Detroit! Join Local Voices. Create Real Impact.

Sustainability isn’t the headline anymore. It’s the expectation. But how?

The real question in 2026: who’s actually executing?

The goals are clear. The friction is real. And most firms are somewhere between “we’ve started” and “we’re stuck.” Architectural and Design teams are navigating embodied and operational carbon, material health, transparency, circularity, budgets and client pressure - all at once. This session cuts through theory and gets into what’s actually working on commercial projects right now.

Structured as a dynamic panel discussion, this event brings together leaders from architecture, design, ownership, and construction to unpack:

• How teams are reducing carbon without blowing up budgets
• Where implementation still breaks down
• How to align internal teams and external partners
• What small, repeatable actions are compounding into measurable impact

Expect practical insight, honest conversation, and tangible takeaways you can apply immediately to active projects.

If you’re tired of sustainability sounding good in theory but feeling messy in practice — this is your event.

Material Bank's Design You impact Education Series is designed to turn conversation into collaboration - building momentum behind shared goals, streamlining decision-making, and accelerating the shift toward healthier, more sustainable materials across the built environment.

Facilitator - Rebecca. Best, EVP Sustainability; Material Bank https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaeliebest/

Info: During the cocktail time you will also get to peruse local associations and groups sharing innovative sustainability efforts.

Info: Material Bank sustainability updates + 10 PechaKucha style presentations from who? Local manufacturers & industry associations. Each presenter will have 2 minutes to share the most relevant sustainability initiatives.

Info: Discussion is focussed on practical, real-world project sustainability implementation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

SmithGroup, 500 Griswold Street, Detroit, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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