In this new series of articles, ‘Becoming a RESET AP’, RESET introduces pioneers from across the globe who have taken up the mission of creating healthier buildings. These individuals have not just decided to become AP’s (or Accredited Professionals) themselves, but have also extended the certification to their employees, clients and partners, but also integrated it in their business offerings.

Here’s what Nathan St.Germain, Principal, Studio St.Germain, has to say.

What made you decide to pursue becoming a RESET Air Accredited Professional?

I decided to pursue becoming a RESET Air Accredited Professional because we spend 95% of our time indoors and indoor air quality impacts our health, comfort and productivity. I also wanted to be involved with the world’s first sensor-based and performance-driven indoor air quality building standard and certification program. This certification also aligns with our firm’s High Performance Program, which focuses on the many facets of high performance building design – one of which is indoor air quality.

What makes the RESET Air Standard different?

RESET Air differentiates itself from other building performance standards through its continuous monitoring requirement for PM2.5, TVOC, CO2, CO, Temperature and Humidity within a building.  In addition, the indoor air quality data that is monitored is required to be communicated to the building occupants to maintain certification.

The required reporting of the indoor air quality data back to the building occupants is a game changer. It fosters public awareness and education in a way that no other performance standard and certification has. It also provides the opportunity for the design professionals to visually represent the indoor air quality data in an artistic, interactive and compelling way.

About Nathan St.Germain, RA, CPHC, RESET™ AP

Prior to establishing Studio St.Germain, Nathan was an architect in New York City and Pittsburgh, leading projects of various sizes from conceptual design through construction administration. Having completed numerous projects across North America, he is adept at managing client, consultant, and contractor relationships while meeting the requirements of design, budget, and schedule.  

Originally from Rhode Island, Nathan holds a Bachelor's of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is a licensed architect registered in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Nathan serves on the Board of Directors for Passive House Western Pennsylvania (PHWPA) and also serves as Chairman of the Sewickley Borough Planning Commission. He has been invited to participate in the City of Pittsburgh’s Climate Action Plan and Rockefeller 100 Resilient Cities Program.

About the Company

Studio St.Germain is an award-winning boutique architectural firm specializing in ultra-low energy, high performance design and personalized wraparound architectural services for a full range of commercial and residential applications. Implementing the newest techniques and highest standards in technical building design, they offer a wide range of choices and options for clients who value building performance as much as design, including their High Performance Program. The Studio is located in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

More information is available at www.studiostgermain.com