Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy

Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP, is an Associate Professor of Architecture and the Director and Co-Founder of the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design, where she addresses critical environmental challenges related to the health of the built environment. With a focus on creating healthier buildings, especially in affordable housing, Mears leads initiatives that develop resources and educational programs aimed at removing harmful chemicals from construction materials. As co-Principal Investigator of the Healthy Affordable Materials Project (HAMP), she collaborates with multiple organizations to promote material health and sustainability. Mears has received numerous grants to support her work and is recognized for her commitment to community-based sustainability and environmental justice through her teaching and research. In 2022, she was awarded the Women in Architecture Innovation Award from Architectural Record, highlighting her significant contributions to the field.

Catherine Murphy is a Senior Researcher at the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design, where she combines her expertise as an artist, designer, and educator to promote healthier and sustainable interior environments. With over 12 years of experience in designing and project managing sustainable interiors, her current focus is on developing innovative processes that facilitate change and enhance the regenerative capacity of the built environment. As an educator, Catherine teaches classes on materials and develops methodologies aimed at eliminating toxic substances while reducing environmental impacts. Her practice emphasizes the renovation, reuse, and repair of existing structures, employing core design and construction techniques to create healthier, affordable, and sustainable spaces. Since 2017, she has led educational programming at the Healthy Materials Lab and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Parsons, along with an honors degree in Fine Craft Design from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. Originally from Sligo, Ireland, Catherine is committed to advancing knowledge in material health and sustainability within architectural practices.