Dan Kalkman, AIA, WELL AP, LFA, is a project architect at HGA, where he focuses on arts, community, and higher education work. Throughout his early career, he has explored the relationship between environmental systems, architecture, and the built environment to help communities live “healthier, happier, and more productive lives.”
Converting his interests into action, Dan and colleague Kimberly Reddin of Flad Architects recently co-founded the AIA Wisconsin Committee on the Environment (COTE) to provide additional resources for sustainable strategies in the local architecture community. He also contributed to the Milwaukee City / County Task for Climate and Economic Equity – Working Group for Commercial Buildings, which outlines 10 Big Ideas for the building industry, as part of the Milwaukee Climate and Equity Plan.
In the following, he discusses goals for COTE and his personal love of the outdoors, where he and his family “can typically be found outside in nature on the weekends.”
Tell us about the AIA WI Committee on the Environment (COTE). What motivated you to launch the committee?
As I got more involved in AIA Wisconsin, I saw an opportunity for us to do more with sustainability statewide. Other surrounding states already had a COTE committee working in alignment with the national AIA COTE. There is a growing urgency within the industry to show proof of meeting sustainable goals—not just talking about it.
Many state and national agencies and associations are setting measurable benchmarks through various codes and guidelines. For instance, the Wisconsin Department of Administration – Division of Facilities Development issues guidelines for capital projects. The AIA 2030 Commitment spells out goals for carbon neutrality, while the AIA Framework for Design Excellence outlines 10 principles for equitable design. The COTE committee provides a statewide resource to move the conversation forward in our own backyard.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year?
We had an initial kickoff meeting to celebrate our official launch with AIA Wisconsin this May. Our next task is to create a Charter that outlines our mission. Our goal is to focus on outreach & growth, advocacy, and educational programming. As a new committee, we of course need to build membership and reach out to other AIA members throughout the state to understand their needs. This is an opportunity to fill resource gaps and help architects in their design work.
This must be very exciting for you at this stage of your career.
It’s exciting because there are so many possibilities to build on a sustainable design network. When I first started at HGA in Milwaukee, I was part of the local and national HGA sustainability councils. COTE is a great way to transition to a statewide level.
When did you first start exploring an interest in environmental issues?
I’ve always had a passion for nature and how it integrates into our daily lives. My undergraduate work is in biology, and I did a lot of wetland field studies cataloguing plants and animals and birds. I was planning to pursue wildlife biology or forestry but then turned toward medical studies and potentially medical school. I worked for three years as a medical assistant in pain management and orthopedic surgery.
How did you turn to architecture?
I found I needed a way to integrate nature and creativity into my day, because I’m really an artist at heart.
So, architecture proved a natural outlet?
Architecture offered a hybrid mindset of art, creativity, biology, mathematics, and structure. All these things coalesced into something that made sense. So, I switched and got my master’s in architecture from the University of Kansas and started my architecture career in Colorado. But eventually my wife and I moved to Wisconsin to be closer to her family. So here I am.
Does your science background impact your design approach?
That background does influence my design perspective. As architects, we have an impact on the natural environment, no matter what we do. Nature and wildlife are resilient—but we must better understand how nature is resilient and how it responds to human-created change. Architects have a responsibility to understand our environmental impact. It’s important to look at design holistically to lessen that impact.
Does this holistic approach open opportunities?
The opportunity for our profession is finding people who are passionate about strengthening the connections between people, the environment, and architecture. And, of course, educating clients—and other design professionals—about the resources we can bring to the table.
Is it about education?
Education is the biggest component. I have two parents who are teachers, so teaching is just part of my background.
Last thing: What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Watching my kids interact with nature. Maybe it’s the teacher in me—and all that wildlife biology and knowledge in my head—but I love seeing them outside, asking questions, and being able to answer their questions. It’s exciting to see them develop that relationship with nature. As a father, I can pass my love and knowledge of nature onto them. That’s my favorite outdoor activity.