LinkTree I often write these intro letters while traveling, as it seems to give me a different perspective on our work serving our clients in so many different places. This time I am writing while traveling to Merida, Mexico – where we are kicking off the design of a new campus. I’ll share more on that in a future issue! But for this issue, we turn back time a bit to a project that we worked on pre-pandemic – the wonderful little Maitland Chart House and Maitland Masterplan – a historic place in my home province of Ontario. It has been great seeing what was once a crumbling relic turn back into a community asset thanks to my friend – Philip Ling’s vision and efforts. A short essay summarizes the work. Also in this issue are several other interesting things to share with you all. We provide an update on a groundbreaking summit we recently held on Bainbridge Island that we called – the Death&Life of the Green Building Movement. We hosted around 60 people from across the Country and Canada in discussing and analyzing what went right – and wrong over the last couple decades in our efforts to make change. My friend Elena Bondereva helped me host the event and she shares a summary. There is a fun article I wrote over the summer called “My Life in Cars” where I talk about how the passage of time can often be marked by the vehicles we drove at the time – and then members of our team share their first cars – and there are some cool ones! And like always, we try to focus on people and projects we care about – and this issue is dedicated to the memory of Paula McEvoy a colleague at Perkins&Will and a long-time green warrior who passed away too soon this year. Enjoy and let us know how you like this issue! #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #loveandregeneration, #maitlandcharthouse, #livingfuture, #themagicofimperfection
Yale Divinity School’s Living Regenerative Residence Hall welcomes it’s first students The Yale Divinity School Living Regenerative Residence Hall celebrated it’s grand opening this week. Jason F. McLennan, founder of the Living Building Challenge and contributor to the projects Masterplan, spoke at the opening celebration. Stories in bio. #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #yaledivinityschool, #yale
HENRICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING Center for Environmental Science & Sustainability Perkins&Will | Bainbridge Island Perkins&Will | North Carolina STORY & VIDEO in bio We’re excited to see the kickoff of our Living Building project for Henrico County Public Schools with the official Groundbreaking ceremony that took place this Monday, Sept 29th. Representatives from the School Board, City, Design Team, and Contractor Team were all present to place the first shovels in the ground and kickstart the realization of this ambitious regenerative project! #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #henricocounty, #henricocountrypublicschools, #perkinswillnorthcarolina
Jane Goodall, Legendary Conservationist 1934-2025 Through her decades of groundbreaking research, Jane Goodall inspired generations to become tireless advocates for animal welfare and environmental conservation. Photos by Shutterstock #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #PerkinsWill, #livingbuildingchallenge, #JaneGoodall
POCKET SIZED PEP TALKS The Magic of Imperfection By Jason F. McLennan Full podcast found on Apple/Spotify “The Magic of Imperfection” available at Amazon.com In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn: • An explanation for, “strategic imperfection,” and how it differs from simply lowering our standards. • A concept called the “¾ baked” philosophy, what that means, and how it can be applied in a fast-paced sales environment. • How strategic imperfection actually increases agility and confidence in moments where quick pivots are needed. • Why Jason encourages people to look forward to failure, despite many people clinging to perfection because they’re afraid of judgment or failure.  • How he coaches people to move past fear and actually allow for imperfection. • How using imperfection can help you to stand out in crowded markets.  • Some common traps that perfectionists fall into that kill creativity and productivity. • One small, practical shift a listener can make today to stop overthinking and start finishing what matters.
POCKET SIZED PEP TALKS The Magic of Imperfection By Jason F. McLennan Full podcast found on Apple/Spotify “The Magic of Imperfection” available at Amazon.com In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn: • An explanation for, “strategic imperfection,” and how it differs from simply lowering our standards. • A concept called the “¾ baked” philosophy, what that means, and how it can be applied in a fast-paced sales environment. • How strategic imperfection actually increases agility and confidence in moments where quick pivots are needed. • Why Jason encourages people to look forward to failure, despite many people clinging to perfection because they’re afraid of judgment or failure.  • How he coaches people to move past fear and actually allow for imperfection. • How using imperfection can help you to stand out in crowded markets.  • Some common traps that perfectionists fall into that kill creativity and productivity. • One small, practical shift a listener can make today to stop overthinking and start finishing what matters.
THE MAGIC OF IMPERFECTION The 3/4 Baked Secret to Unlocking Innovation and Getting More Done by Jason F. McLennan I am thrilled to share the release of my latest book, The Magic of Imperfection. This easily digestible guide contains the “3/4 Baked Secret” to breaking free from perfectionism, overcoming creative blocks, and embracing a more productive lifestyle. If you are looking to learn how to amp up your creative output, unlock innovation, and get more done, this book is the resource you’ve been searching for! Now available for order in multiple formats - including paperback, eBook, and audiobook - on Amazon. #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #McLennanDesign, #PerkinsWill, #themagicofimperfection, #BL publishin
We love it when people come and visit our office on Bainbridge Island. This visit was particularly special. A group of DPR’s Sustainability Leaders paid us a visit to share and connect. Doing Regenerative Design work requires a lot of passion and enthusiasm, and this group brings it all. There is beauty and power in connecting with people who are like minded. Thank you DPR! #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #McLennanDesign, #PerkinsWill, #PerkinsWill, #DPR
Join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month, during the Month of July. Understanding Disability - Disability is a visible or invisible barrier a person faces to operate in a world that disables them. For many years, people thought disability meant physically visible, but the definition reaches far beyond the visible. Disability extends to invisible disabilities including but not limited to learning disabilities, neurodiversity, chronic illnesses, and some mental health conditions. Disability is not simply something we see on someone else. #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #McLennanDesign, #PerkinsWill, #PerkinsWill, #disabilitypridemonth
INSIDE THE STUDIO: Conference Room Welcome to our light-filled conference room, the command center for team collaboration and workshopping! Featuring warm wood elements throughout - including salvaged Douglas Fir windows, doors, and floating shelves - this space is a welcoming home base for our weekly team meetings and brainstorming sessions. A fully operable glazed folding door on the east wall allows the entire room to open up to the exterior patio and lawn space beyond, cementing the office’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor connection. With in-floor radiant heating and Red-List-Free carpet tiles designed in-house, this space is comfortable year-round and provides a great place for team building and innovation! #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #McLennanDesign, #PerkinsWill
HELP US CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF REGENERATIVE AUTHOR CAROL SANFORD https://isu.pub/0mwrlu2 View story in our Linktree bio The end of 2024 saw the world lose the wonderful Carol Sanford – a pioneering voice in regenerative thinking who championed a completely different approach to how businesses of all types should go about the work they do. Vibrant, clear spoken and not afraid to communicate frankly with anyone, what she thought and felt – Carol had an undercurrent of kindness, but no need to sugarcoat truths that needed to be told. I had heard about Carol and her work as far back as the early 2000’s but finally had an opportunity to get to know and befriend her later in that decade. She and I met for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle and we had a long talk about life, business and making change in the world. I found her take on things to be refreshing and inciteful. I soon dove into her world further – eventually asking her to be a keynote speaker at Living Future where she came and gave an incredible speech to the 1200 people in attendance. Over the years, we kept in touch and shared ideas. I truly valued her way of approaching things and her commitment to living a life of purpose. Carol spent a great deal of her time as a transformative business consultant with a long and impressive history of working with corporate America to make it better. She authored numerous books urging people to rethink the status quo and to recommit to deep transformative change- and as she described it “solving for essence”. I recommend them highly. Carol was a force of nature. She passed away the morning of November 27th, 2024 and will be truly missed. – Jason F. McLennan #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #McLennanDesign, #PerkinsWill, #CarolSanford
Can we be better ancestors? The relevance of Regenerative architecture today by Nandini Subramanian | July 13, 2025 (Article in our bio-LinkTree) Parametric Architecture featured our beloved HMTX in this article by Nandini Subramanian, discussing the relevance of regenerative architecture in today’s complex construction industry environment. “Humans today impact the planet and its resources much more than any other species, and by conservative estimates, the construction industry alone is responsible for more than 40% consumption of the world’s natural resources, apart from being the biggest contributor, at 40%, of global greenhouse gas emissions. These figures implore for action to be taken and taken quickly, not just to prevent further damage but also to restore extracted natural habitats and ecosystems in the most efficient way possible. This is where regenerative architecture can help to bridge the gap between what is and what was. It would be a genuine attempt for man and nature to not only co-exist but also co-evolve together. To ensure positive outcomes for both people and the planet.” Photo by Anton Grassl #livingfuture, #architecture, #sustainablearchitecture, #sustainabledesign, #sustainability, #regenerativedesign, #perkinswill, #perkinsandwill, #mclennandesign, #netzero, #JasonFMcLennan, #McLennanDesign, #PerkinsWill, #parametricarchitecture, #hmtx
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