Overview
Part 2 in the Sustainable Materials and Design: From Extraction to Regeneration series
The built environment is increasingly shifting from a focus on “less harm” toward regenerative design - where buildings actively contribute to the health of people, ecosystems, and material cycles.
This is the second in a three-part Lean In series focused on assessing sustainable materials and embedding regenerative design as part of projects and in everyday practice. The overarching series explores the role of material specification, research and design considerations that enable this shift.
In Part 2 of this Lean In series we explore how architects and designers can evaluate, compare, and measure materials and building systems in the design process. We hear from Lucy Marsland (Atelier Ten) and Adam Kolsrud (Wardle) on how sustainability value systems have been embedded in their practice and the considerations, tools and methods for assessing upfront carbon in materials and building systems on projects.
Each session will prioritise practical insights and clear takeaways, enabling participants to apply learning directly to their projects and practice and to consider ‘What should I do differently on Monday morning?’.
Adam Kolsrud, Wardle
Adam is a Technical Design Director and part of the Sustainability Team at Wardle. Since joining the practice in 2007 he has worked to incorporate sustainability into Wardle’s approach to design, developed their Sustainability Policy and systems to improve knowledge with the goal of creating positive environmental impact to the places they design.
Lucy Marsland, Atelier Ten
Lucy Marsland is a Senior Environmental Designer at Atelier Ten leading Atelier Ten's Materials and Carbon Practice on projects across Australia. Lucy’s experience crosses major transport infrastructure, education and residential typologies, advocating for low carbon materials, resilience planning and assuring delivery through Green Star certification. Trained as a structural engineer at the University of Melbourne, Lucy is a passionate advocate for thoughtful and resilient buildings that empower their communities. Their industry contributions include work with the Melbourne School of Design, MECLA and the DBI research network.
Sustainable Materials and Design: From Extraction to Regeneration Member Lean In series
Member Lean In Part 1 - Planetary Boundaries: Can we reassess material selection?
Speakers: Martha Lewis, Henning Larsen (pre-recorded), Nicole Smith, Living Future Oceania
16/07/2026, 12.30pm AEST, Online zoom event (Registrations open, follow link)
Member Lean In Part 2 - Evaluating Sustainable Materials and Building Systems
Speakers: Adam Kolsrud (Wardle), Lucy Marsland (Atelier Ten)
30/07/2026, 12.30pm AEST, Online zoom event (Registrations open, follow link)
Member Lean In Part 3 - Delivering Circularity, Reuse, and Regeneration in Practice
Bettina Robinson & Tim Brooks (Fieldwork), Richard Stokes and Cameron McIntosh (Arup)
13/08/2026, 12.30pm AEST, Online zoom event (Event to follow, registrations open 07/07/2026)