Biography
Sandy is a nationally recognized architect and planner focused on creating inspiring new models for healthy, sustainable living. She brings deep expertise as an Education practice area leader for Gensler’s Northwest region, driving the design of college and university facilities that build vibrant communities, advance research, and support student-centered experiential learning.
Sandy advocates for the transformative potential of campus buildings and landscapes, as these mission-driven projects act as prototypes and pedagogy for the positive future. She is recognized as a LEED fellow by the USGBC, a senior fellow of the Design Futures Council, and serves on numerous committees and boards driving sustainability, equity, and resilience. An early sustainability pioneer and lead author of one of Wiley’s best-selling sustainable design texts, she contributed to the early development of the LEED green building rating system as a national director of the USGBC and served as past chair of AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE).
Design for higher education is about the future. We are cultivating the next generation, building skills and knowledge, as well as values and purpose. Our design work can create places where everyone feels welcome and where the student is supported as a whole person.
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Qualifications and Recognition
Architectural Design, Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St. Louis.
Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture, Pratt Institute.
Doctor of Planning, Policy, and Development, University of Southern California.
Registered Architect: California
LEED Fellow, AIA
Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA), San Francisco
Member, Lambda Alpha International, Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics
Senior Fellow, Design Futures Council
San Francisco Business Times’ Most Influential Women, 2022
Moderator, SPUR Forum, “The Future of Student Housing: Innovation, Design and Community,” 2025
Presenter, SCUP Pacific Regional Conference, “Leveraging New Campus Development for Community Empowerment,” 2025
Panelist, Community College Facility Coalition’s 31st Annual Conference, “Mastering Preconstruction: Progressive Design-Build & Buyout Success,” 2024
Presenter, SPUR Business Event, “The Dynamic Relationship Between Universities and Cities,” 2024
Presenter, Living Future, “Strategies for Development of Projects and Policy: Public Investments for Social Benefit,” 2021