Sustainable Materials Specialist

LPA is committed to making sustainability and building performance the foundation of every design, regardless of size, scale or budget. Over the years, we have built a model for a multidisciplinary, research-driven design process, with a collaborative culture focused on analysis and problem-solving. For two years in a row (2018-19), we were the largest firm in the country to surpass the AIA 2030 Commitment target of reducing energy use in our buildings by more than 70 percent.
This full-time position requires a passion for building materials and understanding their human and environmental health impacts through a life-cycle perspective. This position will be embedded in our Sustainability & Applied Research team which is comprised of sustainability experts, analysts and researchers supporting project teams across all studios and practice areas. Because this team is dispersed among various regions in California and Texas, the ideal candidate must be able to effectively collaborate, coordinate and communicate virtually and across offices. Open to any location where LPA has offices.
Key Attributes:

• Passion for advancing the architectural industry's knowledge, engagement and implementation of low impact, healthier building materials
• Enjoys working with project teams and advocating for sustainable material selections
• Working knowledge of environmental certifications (Environmental Product Declarations) and human health certifications (Health Product Declarations, Declare Labels, C2C, etc)
• Working knowledge of "Substances of Concern" as they relate to human and public health
• Working knowledge of embodied carbon in materials, including LCA processes and software
• Understands the alignment with third-party rating systems such as LEED and WELL
• Articulate and comfortable public speaker able to lead and/or participate in meetings and charrettes with clients and project teams
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant job experience; work within the design profession is preferred
• Educational background is flexible and could include architecture, interiors, construction, material science, environmental science and/or public health as it relates to the intersection of architecture, building materials, human health and environmental impact.
• LEED and/or WELL Accreditation a plus

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing internal and external thought leadership regarding building materials, material science and human and environmental health
• Working with project teams across practice areas and studios to select and specify lower impact materials on projects
• Assist in the creation and delivery of educational programming and materials relevant to sustainable building materials
• Close collaboration with LPA materials librarian(s) and those engaging with sales reps and manufacturers
• Ability to influence approach to materials libraries, vendor engagement and specification standards throughout LPA
• Represent LPA in industry committees, conferences and forums

LPA is an integrated design firm with offices in California and Texas. We specialize in creating innovative, sustainable environments that work better, do more with less and improve people's lives. We provide a vibrant and rewarding work environment-one that values and fosters creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, community engagement and ongoing career development and growth. LPA is also committed to diversity, wellness and work-life balance. LPA offers competitive salaries and generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial, wellness and other work/life plans.
The salary range for this position is $57,000 - $90,000 and is eligible for an annual bonus. If you are hired at LPA, your base salary is based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience and/or project complexity. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AND RECRUITERS:
Please note that LPA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed contract, LPA will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. In the situation an agency or recruiter submits a candidate or resume without a previously signed agreement and/or without LPA's request, LPA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of LPA.