When we design with children at the center, we’re building more than spaces—we’re building happiness.
Our latest Insight explores how early childhood environments can support connection, attunement, trust, autonomy, and love—shaping how young learners grow, feel, and thrive.
Discover how design aligned with core human needs creates meaningful impact from the very first day.
👉 Read more on our Insights Page (Link in our Linktree)
Congratulations to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County on the opening of the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center! We were glad to attend the ribbon cutting and celebrate this exciting new, net-zero facility dedicated to wildlife care and conservation.
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#wildlifeconservation
#wildliferehabilitation
#dupageforest
Our dedicated Sustainability Team is comprised of passionate professionals, each driven by their own experiences and personal “why.” Together, they’re shaping a more sustainable future for the built environment.
As Director of Healthy and Sustainable Environments, John Mlade brings people together to create smart, practical solutions that support healthier buildings, stronger communities, and better outcomes for the planet.
“I work in sustainability because I think about the kind of world our kids will grow up in. The places we design and build shape how they connect to nature, their communities, and each other. I want to help create spaces that feel grounded, lasting, and in balance—so the next generation inherits something worth caring for. And, we have fun while doing it!”
#earthmonth
Environmental stewardship and sustainable design aren’t just services we offer—they’re a calling. This week, we continue the celebration of our a dedicated Sustainability Team, each driven by their own experiences and personal “why.” Together, they’re shaping a more sustainable future for the built environment.
Building Performance Engineer, Zhongdi Chen brings data to the conversation to not only help designers and clients make informed decisions in the early stages of the process, but also to support the third-party certification process to ensure projects achieve desired sustainability goals.
“I work in sustainability because the future deserves more than convenience. Progress requires stepping outside our comfort zones to understand what is truly better, even when it’s inconvenient. As an engineer driven by data, my role is navigating real‑world compromises and clearly communicating what our analyses can—and cannot—tell us, so better decisions can be made for the long-term performance of a building.”
#earthmonth
We’re proud to be guided by a dedicated Sustainability Team, each driven by their own experiences and personal “why.” Together, they’re shaping a more sustainable future for the built environment.
As a Sustainability Analyst at Wight, Ananya Jain helps our teams minimize environmental impact across projects. Driven by a deeper purpose, she brings passion and intention to everything she does—always pushing for more.
"I’m driven by the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself and create impact that lasts beyond my lifetime. I see the built environment as one of the most powerful levers for change because buildings shape how people live, work, heal, and connect every day, while also influencing environmental outcomes at scale. What draws me to sustainable buildings is the chance to create spaces that are healthier, more resilient, and more responsible. I’m especially inspired by how sustainability allows nature and human innovation to work together, and to me, this field is one of the clearest expressions of what thoughtful design can achieve: a built world that supports people while coexisting more responsibly with the natural one."
#earthmonth #sustainability
Waste reduction that closes the loop.
At our Chicago office, recycling and composting are part of everyday operations—and the compost doesn’t go to waste. It’s used to nourish our Darien Headquarters garden, creating a tangible connection between offices. Libby Brandt explains how the system works and how easy it is to participate.
Why it matters: Zero waste programs reduce landfill impact and make sustainability visible to staff.
Tips:
• Keep signage simple and visual
• Provide compost bins near food areas
• Tell people where the materials actually go—it increases buy-in
Our living lab approach helps us refine operational strategies that other organizations can realistically adopt.
#earthmonth
Great community projects start with big ideas—but they’re brought to life through smart funding.
That’s something we see every day working alongside public agencies, and it’s why we’re excited to share our latest insight, Funding the Future. In it, we explore how communities are combining grants, clean energy incentives, and voter supported funding to move projects forward with confidence.
When funding is considered early and strategically, it doesn’t just make projects possible—it helps build lasting value for the people they serve.
Take a look at what’s working and what’s possible in our latest Insights.
Linktree in bio
We’re proud to be guided by a dedicated Sustainability Team, each driven by their own experiences and personal “why.” Together, they’re shaping a more sustainable future for the built environment.
Megan Zack, Wight’s Chief Sustainability Officer, leads with purpose and heart, inspiring her team and our firm with her vision of a resilient future.
“I’m driven by a desire to leave a healthier, more resilient—and ultimately net‑positive—world for future generations, starting with the buildings we design today. By reducing carbon, restoring ecosystems, and embedding sustainability into everyday practice through mentorship, advocacy, and integrated design, I work to turn sustainability from aspiration into action.”
Congratulations to Mark Holwerda, PE, MBA, on joining Wight’s Senior Leadership Team!
Mark has played a pivotal role in advancing our Transportation & Infrastructure operations, bringing strategic insight, a collaborative mindset, and a strong commitment to supporting both our clients and our teams.
We look forward to seeing his continued impact as he helps propel our integrated practice forward and drives meaningful progress across the communities we serve.
We’re thrilled to recognize Shawn Sternberg, our Director of Marketing & Communications, on her promotion to Principal.
Shawn has played a pivotal role in advancing Wight’s market visibility, strategic positioning, and unified brand vision. Her disciplined leadership, positivity, and collaborative approach have consistently elevated the quality of our work and strengthened our influence across the markets we serve. She brings people together, strengthens our strategic focus, and embodies the excellence that moves our firm forward.
Please join us in congratulating Shawn on this well-earned achievement.
We were proud to join @MundeleinHighSchool District 120 for their Second Annual Women in Construction Workshop & Panel this week!
Wight team members Karla Sanchez and Stacey Jowar joined the event to share insights on two major District 120 projects: the recently completed Transition Center (opened August 2025) and the Phase 1 Classroom Addition, currently under construction. Students had the chance to learn firsthand how these learning environments come to life.
A huge thank‑you to @Mortenson_Construction for making this event a success.
We’re honored to help create pathways for future leaders in the industry.
#WICWeek2026
We close out our celebration of SEL week by giving special recognition to those who have the greatest in-school influence on student achievement — teachers.
Rivkin, Hanushek & Kain (2005) found that “the single greatest effect on student achievement is the teacher to whom a student gets assigned.”
When teachers feel supported and emotionally grounded, they create calmer, more connected classrooms where students can thrive.
Designing for teacher wellbeing — through natural light, calming wellness areas, and dedicated staff spaces — strengthens SEL for everyone.
#SELWeek #TeacherWellbeing #StudentSuccess #PK12Education #Wight
