How collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability are reshaping the building materials industry.
Ten years ago, HKS, Inc., a global design firm based in Dallas, Texas, gifted mindful MATERIALS to the industry, pioneering a simplified approach to identifying sustainable products. Initially developed as an internal labeling system to streamline designers' access to transparency and optimization information, the tool quickly gained traction across the broader design community for its practicality and ease of use. Recognizing its potential to drive widespread change, HKS generously made mindful MATERIALS resources publicly available, sparking a movement that has grown exponentially over the past decade. Nancy Holsey, whose foresight and innovative leadership at HKS were instrumental in creating mindful MATERIALS, laid the groundwork for this transformative initiative and inspired a more sustainable future for the built environment.
At our 10th anniversary celebration during Greenbuild, we honored HKS for their invaluable contributions and support over the past 10 years. Rand Ekman, HKS’ Chief Sustainability Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the firm.
Q: Please share a little about your journey and how you became involved with mindful MATERIALS.
Rand: Years ago, inspired by the leadership of Kirk Teske at HKS, I had the opportunity to advocate for greater transparency while at CannonDesign by authoring one of many firm letters to manufacturers—a pivotal moment for many of us in the industry. Shortly after, I hosted an early professional forum in Chicago to foster open dialogue between design professionals and manufacturers, laying the groundwork for future collaboration. My journey led me to HKS as Chief Sustainability Officer, where I had the privilege of working directly with Nancy Hulsey on initiatives like library labeling and the transformative “Big Ask.” Today, I remain deeply engaged with both mindful MATERIALS and The Health Product Declaration Collaborative as a Board member. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to connect with an incredible network of passionate, intelligent, and committed individuals, all united by the goal of empowering design professionals to create a more sustainable future.
Q: What first sparked your interest in sustainability within the building materials industry?
Rand: What first drew me to sustainability in the building materials industry was the challenge itself. I am naturally drawn to complex problems—ones that require time, attention, and advocacy, but that also have the potential to make a profound impact. Building materials are undoubtedly one of those challenges.
Q: What motivated you to contribute to mindful MATERIALS, and what do you see as the most significant impact of your work so far?
Rand: Developing an actionable, accessible, and straightforward method to empower design professionals in making better, more informed choices has been a driving focus of my work. While I hesitate to highlight my personal contributions, I can confidently say that thanks to the efforts of countless individuals, our industry has made remarkable progress. We’ve evolved from addressing concerns about off-gassing and indoor air quality to tackling substances of concern, and now to examining supply chain health and social impacts. This evolution is both significant and deeply encouraging, offering a hopeful vision for the future.
Q: How do you see the materials industry evolving in the next few years, and what role would you like mindful MATERIALS to play in that evolution?
Rand: That we build a robust data management framework that will empower the development of tools to drive informed choices and meaningful action in design. This feedback loop is essential for fostering continuous improvement across the materials industry.
Q: What are some changes you hope to see in sustainable materials practices, either within your organization or across the industry as a whole?
Rand: Achieving broad engagement requires operational tools that function independently of individual involvement and commitment. For meaningful progress, good choices must be seamlessly integrated into workflows, removing reliance on personal knowledge or engagement. To truly drive impact, we must focus on scaling these solutions.
Q: Who or what inspires you in your work toward sustainability?
Rand: I am deeply inspired by leaders who embrace a holistic approach, prioritizing the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Ray Anderson was a visionary in this regard, and his work continues to resonate with me. More recently, I had the privilege of hearing Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Schneider Electric, speak about his transformative leadership of the company. His insights and achievements were nothing short of remarkable and profoundly inspiring.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting in the sustainable materials space?
Rand: Enjoy yourself and follow your passion. Your contribution will flow.
Connect with Rand > https://www.linkedin.com/in/rand-ekman-faia-leed-fellow-3169835/
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