Embodied Carbon Benchmark Study - Version 2

Kristy Walson is a Principal and Building Science Practice Lead at BranchPattern, where she is dedicated to advancing sustainable design and decarbonization. Her mission is to leave a more healthy, renewable energy-friendly, and equitable planet for future generations. Kristy collaborates with partners to envision cutting-edge Building Science services that propel the industry toward a decarbonized built environment. Her guiding philosophy—balancing her mantras "go with the flow" and "make waves"—reflects her belief in the power of holistic carbon reduction to drive innovation, inspire change, and lead towards a regenerative and equitable future.

Kristy’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Science in Architecture & Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan. These degrees have equipped her to develop deep expertise in sustainability, specializing in decarbonization strategies, energy modeling, auditing, and commissioning across the U.S.

As the manager of BranchPattern’s Analytics Department, which encompasses the Building Performance Modeling and Materials teams, Kristy is dedicated to measuring and reducing both operational and embodied carbon emissions from buildings—an opportunity she refers to as working with "all the carbons." Her extensive credentials, including LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, and ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP), underscore her expertise and commitment to the field.

Kristy has been a frequent speaker at industry events and has been involved with the U.S. Green Building Council since 2006, where she currently serves as the Chair for the Energy and Atmosphere Technical Advisory Group and is a member of USGBC Florida's Market Leadership and Transformation Board (MLAB). Throughout the years, she has served on the national committee for Women in Green and the Central Florida Board of Directors. Additionally, she is a core National MEP2040 Steering Committee member and really enjoys volunteering as a juror for various industry accolades, like AIA's COTE Top 10, DOE's Solar Decathlon, Project Stasio, and LEED Fellow. As the immediate past Chairperson of the University of Florida’s Green Building Learning Collaborative, she avidly supports the “Sustainability in the Built Environment” degree program. She also serves on ASHRAE's SSPC for standard 228 and the Florida Solar Energy Center's Advisory Board.

Kristy’s remarkable leadership and advocacy for sustainability in decarbonization have earned her several awards, including being named a LEED Fellow in 2020 and receiving the USGBC Florida Community Rockstar Award in 2021. Her project accomplishments include completing 82 Certified LEED® projects across six LEED® rating systems and serving as the building performance modeling consultant for over six million square feet of commercial real estate space.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Kristy enjoys yoga, paddle boarding, playing volleyball, and making music with her large, musical family. She is also an avid woodworker, a hobby she has cherished throughout her life. Kristy’s optimism and drive to create meaningful change are fueled by her desire to contribute to a better future for our younger and future generations, including her three children.

Julia Wattick is a Registered Architect and the Materials Team Lead at BranchPattern, specializing in sustainable design with a focus on reducing embodied carbon and advancing material sustainability. Julia combines her expertise in architecture with a passion for creating solutions that improve environmental performance, enhance occupant well-being, and celebrate the unique stories of the communities she serves. She excels in integrating the built and natural environments to deliver innovative, client-focused results. 

In her role, Julia manages the Materials team, leads business development, and serves as a subject matter expert in sustainable materials and carbon accounting. Her team employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to measure and analyze the environmental impact of building materials, supporting clients in achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes. Known for her problem-solving skills and ability to distill complex challenges into clear, actionable plans, Julia inspires growth both within her team and the broader AEC industry. 

As a co-lead for the Pittsburgh HUB of the Carbon Leadership Forum and a member of its Regional Policy HUB, Julia is a recognized advocate for climate-conscious design. Her professional achievements include becoming a Registered Architect, earning her LEED AP credential, founding BranchPattern’s Materials Team, and becoming a sought-after speaker on embodied carbon in Pittsburgh. She has also led integrated design workshops for notable projects such as Cambridge Crossing and the Esplanade. 

Outside of work, Julia dedicates her time to community service with organizations like 412 Food Rescue and the Pittsburgh Food Bank. She is driven by a philosophy of continuous learning and collaboration, embracing the belief that while she may not have all the answers, she can always find them. Julia envisions a future where sustainable development meets the needs of today’s generation without compromising those of future generations, a goal she champions both professionally and personally.

Stu is dedicated to transforming design to help people and organizations thrive. He collaborates closely with customers to craft solutions that align with both environmental goals and the evolving needs of the real estate sector. As a licensed architect with broad technical expertise, Stu is a trusted resource in the industry.

Stu specializes in high-performance building design and indoor environmental quality, always keeping occupant well-being at the forefront. Internationally, he has presented on engineering the occupant experience for CIBSE. He has degrees from the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Nebraska and has taught systems integration to architecture students at the latter. Stu believes that the design and construction industry should reflect the community, and has mentored in public schools through STEM programs for fifteen years.

Learning is core to Stu, who loves exchanging ideas and fostering professional growth within BranchPattern. His curiosity and openness to fresh ideas drive his approach to complex problems. Stu believes that nature enriches our lives and is working to integrate biodiversity into the design process. When not working, Stuart enjoys perpetual home improvement projects and playing GO. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his partner Dana.

Thomas Vite is a Sustainability Consultant at BranchPattern, where he specializes in whole building life cycle assessments and embodied carbon reduction strategies. With a background in architecture and sustainability, Thomas excels at synthesizing comprehensive sustainable strategies with precise technical details, driving impactful and creative solutions. His expertise lies in optimizing designs to reduce environmental impact and crafting compelling visualizations that make complex data accessible and actionable.

Committed to continuous learning and innovation, Thomas focuses on advancing his technical knowledge and researching new materials and methods to elevate sustainable design. His work reflects a dedication to creating meaningful impact, both within BranchPattern and in the broader community. Among his notable achievements are contributions to key industry resources, including BranchPattern's Benchmark Study for U.S. Industrial Real Estate (Version 2).

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys exploring the world around him through long bike rides, runs, and walks, often discovering new perspectives and inspiration along the way. He also brings a creative touch to his personal life, constantly refining the art of pizza-making in his quest for the perfect dough and sauce recipe.