McDonough's New Institute for Sustainable Design

William McDonough, prominent environmental architect and dean of the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, has now founded a new Institute within the School he heads. The Institute for Sustainable Design has goals nearly as broad as McDonough’s vision, aiming to reinvent industry and community, as well as building design. Although just in its infancy, the Institute may well become a leading forum for developing, prototyping, and disseminating many visionary ideas.

First announced in September 1996, the Institute was officially inaugurated on April 13, 1997—the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, founder of the University. Kristan Mitchell has been staffing the Institute since February. Initial funding for Institute activities has come from the University, from the Sacharuna Foundation, and from the Vera I. Heinz Endowment.