How can we encourage the building of housing that is affordable for average people who live and work in Kitsap County? Is it possible to balance affordability with green building techniques? Watch the panel discuss ideas, policies and what’s happening in Kitsap and elsewhere at this in-person event.
Recorded on March 25, 2023 at 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
at
Village Green Community Center
26159 Dulay Rd NE, Kingston
Panelists included:
- Brian Cavanaugh, architect, co-founder of Architecture Building Culture, Vice President at Huitt-Zollars;
- Sonja O’Claire, Built Green Program Manager;
- Mayor Greg Wheeler of Bremerton.
The discussion was moderated by Martha Burke of the League of Women Voters of Kitsap.
The panel focused on environmentally friendly building techniques, ways to
provide housing that is less expensive, and how to incorporate these new ideas in a manner that will be consistent with development goals as laid out in the comprehensive plan.
Brian Cavanaugh is one of the founding partners of Architecture Building Culture (ABC). ABC was founded in 2008 with partner Mark Ritchie. Their philosophy is that architecture is “an instrument for improving the world.” To that end, the firm has worked on a variety of building types to fill the needs of their communities.
Sonja O’Claire is the Program Manager for Built Green, as well as a being a Certified sustainable Building Advisor. Built Green’s mission is “to serve as the driving force for environmentally sound design and development practices in Washington’s cities and communities”.
Finding ways to mitigate the housing shortage in Kitsap County is one of Mayor Wheeler’s top priorities. He believes that, “as a local government, Bremerton can affect the supply by supporting initiatives that create more options for housing. In addition, as local leaders, we can help develop programs and funding to support our most vulnerable populations. We can also put energy and focus into creating and maintaining low income housing, which is often referred to as “deeply affordable housing.”
Housing availability for those of more modest means will be a big issue in the
coming years. The paradigm is shifting away from single-family homes on large lots.
Panelist Bios
With over 28 years of experience, Brian Cavanaugh has demonstrated a unique commitment to the practice of architecture and played a critical leadership role in his community. His record of design excellence, his contributions to academic and non-profit institutions, and his positions on municipal boards, all speak to a career built on a deeply held belief in the value of the architecture profession and its potential to serve the public good.
In 2009, Brian founded the firm Architecture Building Culture. Over the past 14 years the firm has established itself as one of the leading design firms in the Pacific Northwest. ABC has received over twenty-six design awards at the local, state, regional and national levels.
Brian is a licensed architect in California, Oregon, and Washington. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oregon and Vice President at Huitt-Zollars.
Sonja O’Claire is the Built Green Program Manager. She supports the Built Green program by overseeing its development, project certification reviews, and increasing its value to members and their projects. She brings with her more than a decade of experience across the AEC community, having worked with general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, and municipalities. Sonja earned a Master of Business Administration in Sustainable Solutions from Presidio Graduate School. She is also a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor. She previously co-chaired the ASCE San Francisco Section’s Sustainability Committee.
Mayor Greg Wheeler began serving his first term as Mayor in 2018 and started his second term in January 2022. He is a lifelong resident of Bremerton, a Navy veteran and a retiree of the PSNS Engineering Department. Previously, he served on the City Council in District 4 from 2010 through 2017 – three of them as Council President – prior to becoming Mayor. He is a member of two service clubs and many government and nonprofit boards in the community and region. He and his wife Sunny have three adult children, a grandchild and two dogs.