John Spears, Assoc. AIA, C.E.M, LEED AP
President and Founder, Sustainable Design Group
President and CEO, International Center for Sustainable Development
John Spears is a true visionary and leader of the sustainability movement. After consulting on and designing houses and communities around the world, John returned to start a practice dedicated to designing and building custom, sustainable homes. He is entirely unique in the industry in his intense dedication and commitment to residential sustainability. John’s personal philosophy takes from the view that we are all a part of nature and should find harmony within it; from that, a house becomes an integral part of nature, rather than an isolated object separated from it. Designing green, energy-efficient homes is John’s greatest passion and there is not a person more suited for the job.
John has won countless awards for both his stewardship of sustainability and his beautiful homes, locally and abroad. If you are interested in building the most healthy and energy efficient home possible, you have found your perfect building match.
Juan Carlos Echeverri
Project Designer, Master Renderer, BIM
Juan is our master renderer and expert design facilitator. An invaluable member of the team, he is an incredibly talented draftsman, renderer, and overall asset to the company. Juan’s ability to take a project from concept drawings to construction documents, as well as create a unique three-dimensional tour of our projects based on a client’s needs and wants is unparalleled. Having graduated from Xaveriana University School of Architecture in Bogota, Colombia, Juan possesses over 20 years of experience in different fields related to architecture including design, construction, urbanism, and real estate – though architectural design and 3D visualization are his true passions.
In the past 15 years, he has developed an extensive portfolio, working on residential and commercial projects throughout the Washington DC area with companies like California Builders and Lessard Group, as well as consulting for private clients. He is a strong believer that a successful project is the perfect combination of optimum design and technical accuracy.
Pat Richardson
CPHC, Project Technician, Systems Specialist, Construction Management
Pat is a master at everything technical, from designing and balancing the systems integration of a large single family home, to installing an inverter to a photovoltaic solar array. Pat specializes in energy modelling to create a specific recipe for achieving SDG’s high goals of energy independence. He also facilitates the collection of the data needed to create an accurate construction budget and timeline.
Pat completed an intensive bachelor’s degree in Sustainability and Renewable Energy at Stockton University, New Jersey, and leads SDG’s energy modelling and technical specifications department.
Lynn Sharp Spears
Lynn Sharp Spears is Co-Founder and Resident Artist of Sustainable Design Group. Lynn is an artist, designer, performer, director, and teacher who has collaborated with Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, The National Theater, Studio Theatre, The Atlas Theater, The Olney Theater, Tobys, Networks and Troika National Touring Companies, The History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic The Smithsonian Institute,and more.
Lynn’s artwork is featured in private collections worldwide. Her artistic feats include painting and sculpting the entrance to the Pollinarium at The National Zoo, creating an exhibit for the National Children’s Museum, and sculpting a 9′ frieze the television show Building the American Dream. Lynn’s artwork is on exhibition at the National Historic Preservation Society and she has masks on permanent exhibit in the library at The Pennsylvania State University.
Sustainable Design Group is thrilled to have Lynn’s talented artistry and detailing regularly featured in projects to truly customize a home to each individual and family.
James M Kettler
AIA, Vice President of Construction
Jim has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He received a degree in architecture from Cornell in1982 and has been involved in every area of construction from design to build. Jim has worked on projects ranging from developing and constructing a four season resort at hidden valley PA, to design and construction of hospitals and commercial buildings. At one time Jim was responsible for the construction and sale of over 200 homes a year. Jim’s vast experience makes him an essential member of our team and he is responsible for overseeing all construction projects for SDG. Jim participates in multiple local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association, Friends of the Yellow Barn, and the Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation.