Building Resilience
Event Details
When:
Tue, May 6, 2025, 4pm - 4:50pm
Location:
Online: Zoom
In-Person at WWU
Science Lecture, Room 150
Price:
Free
Brought to you by:
Institute for Energy Studies, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
Description
Check out this video to watch the Building Resilience: Architecture, Business, and the Future of Our Communities.
This presentation explores how the design, construction, and operation of buildings can play a vital role in strengthening both local and global resilience to climate change and social challenges. It will also examine how alternative business models—such as worker-owned cooperatives and certified B Corporations—can foster healthier workplaces and contribute to more resilient, equitable communities. Combining insights from architecture and social enterprise, this session offers a multidisciplinary look at how we can build a more sustainable and inclusive future.
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Featuring:
Shawn Serdahl is a founding member and current board president of A1DesignBuild, a worker cooperative dedicated to sustainable, high-quality residential construction. As part of the core development team, Shawn played a key role in the organization’s bold transition to a worker-owned cooperative model in 2017 — a story he remains passionate about sharing to inspire others in the industry. With over 25 years in the residential building industry and a degree in Building Construction Technology, Shawn combines deep field expertise with a commitment to ethical business practices and collaborative ownership. A Certified Passive House Builder, he brings a focus on energy-efficient, high-performance building to every project, while championing a more inclusive and resilient model for the future of construction.
Patrick Martin is a founding member and current General Manager of A1DesignBuild, a worker-owned cooperative specializing in high-quality residential design, construction, and custom fabrication. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the design-build industry, Patrick brings deep expertise in translating client vision into enduring, functional, and beautiful spaces. Throughout his career, he has led countless custom residential projects, integrating thoughtful architectural design with fine craftsmanship and sustainable building practices.
His leadership at A1DesignBuild reflects a commitment not only to excellence in construction, but also to cooperative values—fostering shared ownership, transparency, and community resilience within the building trades. Patrick’s approach blends technical skill with a collaborative ethos, making him a respected figure among clients, colleagues, and community partners alike. Whether managing complex renovations or fabricating bespoke interior elements, he brings a sharp eye for detail and a deep respect for the craft.
Questions and Accommodations
- Contact The Foundation for WWU & Alumni for this event if you have questions or need disability accommodations by calling (360) 650-3353 or emailing Alumni@wwu.edu.
- Advance notice for disability accommodations and special needs is greatly appreciated. Please indicate your special needs on the registration form.
- There will be auto-captions available for the Zoom webinar.
Visitor Parking at WWU on Weekdays
- Mon-Fri, 7:00am-4:30pm: limited paid parking is available at the south C lots and north 6V and 7G lots.
- Purchase your permit at the lot pay stations or use the Parkmobile app.
- More parking details for campus visitors are available online.
Parking at WWU on Weekdays for Visitors with Disabilities
- Mon-Fri, 7:00am-4:30pm: both a WWU permit and state disability placard are needed.
- Purchase your permit at the pay stations in lot C or 6V or use the Parkmobile app (use Zone 1200). This allows parking in any disability space. If these are full, you can use a non-reserved space nearby.
- More parking details for campus visitors with disabilities are available online.
The views expressed by our speaker do not necessarily reflect those of Western Washington University.
