KNOXVILLE — A Knoxville firm has funded an award to help students in the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earn “green” building and sustainability credentials and prepare for costly environmental design exams.
The Brewer Ingram Fuller Sustainable Design Award was established thanks to an endowed gift from Brewer Ingram Fuller Architects in Knoxville. The firm was founded in 1986 by three architecture alumni, Dan Brewer, Lee Ingram and Anthony Fuller.
State and local governments across the country are adopting “green” initiatives for public-owned and public-funded buildings. As this building green trend continues to increase in popularity and spread to privately owned buildings, it is beneficial for architecture and design students to have LEED expertise. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
The award will provide deserving architecture students with financial help in paying for prep materials and exam fees for the new LEED Green Associate (GA) exam. The LEED GA exam focuses primarily on LEED knowledge and sustainability and is considered the foundation to green building education.
“This award will help promote green design among students and encourage them to become better contributors to green design practice in their work after graduating,” Ingram said, “We are pleased to offer this recognition and monetary support to students who share this value with our firm, especially around Earth Day when people are focusing most on environmental issues.”
Brewer Ingram Fuller operates as a green business and has been recognized for its conservation and sustainability practices by the Knoxville Chamber. The firm currently is designing projects incorporating such features as vegetated roofs, solar power generation and daylighting.
Ingram also has taught a studio in energy-conscious design at the college.
“I want to thank Brewer Ingram Fuller for supporting and promoting green design among students,” said Dean John McRae. “We are honored, grateful and proud of these alumni for giving back to the program and helping our students succeed.”
Applicants must currently be enrolled as a fourth-year architecture student and must submit an application indicating their intent to use part of the funds for LEED GA exam fees and prep materials.
A jury composed of one faculty member, a member of the Brewer Ingram Fuller firm and one LEED AP will participate in the selection process each fall.
This gift will be credited to the Campaign for Tennessee. The Campaign for Tennessee — the most ambitious effort in the university’s 214-year history — places UT among the ranks of the nation’s largest public and private institutions that have sought this level of private support.
The campaign, which launched its silent phase in 2005, will secure private gifts that, in turn, will contribute substantially to the distinct, but linked, campuses in the University of Tennessee system. Funds raised through the campaign will directly support the objectives of UT’s strategic plan, including improved student access and success, research and economic development, outreach and globalization.
Contact:
Paul Bowman (865-974-6401, pjbowman@utk.edu)
Kristi Hintz (865-712-6450, khintz@utk.edu)