Sean Ervin, principal and senior architect with design firm TSP, Inc., has earned WELL Professional Accreditation, a people-focused credential that builds upon the company’s commitment to deliver high-quality services.
According to the International WELL Being Institute (IWBI), the WELL Building Standard® is a pathway for buildings and organizations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces to enhance human health and well-being.
Ervin first became aware of the WELL accreditation at a national gathering of wellness center professionals. “It includes similar features to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) like energy savings and sustainability considerations, but it focuses on the people using our buildings instead of the building itself,” he said. “I thought the shift of attention was very positive and wanted to know more.”
Becoming WELL Accredited needs a passing score on a rigorous timed exam consisting of 200 questions. Examinees are evaluated on a wide subject matter and their ability to calculate WELL Standard requirements under specific building design scenarios. The test covered the 10 core features of the WELL Standard: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community.
With the continued presence of COVID-19, Ervin expects greater awareness about the health and safety of the buildings people occupy, and he looks forward to advocating on behalf of building owners.
Facilities can become WELL Building Certified at various levels depending on the ability to meet or exceed the criteria of the 10 core areas.
Ervin earned master’s degrees in architecture and construction management from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Iowa State University. He’s an AIA South Dakota member registered in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Ervin also serves on a variety of civic and nonprofit groups in the Sioux Falls area.
