Description of Individual or organization
Brad is a designer with over 20 years academic, professional, and research experience and is program coordinator and faculty for Parallel Construction. His research focus is centered in fabrication and design/build education. In addition to sharing this research knowledge through lectures and seminars, he is equally focused on architectural illustration. His work includes conceptual drawings in graphite and watercolor, steel constructs and wood frame construction that have been exhibited regionally and has been commissioned for several private art projects. Brad obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington. In addition, he is currently a member of the collaborative studio, HA Architecture in Austin.
University of Texas at Arlington Senior student projects from the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs built two tiny houses as their senior design project. Under the leadership of Brad McCorkle , UTA graduate and Arlington native. This gave the students real-world experience with something relevant. They wanted to accomplish several goals. First - Make space and shelter which is the primordial purpose of architecture. Second - Small, 300 square feet this leaves a smaller footprint on the environment, less land, heavy materials and energy to operate. All goals were accomplished.
Leadership (Nominee demonstrates leadership through example, knowledge, attitude)
I met Brad McCorkle about 8 months ago driving by the project. I knew nothing about him or the UTA project but was so impressed, I continued to drive by. I saw Brad working with the students at all hours of the night. I also noticed the students bringing family and friends by to admire the project. This also motivated me to present some sustainable ideas to my church where we are now working on several projects, a community garden, and a multi-use space of an unused building. His leadership attitude lead to something bigger than his project he influenced a change in the atmosphere of the community.
Environmental Impact (Nominee demonstrates a positive impact on the local environment via policy change, product offering, significant volunteer contribution or other achievement)
The two tiny houses use high-efficiency HVAC units and will be sprayed with a high rated insulation. The units also have metal skins that reflect a large amount of radiant heat. Those metal roofs allow for the addition of rainwater harvesting and solar energy,the units are mobile, also. CAPPA has many sponsors and plan on having one on display for Ecofest Arlington. Vendors donated time and materials include : Milgard Windows and Doors, Daikin, Huber Engineered Woods, Tom's Mechanical Inc, ABC Imaging, Delta Millworks and Topping Out.
Community Impact (Nominee demonstrates commitment to DFW green community through involvement with causes, business ventures or organizations)
CAPPA is working with the Tarrant County Housing Authority to design and build a single-family home in Arlington. These kinds of projects help students understand certain elements of building sustainable urban communities, one of the pillars of UTA’s Strategic Plan.
Other reasons for your nomination
I think this is a good example of one project that caused unintended good, something organic for an entire city of 400K, and one of the largest institutions in the state of Texas with 57,000 students. This is how attitudes, and the atmosphere are changed.
