EP.11 / Kristi Paulson, AIA, Paulson Poei Projects on Healthy Haus and Sustainable Design in SoCal
The Healthy Haus is a case study for how to prioritize true sustainability in Southern California, rewilding the land, utilizing passive heating and cooling, specifying environmentally friendly construction materials, and promoting the well-being of not only the user, but also every construction worker.
Welcome to the first episode of 2024! In this episode we speak with Kristi Paulson, a partner at Behnisch Architekten, about their mission to promote sustainability in architecture. Behnisch was founded in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1989 and expanded to Los Angeles in 1999. They are known for pushing the boundaries of design and incorporating sustainability, passive systems, and environmentally friendly materials into their work. In this episode, we discuss their Healthy Haus Campus project, which exemplifies this commitment. Our conversation focuses on the firm's approach to sustainability, the intersection of global and local perspectives in design, and Kristi’s role as a leader in the architecture industry in Southern California.
The Healthy Haus project team collaborated with other design, landscape and engineering firms to prioritize sustainability, use environmentally friendly construction materials, and promote worker well-being while building on-site. We highlight the details of these materials and systems and how they can be added to most designs. We also talk about the benefits of working in Los Angeles with the unique energy and creativity of the city.
The project draws inspiration from California's native landscapes, and the concept was developed as part of a competition to re-envision an old agricultural site for a private company's office campus. We touch on the importance of fair competition in the architecture industry and what the future holds for Kristi and Behnisch in Los Angeles.
About Kristi Paulson, AIA
Kristi Paulson is an impactful leader, partner, and founder of the Los Angeles studio of Behnisch Architekten which has now transitioned into her new office, PAULSON POEI PROJECTS. She designs buildings that deal with today’s most urgent challenges: addressing climate change, fostering human connection, promoting wellness, and championing equity.
Her expertise is honed by two decades of experience delivering exceptional structures that maximize their impact by seamlessly integrating visionary design and advanced sustainability strategies. She balances building performance, ecological responsibility, and design excellence to create enduring spaces that are inviting and accessible for everyone.
Kristi’s design leadership coupled with her imaginative and insightful ideas have led to a variety of award-winning projects at the forefront of design and innovation including SC Workplace, Google Spruce Goose in Playa Vista, Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center which will proudly exhibit a vertically stacked Space Shuttle Endeavour, UC Berkeley’s Maximino Martinez Commons and Santa Monica’s Parking Structure 6, among others.
Kristi is a licensed architect in California and Washington. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies at the University of Washington and her Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia.
Learn more about Behnisch Architekten
Learn more about Paulson Poei Projects
Topics Covered
Behnisch Architekten’s mission and why Kristi decided to work with them
Differences in architecture and design culture between the Pacific Northwest, Los Angeles, and Germany
How Behnisch cultivates a learning environment for young architects
The backstory and inspiration behind Healthy Haus
The importance of selecting construction materials that are sustainable and environmentally friendly
Prioritizing the health and well being of construction workers
Incorporating passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and insulation, into designs
How Healthy Haus cultivates microecology and biodiversity on the site
Kristi’s goals for 2024 and the launch of Paulson Poei Projects
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