Welcome to the South Florida Chapter of the USGBC—a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating and promoting the benefits of sustainable, energy efficient buildings. Join us in transforming the way our buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, providing an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life of our citizens and visitors.

Natural Talent Design Competition
2012 Results 

This year's Natural Talent Design Competition (NTDC), annually hosted by the Emerging Professionals of the USGBC South Florida Chapter, focused on providing input into the launch of the LEEDv4 Rating System through Miami-Dade’s "Green Destination" initiative and particularly the renovation of the County's existing stock of hotels and resorts. The focus of applicants' attention was Cambean Hospitality's beautiful and historic Carlton Hotel South Beach.   

"We had number of wonderful submissions and the competition was extremely competitive," stated David Chi Chi Truong, the Chapter's Emerging Professionals Chair.  "The competition provided an applied learning experience in the principles of integrated design, sustainability, innovation and social consciousness, all of which are components of the LEED Green Building Rating System.  The focus this year was directed toward the comcept that a sustainable future must incorporate the sustainable design of structures of every type, and all applicants are congratulated for their efforts."  

Congratulations to the 2012 NTDC Winners!

Prizes
  • Our Overall Winner (see below) received a $5,000 cash prize from the USGBC South Florida Chapter.  
  • Each member of the Second Place University Team and the Second Place Emerging Professionals Team
  • received free LEED Green Associate prep training and paid exam fees.  
  • Each member of the Third Place University Team received a one-night stay and dinner at one of Cambean's premier hotels.  
  • All participants, volunteers and judges were treated to lunch on presentation and award day.
 
 
OVERALL WINNER (Team 14)
  • Michael Anthony Badillo, Miami-Dade College
  • Advisor: Shihab Naeem, Studio 5 Architects
2nd Place University Division (Team 20)
  • Andres Felipe Bedoya, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
  • Juana M. Bonilla, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
  • Marcela Lopez, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
  • Advisor: Jan S. Merle, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
3rd Place University Division (Team 18)
  • Christian James Alexander, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
  • Marisel Lacera, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
  • Alessandra M. Nieves, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
  • Advisor: Jan S. Merle, Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
2nd Place EP Division (Team 17)
  • Frisner Jean-Pierre, USGBC Palm Beach Branch
  • Sadrack Alfred, EBM Inc.
  • Philippe Jean, Palm Beach State College

Our Sincere Gratitude
is Extended to ...

Sponsors and Partners

Simply put, without Cambean Hospitality stepping up in such grand fashion -- in funding, counsel and encouragement -- the 2012 NTDC would not have taken place.  In particular, our thanks is extended to Brian Scheinblum, Owner of Cambean Hospitality.

Our earnest thanks is also extended to 
our partners -- see right.

Judges

Our judges did a herculean job of reviewing extensively detailed submittals.  This was a lot of work!  We are grateful to each of the following for their commitment of time and talent:

  • Ana Maria Huertas Iragorri. Hospitality Business Development, SOMFY
  • Denaye Hinds, Director of Sustainability, OBM International
  • Maribel Balbin, Formerly Miami Dade County Office of Sustainability
  • Steve V. Moll, Vice Provost, FIU-Biscayne Campus
  • Marc Costa, Project Manager, The Energy Coalition, USGBC LA Chapter
  • Andrea Vollf, USGBC Illinois Chapter
  • John Walewski, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University

Volunteers and Consultants

As is always the case with our nonprofit organization, our volunteers are our lifeblood.  Putting on this complex competition saw us tap the following individuals, each of whom stepped up in grand fashion:

  • Jeff Benavides, Sustainability Consultant, ecoPreserve
  • Wendy Kallergis, CEO, Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association
  • Nancy Scanlon, FIU School of Hospitaility
  • Brian Scheinblum, Owner, Cambean Hospitality
  • Wendy S. Unger, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • Jason Beukema, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • Vincent P. Drnevich, Purdue University
 
 
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software