GPDM FOR SUSTAINABILITY LTD
J Scott Edwards, Director
While living in Asia Scott has worked independently and in collaboration with other firms, completing several design projects, coordinating the LEED certification of interior fit-outs, and providing a variety of design, project management and sustainability-related services to an assortment of clients. Below is a selection of projects that Scott has been involved with in Asia.
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Scott has recently been appointed as a Project Director at Orbit Design Studio. Click here to visit the website of Orbit Design Studio.
“LEED AP” and the related acronym, and the LEED AP logos are trademarks owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and awarded to individuals under license by the Green Building Certification Institute.
Scott received his first Master’s degree from the School of Architecture at the University of British Columbia in 1998. In 2001 he moved from Canada to Bangkok Thailand, and since then has also lived in Phnom Penh Cambodia, Hanoi Vietnam, and Jakarta Indonesia. With over 25 years of design related experience, Scott has been involved with the design and construction of a variety of project types including residential, commercial, educational and public sector. Scott has also taught architecture in Canada and has been invited as a guest architectural critic in Canada and Thailand. Scott has been a LEED Accredited Professional [ID&C] since 2008 and an EDGE Expert since February 2021, and has spoken at conferences about the use of LEED in South East Asia.
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His involvement with international schools in SE Asia has led Scott to a growing interest in the relationships between design, sustainability, and education. In 2015 Scott completed a Master of Science in Environmental Education & Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin and complete a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Building Design & Construction from the Sustainable Design Institute at Boston Architectural College.
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Working with the United Nations International School (UNIS) in Hanoi Vietnam, Scott developed and implemented procedures for a Sustainable School Operational Audit. The audit protocol drew inspiration from UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development initiative and combined standards from UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO, along with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Version 4 rating systems for both new construction and building operations & maintenance. Scott is now building on that experience by working with Compass Education to help design a process to assist school communities with their efforts to develop an informed and holistic approach to the topic of sustainability. Please visit the School Community Sustainability page for more information about Compass Education and the SCST process.
J. Scott Edwards | Portfolio of work
World Bank Office Renovation | Dili, TL
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Project Coordination Consultancy through GPDM for Sustainability for a +650 sq.m renovation of a 40 year old free standing building used for the offices of the World Bank Group in Dili, Timor Leste. Full renovation, designed by DPI of Jakarta, ID. Responsible for coordination between Washington-based Project Manager, Jakarta-based design consultants and building occupants in Timor Leste. Performed site review and feasibility study; assisted with procurement of design team; oversaw development of design; coordinated with local design team and overseas IT and Security experts; assisted with procurement of contractor; reviewed site progress during construction. Coordinated COVID-19 related design revisions.
Green Shoots International School | Hoi An, VN
Working through GPDM for Sustainability with Compass Education, co-facilitated the first of 2 two-day sessions of the Compass Education School Community Sustainability Transformation process. Met with 45 school community members including the head of school, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and and the full upper-years student body. Helped the community create a shared definition of sustainability, grounded in the school's mission and stated values; helped participants develop a deeper understanding of the role of indicators and monitoring systems; and began the process of collecting data for an assessment of current conditions at the school Second session postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
United Nations International School | Hanoi, VN
Working through GPDM for Sustainability with Compass Education, co-facilitated the Compass Education School Community Sustainability Transformation process. In 2 two-day sessions, met with UNIS Hanoi’s sustainability team comprised of 30 community members including teachers, administrators, board members, support staff, parents and students, and worked together to develop a shared vision of sustainability, grounded in the school’s mission and stated values; a customized sustainable school framework adapting the Compass School Community Sustainability Framework to align with their own strategic management and reporting structures; and, an action plan with clearly articulated actionable items to present to the board for inclusion in the next planning cycle.
Aspden-Bell Residence | Richmond CAN
Design Consultancy through GPDM for Sustainability for a 3-bedroom private residence. Work included concept design, 3d modeling and design development, with construction and permit drawings developed by a local draftsperson. The house includes solar assisted hot water; water efficient fixtures and energy efficient lighting; and, reuse of existing materials. Passive design strategies include extensive cross ventilation; and, careful attention to solar orientation, with South-facing windows to maximize daylighting potential and carefully designed sunshades to allow entry of low winter sunlight while blocking high summer sunlight.
United Nations Int’l School of Hanoi | Hanoi VN
Sustainability Consultancy through GPDM for Sustainability for a K-12 international school that offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programs. Reporting to the Learning Leadership Team and the Director of Learning, designed and implemented a Sustainable School Operational Audit protocol which reviews curriculum, campus design and construction, operations and maintenance, co-curricular activities, and school policies and procedures. The protocol is based UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development Lens: A Policy and Practices Review Tool, and incorporates internationally recognized standards and best practices [including LEED v.4 rating systems, policies and guidelines from WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO and others] to review 16 areas of concern.
LEED: Proctor and Gamble Office Fit-out | Singapore
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LEED Accredited Professional Consultancy for a multi-floor office fit out. Advisor to Orbit Design Studio, who were subcontracted to design interior spaces in a new building project. Worked closely with Designers and consultants to ensure that the design complied with LEED standards; coordination with MEP consultants and base building project certification team.
LEED: USAID RDMA Facilities | Bangkok TH
LEED Accredited Professional Consultancy for a four floor office fit out designed by Orbit Design Studio. Worked included coordination with Interior Designers and Engineers to ensure that the design complied with LEED standards, management of information collection and completion of all submittals for LEED certification. The first stage of the project (three floors) achieved Silver Level and was the first USAID overseas office project to achieve LEED certification. The second stage (one floor) achieved Gold Level.
Mgmt Science for Health [MSH] Relocation | Hanoi VN
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Interior Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for the relocation and fit-out of offices for a USAID funded international NGO. Responsible for inventory of existing furniture and equipment; the layout of 2 floors of offices and supporting spaces; completion of all tender documents; assistance with construction tender and procurement of furniture; and quality review during construction.
FHI360 Office Renovation | Hanoi VN
Interior Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for the renovation of an existing single floor office for a USAID funded international NGO. The project involved revisions to an existing office layout to accommodate new staff and reinforce changes to organizational structure, and included redesign of reception and meeting areas.
Lycée Français René Descartes | Phnom Penh KH
Sustainability and Design Consultancy to assist Pyle Architects, design competition for renovations to an existing school. The submission included designs for a new Kindergarten Center, Food Services Center, Gymnasium / Theatre Building, and overall planning. Efforts were made to provide a comprehensive sustainability vision for the campus that included storm water management and rainwater retention/reuse systems, energy conservation systems, and improved indoor environment quality. A network of gardens and outdoor teaching / leisure areas was woven through the ground level to provide opportunities for environmental education activities and greater connection to nature.
International School of Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh KH
Management Assistance Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for a 750 student K-12 international school. Work included assisting the Director and School Board with general project coordination and the engagement of a full time project management company and architectural firm. Met with faculty and administration to develop a Design Brief and Schedule of Areas; worked with the School’s Director and Board Chair to develop project strategies; and, assisted with the assessment of potential sites for the project.
Hun Sen Library Extension, RUPP | Phnom Penh KH
Design Consultancy to assist Pyle Architects with a 2500 sq.m. extension to an existing university library. Work involved assistance with concept and design development stages; responsible for 3-d modeling and sun path analysis; preparation of presentation materials; management of a drafting team for the production of permit and construction drawings; and coordination with Ministry of Education representatives, World Bank monitoring staff and engineering consultants.
Sovann Komar Foster Community | Phnom Penh KH
Design Consultancy to assist Pyle Architects, master planning and design studies for a privately funded orphanage school. Assisted with site planning, development of house designs, and development of school design including plans and 3-d computer modeling; review of water use strategies with local experts; preparation of presentation materials for discussion with client representatives and curriculum developers.
Private Residence | Koh Phangan TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for a private 5-bedroom vacation residence. Work included concept design, design development and construction documents for a local developer. The house was designed to maximize the feeling of “outdoor living”, and to maintain privacy while taking advantage of the spectacular views.
TreeHouse KP | Koh Phangan TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for a 130 sq.m private 3-bedroom vacation residence. Work included concept design, design development, construction documents and quality control during construction. The house includes a rainwater catchment system, solar panel battery array and passive heat reduction design strategies including sunshades, feature-wall treatments and extensive cross ventilation.
Baan Hin Ngam | Koh Phangan TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for 140 sq.m private vacation home. Work included concept design, design development, and construction documents. This island holiday house sits on a sloped site with exceptional views along the north coast of the Thai island of Koh Phangan.
Plantation Development Phase II | Phuket TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for development project. Feasibility study on an 80 key boutique hotel plus restaurant and common facilities. Work included master planning, concept development and coordination with hospitality consultants.
Above & Beyond Development | Phuket TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for development project. Assisted with master planning of a multi-stage high-end hospitality development. Work included planning and schematic layout of pool villas, terrace units, a main hotel building with common facilities, plus restaurant, spa and sports center; general master planning; built area calculations for costing; zoning and bylaw studies; concept development and presentation work for discussions with investors.
Vichida Hill Development | Phuket TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for development project. Concept design, design development and preliminary costing package for 5 bedroom residence, for use in discussions with investors. The design is massed and oriented to take full advantage of views while still providing privacy for the residents and protection from the sun.
Jom Chang Development | Phuket TH
Design Consultancy as a Freelance Consultant for development project. Responsible for the development of studies for master planning and the production of presentation materials for use in discussions with investors. Also included a 3-d model and production of plans and images for the concept design of a 3 bedroom single family residence. Open plans have been laid out to create strong connections between interior and exterior spaces, and local textures and materials help bring the character of tropical Phuket into the living spaces.
“Style by Toyota” Edu-tainment Center | Bangkok TH
Working for Orbit Design Studio. Lead Designer for a 4 story branded entertainment center. Responsible for building design, 3-d computer modeling, coordination with interior design and all consultants, and coordination of design development drawings and specifications. Design development documents were then issued to the client’s Contractor for development of permit application and construction documents. In order to maximize the potential of the small urban site, the design combines an efficient use of space, reloadable content and operable partition systems with design features intended to blur the visible boundaries of the interior spaces.
SF Strike Bowl, MBK | Bangkok TH
Working for Orbit Design Studio, Site Designer, providing full time site presence for the retrofit of an entertainment complex. Work included liaising with client, assisting with project management, and on site detail development. The bowling center was updated in style and renovated to include karaoke, V.I.P. lanes, a bar, and food and beverage areas.
Private Residence | Phuket TH
Working for Orbit Design Studio, Lead Designer for a 6 bedroom private residence. Responsible for all building and interior design work, coordination and production of construction documents, coordination with all consultants and the client, and monthly site visits. The site, occupying 6200sq.m on the western-most point of Phuket, is dramatically sloped in areas, dropping from +70m to sea level over its length. The project was designed to work with the slope and take full advantage of the views from the site, while maintaining the highest level of privacy.
Bed Supperclub | Bangkok TH
Working for Orbit Design Studio, Project Team Leader for free standing restaurant and nightclub. Work involved initial concept development through to completion of project. Responsible for construction drawings and coordination with consultants. Full time site presence during construction, assisted Project Manager with contractor coordination and detail development. The basic form needed to be something easily recognized so that the building could in essence act as its own signage; however, it need to be something that could be modular and easy to assemble, and subsequently dismantled when the time came to do so.