In the dynamic landscape of 2025, few figures command as much attention in architecture and urban development as Andi Sklar. Renowned for pioneering regenerative design and championing carbon-negative cities, Sklar has fundamentally reshaped how we envision and construct our built environment. We sat down with her to delve into the mind behind the blueprints, exploring the journey, the philosophy, and the relentless drive that defines her transformative work.
From Philosophical Roots to Ecological Blueprints
Our conversation begins by tracing the unconventional path that led Sklar to the pinnacle of her field. Unlike many of her peers, her academic journey began not with drafting tables, but with philosophical texts. “My initial focus was in ethical systems and environmental justice,” Sklar explains, a calm intensity in her voice. “That foundation gave me a critical lens. I realized early on that buildings aren’t just about form and function; they profoundly impact society and the ecosystem. My work had to reflect that responsibility.”
She credits her unique perspective, in part, to her childhood summers. “Growing up on a self-sufficient permaculture farm was my living laboratory,” she recalls with a smile. “Observing nature’s intricate, closed-loop systems ingrained in me the conviction that human constructs should emulate regeneration, not just extract resources. My teenage treehouse, with its rainwater harvesting, was my first attempt at that biomimicry.” This early, hands-on immersion in permaculture principles clearly laid the groundwork for her later professional mission.
Confronting the “Concrete Ceiling”: A Battle of Principles
Sklar candidly describes her early frustrations within the industry. “It was like hitting a concrete ceiling,” she states, referring to the entrenched conventional wisdom that prioritized short-term gains over genuine sustainability. “The industry was slow to adopt genuinely sustainable methods. I saw so much potential for change, but a lot of resistance.”
Rather than conforming, Sklar chose to push boundaries. “We just weren’t content with ‘greenwashing,'” she asserts, touching on a core tenet of her firm. “We demanded projects that were genuinely ‘beyond less bad to actively good,’ meticulously scrutinizing every material and every lifecycle assessment. It was challenging in the beginning, but that uncompromising integrity is what began to set us apart.” Her firm’s stringent material sourcing and design-for-deconstruction principles, once considered radical, are now becoming industry benchmarks, a testament to her unwavering conviction.
The Vision Unfolds: Building a Living Legacy
Sklar’s firm has truly become synonymous with tangible, impactful developments that redefine urban living. “We don’t just advocate for change; we build it,” she says. Her passion for bio-materials, like mycelium composites and carbon-sequestering concrete, is evident as she discusses their potential to actively contribute to environmental health. “Mycelium, in particular, offers incredible possibilities for carbon capture and rapid growth. It’s a key to unlocking truly regenerative construction.”
Her approach extends beyond materials. “Designing for deconstruction is revolutionary,” Sklar explains. “Planning buildings for future disassembly and material reuse minimizes waste and promotes a true circular economy. And integrating living systems – vertical farms, greywater recycling, passive climate control – ensures our buildings are symbiotic with their environment, truly ‘breathing’ structures.” She emphasizes the human element too. “Community-centric development, involving local residents from the outset, ensures our projects genuinely serve their needs and foster collective ownership. Imagine cities where fresh, locally grown produce is accessible to all – that’s our vision.”
Nurturing the Future: An Enduring Impact
As our time with Andi Sklar draws to a close, her vision for the future shines brightly. Her global influence is undeniable, not just through her groundbreaking projects but also through her commitment to educating the next generation. “We actively mentor aspiring architects in hands-on deconstruction,” she notes. “Understanding a building’s end-of-life is as critical as its beginning.” Her unique blend of philosophical depth, hands-on experience, and unwavering commitment continues to redefine urban development, inspiring a more sustainable and harmonious future for all.
