Committee on the Environment (COTE)

AIA Arizona Committee on the Environment (COTE) is committed to achieving climate action, climate justice, and public influence through design. COTE connects, educates, and empowers all focused on a more sustainable future.

Core Values

Connect

Work with local communities.
Establish partnerships with other groups to coordinate on common interests.
Expand the network beyond architects where possible. Collaborate with engineers, scientists, educators, city officials, and all who share the common goal of protecting our environment.

Educate

Provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge.
Increase awareness and understanding of supporting programs.
Communication between those who design and those who approve—between design teams and staff at municipalities.

Empower

Establish a supportive network to elevate each other.
Engage on a personal level to change the conversation.

The AIA Arizona COTE holds regular meetings and hosts events such as tours, talks, and educational sessions. Members are welcome from across the state. Send an email to request to be added to the list of those who receive regular COTE meeting invites.

Photo (upper left): COTE members attend a tour of the Beam on Farmer, designed by RSP Architects and built by Mortenson.

Email for Info

08/25/25

AIA Framework for Design Excellence

This informative and educational webinar was presented by AIA Arizona and its COTE Committee. Members heard from architects with deep knowledge of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, who described why the Framework is important and how firms at all scales can implement it with every client and every project, regardless of size and typology. Presenters included Ashley Mulhall, AIA,

08/19/25

Critical Factors in Designing Living Walls

On Tuesday, August 19 AIA Arizona Committee on the Environment (COTE) hosted this educational webinar on Critical Factors in Designing Living Walls presented by David Brenner, Founding Principal and Lead Designer at Habitat Horticulture, an AIA Arizona Allied member. Viewers learned important design considerations meant to ensure long-term Living Wall success, as well as the different Living Wall systems and

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