Pioneering green-build architect to speak at Fall Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands

August 10, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Lifestyle News
HOUSTON, TX - One of Houston’s leading green-build architects, LaVerne A. Williams, AIA, LEED® AP, brings his innovative ideas for green building and remodeling to the Fifth Annual Fall Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands, set for September 8-9 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

Williams, one of the pioneers in the green-build movement, will give a presentation titled “Design for Remodeling and Building Green for Living Smart with Climate Change.”

“Living smart means dealing with climate change, conserving energy and resources, and designing for passive survivability, which is what you can do when you are without power and how you tie it all together with green building,” he said. “That way you can stay reasonably comfortable and still weather the storms that come our way.”

Williams, founder of Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants, wants to teach people steps they can take during the design process that will lessen the impact on the environment and on their pocketbook.

“I want them to come away knowing what they can do to their home to help save money on electricity bills and upkeep and have a lesser footprint on the earth,” he said.

Williams said taking steps to find the proper building materials for roofs and insulation, proper placement of porches, and size and treatment of windows to take advantage of shading and natural breezes are all considerations homeowners should make to do their part in protecting the environment. They will also keep more money in their pockets and have a healthier lifestyle.

“A lot of materials being used are creating indoor pollution. These materials are not only bad for the environment but for people’s health.”

Williams, who has done more than a thousand consultations with individuals about greening their homes, said he developed his concern for the world around him from the example set by his parents.

He said educating the public about how to build or remodel their homes in an Earth-friendly way is not only a passion of his but essential if we want our children to enjoy some of what we were so fortunate to have.

Also on the green scene, kitchen and bath expert Peggy McGowen, ASID, CMKBD, will present products and design techniques that are more green and energy efficient. She will also cover universal design, an area that addresses the needs of progressive disabilities such as arthritis and failing eyesight. Gardening expert Randy Lemmon will present “Going Green – Baby Steps in Getting Organic!” Lemmon will also be broadcasting GardenLine on NewsRadio 740 live from the Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands.

Other featured presenters include the Organizing Dream Team of Dana Berlin and Linda Durham; radio and TV personality, Michael Garfield, The High-Tech Texan; outdoor living expert Ron Thompson, of Thompson’s Landscape Services; and wine storage expert Jost Lunstroth, of Vineyard Wine Cellars.

The Fifth Annual Fall Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands takes place Saturday, September 8, 9:00am–7:00pm and Sunday, September 9, 10:00am-6:00pm. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, Texas, 77380.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children under 12 admitted free. FREE covered parking provided in the Convention Center garage on Six Pines with walkway to the hotel. Valet parking is also available.

For presentation schedule and a list of exhibitors, visit WoodlandsShows.com.