Good Leads the Way; A Headquarters' Decarbonization Journey

The renovation and restack of 13 floors at the United Airlines headquarters in Chicago created a hybrid workplace infused with a dynamic energy that reinforces employee pride. This space brings together staff through shared experiences connected to United's brand story: an airline where Good Leads the Way. Re-use and revitalization of the existing space was a priority to align with United's sustainability goals. Circular design strategies were implemented, creating a next-life in lieu of an end-life for many of the tenant improvement materials and furniture. After optimizing reuse, new FF&E specifications included criteria for recycled content, material and occupant health, yielding a significant embodied carbon reduction of over 3,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions. This large-scale project case study demonstrates how circular design/economy strategies can be incorporated to deliver successful next-generation workplace environments while having a positive impact on people and planet.

Brett Gardner, RID, LEED AP BD+C, CSR-P

Senior Director of Sustainability

IA Interior Architects

Brett Gardner is IA’s Senior Director of Sustainability and leads IA’s organizational ESG initiatives and client sustainability services through IA’s Ecos Studio. He has over 32 years of combined experience in the commercial interior design and environmental health industries with the completion of over 15 million square feet of projects in the US and global locations. He has also led and managed the LEED Certification process on over 50 projects, including 4 platinum and 24 gold certifications. Brett is a Certified Sustainability Practitioner (CSR-P), Illinois Registered Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and LEED AP BD+C.

Erin Dayrit, NCIDQ, IIDA

Senior Designer

IA Interior Architects

Erin Dayrit is an Senior Associate and Senior Designer with over 15 years of experience where she leads design strategy for workplaces across the nation supporting client’s business, workflow and brand in the built environment and focus on incorporating inclusive, sustainable design into projects. Client’s include United Airlines, McDonald’s, Papa Johns, and Coca-Cola. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master of Interior Design from Harrington College of Design. She is also an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer and a member of IIDA.

Amy Gaddis, AIA

Aviation Strategy, Design, & Construction

ID8 Design + Consulting

Amy Gaddis is a strategic leader with a passion for thinking of new possibilities and new ways of doing ordinary things. With extensive experience building teams of owners, architects, interior designers, engineers, stakeholders and project managers, Amy is known for driving solutions focused on creating unique and transformational spaces for customers, the traveling public, stakeholders, and the workforce.

Amy’s approach is one of agility and authenticity, focused on developing solutions and environments which are resilient – more agile and organic to allow for future flexibility and adaptability.

Bob King

Associate Principal

Continua Interiors

Bob King, Associate Principal at Continua Interiors, has a proven record of leadership and client satisfaction. As the key Principal for the UAL Willis Refresh project, he ensured seamless collaboration among UAL, IA, and JLL. A top producer for several years, Bob’s success stems from strong leadership and a talented team. His career began in West Michigan, where an internship at Herman Miller ignited his passion for innovative office environments. Known for meaningful client relationships and tailored solutions, Bob’s dedication consistently drives positive outcomes for clients and colleagues.

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