The Framing Futures Architectural Firm was founded by Androsky Lugo, an architect, and entrepreneur who truly wants to live up to the ambitious name of his organization. To him, looking ahead means embracing new ideas, particularly when it comes to the bigger needs of our planet and the plants, animals, and humans who make their homes here. He describes eco-friendly attitudes and options in his industry and why it’s so important for all architects to understand how they’re being incorporated into modern buildings.
Carbon and Construction
Of all industries, construction, and design have been notoriously slow to adapt. This has turned out to be unfortunate for all of us who care about our environment. Construction is a huge contributor to the world’s annual emissions, largely because of the products used in the process. Androsky Lugo says that it’s simple to understand why this is in some respects. Developers, foremen, and workers alike have spent years nailing down techniques that help them protect employees, make money, and meet deadlines. However, the lack of innovation has led to some alarming stats, and not everyone realizes just how big the problem has become.
Thankfully, there has been some movement over the last few years, and Lugo says that there have been some notable techniques that do seem to have staying power. For instance, there’s been more value put on local and recycled materials. Imported goods used for new buildings may sound like a selling point for a buyer, but the bigger reality is that importation means transportation.
By choosing local, you’re not only putting money back into the community, but you’re also cutting down on trucks on the road and planes in the sky. At Framing Futures Architectural Firm, the emphasis for Lugo and all employees is being smart about what they have around them as opposed to declaring that there must be something better out there if only they were able to look far enough.
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A. Alberto Lugo on an Eco-Friendly Future
While Silicon Valley makes 3D printers that can run off entire homes for pennies on the dollar, most firms continue with the same basic process they might have had 50 or even 100 years ago. (This has persisted even as the construction trades see a dearth of workers.) Androsky Lugo explains that shifting people to become more sustainable won’t happen overnight, but he does see how new developments combined with the younger generations’ priorities have given him hope for the future.
At his firm, he promotes the idea of balance, something that is increasingly important as new trends take hold of his profession. For instance, Gen Z has been more interested in more intricate architecture, as opposed to the stark, clean lines that Millennials may have gravitated toward in the past. To satisfy these needs without overstepping on their carbon footprint, his firm has to be mindful of where to meet in the middle. He reminds everyone, including buyers and developers, that being aware of the problems and open-minded about their solutions is the only way for everyone to come out ahead.
