Interior designer Beth Holden said she used to encounter difficulty in educating clients about green building practices. More and more home owners are now seeking that information.

 
Photo Credits: Larry Shield

Women in Green Forum addressed how to meet clients needs and expectations in a holistic approach that incorporates sustainable practices for developing, building, remodeling, interior decorating and utilities.

This was the topic of a seminar, "Perspectives From the Field: Green Building Challenges and Lessons Learned," held at the 10th annual Alternative Building Materials & Design Expo, at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, Calif. on May 10.

"We try to protect and educate our clients about the remodeling process," said Monica Higgins, founder of Construction Manager Renovation Planners. "The project has to align with their vision and engineer value for them. Eighty percent of home owners have horror stories about remodeling projects."

Green building practices are not at the forefront of owners' minds, said Huggins. What's the house like today? Based on information gathered, the builders and developers need to share green building strategies with the clients.

Laura Hannah, senior manager of Interconnection at SolarCity, helps projects comply with utilities, so there's an inter-connection and partner with the city. "Utilities need to know how the home is going to tie into the infrastructure," said Hannah. "We grant permission to give power to the system. We show you how to overcome barriers."

Sarah Barnard, who owns her own design firm, said her clients appreciate when the house can endure and perform. On the bigger projects, they may seek sustainability at the forefront.

"Residential clients often have high hopes, but doing the right thing may not always be their thing," said Barnard. "We try to keep them on track by talking about home health. We can make spaces responsibly healthy. Give your clients the information and power to make decisions."

A lot of household products have not been approved as green products by the city of Los Angeles, said interior designer Beth Holden, principal of New Theme, Inc. In 2005 she contacted the mayor's office. Now the city has a green building code.