Kotaro Nakamura, AIA, LEED AP | RNT Architects

Saturday, September 27th | 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Less energy, water, material, waste and toxic fumes. Live local and keep it simple. Mr. Kotaro Nakamura, the designer of a LEED Gold certification project the DMV San Ysidro Branch Office, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of sustainable design. The slide lecture includes details of practice and features of LEED items and the process including introduction of the LEED Accredited Professional exam.

Kotaro Nakamura is an architect who was born and raised in Japan. He came to San Diego as a graduate student in 1978 and naturalized since then. He has over 25 years of architectural practice experience as the president of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects. He teaches at the School of Art, Design, and Art History at San Diego State University as an Associate Professor. His design incorporates historical Japanese aesthetics and ideology into the contemporary American built environment.

Kotaro has an extensive knowledge of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design methods because of his environmental engineering background. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, he has experience in the Savings by Design Program, which is held by a local energy company, and LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Design Council for sustainable environment.

Kotaro's involvement in the community started with the City of San Diego Arts Advisory Board to the City Council. Since then, he has served on the Elizabeth Hospice Board, the Japanese Friendship Garden Advisory Board, the Strategic Framework Citizen's Committee for the General Plan of the City of San Diego, San Diego – Yokohama Sister City Society, and other city and community organizations.