Architect Michele L. Van Hyfte, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, recognized for her experience in sustainable and resilient design, has joined HOK because the regional sustainability chief for Texas and a firmwide chief in resiliency.
With over 25 years {of professional} expertise, Van Hyfte brings a particular mixture of experience in structure, city design, sustainability and resilience. She is main the Austin studio’s sustainable design initiatives and resilience methods throughout Texas.
Van Hyfte joins HOK with a powerful record of accomplishments. In her latest function as vp of city design on the Downtown Austin Alliance, she championed city design, planning, land growth and public coverage initiatives that have been instrumental in establishing Austin as a hub for sustainability and resilience. Earlier in her profession, as sustainability director at Seton Healthcare Household, Van Hyfte pioneered and managed a complete sustainability program that set new benchmarks throughout the healthcare trade.
As a registered architect in Texas, Van Hyfte is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a LEED Accredited Skilled. She serves as an advisory council member and the native local weather impacts strategic council chairperson of the City Land Institute’s (ULI) Austin District Council and is the president of the board of administrators of the Middle for Most Potential Constructing Techniques.
“Michele’s proficiency in sustainable design and resilience will probably be an amazing asset to our crew,” mentioned HOK Director of Sustainable Design Anica Landreneau, ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP. “Her expertise in main numerous groups, selling sustainable initiatives and advocating for code and coverage adjustments aligns completely with HOK’s values.”
“As we broaden our footprint throughout Texas and the Central U.S., Michele’s deep understanding of and wonderful status throughout the Austin group will probably be invaluable,” mentioned Jay Tatum, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, managing principal for HOK in Texas. “We’re thrilled to have her on our crew.”
Along with her skilled roles, Van Hyfte has a distinguished historical past of advocacy and public talking, which has positioned her as a central determine in sustainable growth and coverage dialogue. By way of her energetic participation in numerous legislative classes, group advisory teams and job forces, she has emerged as a number one voice in environmental initiatives. Van Hyfte’s affect reaches quite a few high-profile platforms, together with the CleanMed Nationwide Convention, a premier nationwide environmental convention for leaders in healthcare sustainability; the Greenbuild Worldwide Convention, the world’s largest convention and expo devoted to inexperienced constructing; and the Nationwide League of Cities Annual Conference, a gathering of municipal officers to debate metropolis priorities. She has additionally made notable contributions to policy-making by her involvement within the Metropolis of Austin’s Neighborhood Local weather Plan and Mayor’s Zero-Vitality Succesful Houses Initiative and Austin Vitality’s Useful resource Era Plan.
Acknowledged as a group thought chief, Van Hyfte has obtained a number of accolades, together with the John V. Nyfeler, FAIA, Neighborhood Service Award in 2018 and the Younger Architectural Skilled of the 12 months Award in 2004 from the AIA Austin Chapter. She is a 2007 graduate of Management Austin and has additionally been an energetic participant in numerous group organizations devoted to environmental conservation and sustainable city planning.
