We are pleased to announce that Dustin Smith has joined Paladino’s consulting team. Dustin will work with clients as a Consultant, and he has particular strength in facilitating strategic vision setting and helping owners and project teams through project design. Dustin helps Paladino clients to demonstrate sustainability leadership and make the most of their positive impact on their communities. Prior to joining Paladino, Dustin worked at a sustainability consulting firm managing a diverse portfolio of public and corporate LEED, Federal Guiding Principles, Zero Energy, and Historic Register Nomination sustainable building projects from concept, through design and construction, and into occupancy.

Join us in getting to know more about Dustin!

Tell us about your background and what led you to Paladino.

I have worked in the construction and building industry since 2013. When my partner and I decided to relocate to the East Coast from our home state of Arkansas, I felt Paladino would be a great fit because of their industry leadership and unique approach to client care. So I set my sights on joining their D.C. office. Paladino’s history, breadth of expertise, and company values so align with my own, that I already feel right at home!

Where do you find inspiration in your work?

I find inspiration in helping teams figure out how to bring together finite resources and intense regulatory requirements to deliver a built project that supports the goals of the owners, tenants, and communities. I also really enjoy teaching project teams how their decisions throughout the design and construction process can result in healthier buildings for occupants or tenants. It truly is a team effort!

 

What direction do you think green building is headed? Where do you see the industry in ten years?

Cities, regulatory environments, manufacturers, financial service institutions, and consumers are encouraging developers across market sectors to move toward more ambitious goals. Consequently, the green building industry is moving toward net positive buildings in terms of energy and carbon, as well as lowering their impact from a waste perspective. It’s exciting to see our clients leading on these fronts today – their innovations today will be standard practice in the next decade.

What role does sustainability play in your life outside work? What does it mean to you?

Sustainability in my life outside of work is realized through the choices I make each day: the choice to walk to the grocery store rather than drive; the choice to be cognizant of my home thermostat’s temperature; choosing to put on a sweater rather than bumping up the thermostat. I’ve developed an appreciation for the value the natural world holds for the young people in my life. To me, the small decisions I make to help preserve the natural world around me is the role of sustainability in my life outside work.

What is one positive impact you feel sustainability will support in the world?

Sustainability supports a more just world, especially as we see our most vulnerable populations taking the brunt of the impacts of climate change. Sustainability truly is for the benefit of all, so it’s not hard to recognize that sustainability and environmental and economic justice are deeply interconnected.

What do you do in your leisure time?

My partner works as a sommelier, so naturally, we enjoy drinking interesting and tasty wine and experimenting with new foods. We also have a retired greyhound who we enjoy spending time with on walks and dog park outings.

What are three things you can’t live without?

Black coffee. Running shoes. Friendship.

What are you most proud of?

I biked from Rhode Island to California the summer after I graduated from college. I am proud to have completed the trip from start to finish! It was a blast.

Is there anything else that you’d like to know about Dustin? Ask away in the comments section below or visit him on LinkedIn!

Share this Post