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Join Nathan Kipnis, AIA Fellow and sustainability expert, for an in-depth exploration of the 2030 Commitment. Presented by the Small Firms Exchange DC, this session is tailored specifically to show how small firms can easily achieve these sustainability goals.

As the principal of Kipnis Architecture + Planning, Nathan brings decades of expertise in environmentally responsible design. His firm was named one of the top 25 environmental architectural firms in the U.S., and his leadership in sustainability initiatives is widely recognized. A founding member of the AIA’s 2030 Commitment Working Group, Nathan will share practical strategies, real-world examples, and insights on how small firms can implement sustainability practices without overwhelming complexity.

The session will also feature a live energy model demo and a Q&A session, allowing attendees to directly engage with Nathan on their own challenges and opportunities in sustainability.

Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the foremost experts in sustainable architecture and design, and gain the tools to future-proof your practice while meeting the 2030 sustainability targets.

Presented by

Nathan Kipnis FAIA LEED AP BD+C
Nathan Kipnis is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the principal of Kipnis Architecture + Planning, with offices in Evanston, Illinois, and Boulder, Colorado. His firm has been recognized as one of the top 25 environmental architectural firms in the U.S., and their designs have been widely published both locally and nationally.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Nathan was a founding member of the AIA's 2030 Commitment Working Group in 2009 and served as its national co-chair from 2018 to 2019. He has also been an active member of the AIA’s Sustainability Leadership Group and the Committee on Climate Action and Design Excellence. Currently, he serves on the Executive Committee of the AIA’s Small Firm Exchange, where he focuses on promoting sustainability initiatives to the AIA’s network of small firms.

Nathan holds an Environmental Design degree from the University of Colorado Boulder (1983) and a Master of Architecture with a focus on Energy Conscious Design from Arizona State University. In 1983, he designed his first solar home in Boulder, marking the beginning of his long commitment to sustainable architecture.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the 2030 Challenge, its baselines and metrics, and what design processes are needed to achieve 2030 Challenge targets.
• Demonstrate how small firms can participate in the 2030 Commitment.
• Identify specific characteristics of an energy efficient and integrative design process.
• Explain the importance of energy analysis and assessment throughout the design process.

Sponsored by

Sustainable Building Partners