Q&A: Tony Layne talks about the power of design.

Byline: Brian Johnson

Whether it involves taking sustainability to the next level or building the perfect seaworthy vessel, Minneapolis architect Tony Layne believes in the power of good design to make the world a better place.

As a youngster, the managing director of Perkins and Will's Minneapolis office learned some enduring lessons to that effect from his grandfather, who designed, built and repaired wooden sailboats.

"There's something about a sailboat where every cubic inch of space is accounted for and useful," Layne said. "It's this sort of perfect blend of art and science and how it all goes together. So I think that was really the first kind of spark for me."

A graduate of the University of Minnesota's Masters of Science in Sustainable Design program, Layne has kept that spark alive in his 20-plus years at Perkins and Will. For the past four years, he has been managing director of the Minneapolis studio, which recently won the prestigious "Firm of the Year" award from the Minnesota chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The firm was honored, in part, for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a "front-loaded, collaborative and inclusive design approach," according to AIA Minnesota.

In the following interview, Layne talks about the award, the future of sustainable design, the key to attracting and retaining the best talent, and the core values of the Minneapolis office.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Congratulations on the award. What are your thoughts?

A: We were very honored and humbled by the peer recognition of the AIA to recognize the work we've been doing, where we've been headed and the values and mission of our studio. So we were very, very excited to receive the award.

It helped us to focus as well on where we've been, but more importantly, where we're hoping to go over the next the next years and decades ahead in the work we're doing.

Q: Your firm received lot of credit for advancing sustainability. Everyone talks about sustainability. What is your firm's approach?

A: As a core value of the firm, it's been critical. I think now we're moving into that next evolution of what that looks like. As you said, everybody thinks sustainability is important. But what does that actually mean now beyond LEED certification on a project?

Sustainability really used to be about mitigation. It was, if we don't do something now, things are going to get bad -- climate change, stuff is going to...

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