ABOUT

Ecotone Design LLC is a Philadelphia-based design consulting practice which focuses on deep sustainable redevelopment of urban neighborhoods. Ecotone Design encompasses Frank’s extensive experience managing LEED certification, his passion for sustainable design, and his interest in creating regenerative environments and business models.

Frank Sherman AIA, LEED-AP BD+C
Founder and Principal

FRANK SHERMAN AIA, LEED-AP BD+C, is Founder and Principal of Ecotone Design LLC and formerly the Director of Sustainability at Spiezle Architectural Group. He is a recognized professional in the field of Green Building design and a registered architect with 30 years’ experience as a practicing architect, green building expert and sustainability consultant.

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Frank is a past Director of the U.S. Green Building Council having served on their executive committee. He has been active in the growth and development of the Council for over 15 years and was instrumental in developing USGBC’s National Chapter Program. Frank served as the founding Chair of USGBC-NJ, has served as chair of the national Chapter Steering Committee, chair of the Board’s Governance Committee, and has served on numerous Board task forces and subcommittees.

 

Frank works closely with the U.S. Green Building Council to train emerging green building professionals in integrative planning and design, and is spearheading the development of community-focused sustainability initiatives in the greater Philadelphia region. He is a frequent guest critic for sustainability courses at Universities in the Philadelphia area. He serves on advisory boards for New Jersey Sustainable Schools and Rider University Sustainable Minor program. Additionally, Frank volunteers with the William Way LGBT Community Center and to Action Wellness in Philadelphia.

HONORS & AWARDS

  • 2016 X-Prize Visioneer

  • Adjunct Professor - Jefferson University, Masters of Sustainability Program

  • Guest Critic – Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design 

  • Guest Critic - SUNY College of Environmental Science, School of Landscape Architecture

  • Guest Critic - Syracuse University, School of Environmental Design

  • Juror – International Association of Lighting Designers Design Awards

  • Excellence in Concrete Design & Installation - 1999, American Concrete Institute CNY Chapter, Silver Award, Burnet Park Zoo Siberian Tiger Exhibit

  • Leadership Greater Syracuse, Class of 1992

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & GREEN BUILDING ENGAGEMENT: 1996 – PRESENT

 

Ecotone Design Development LLC                                                                                                      2017-Present

Ecotone is a Design Practice and Development Company focused on sustainable and social impact development in the Philadelphia area. We work with a range of community partners to strengthen and rebuild the fabric of Philadelphia neighborhoods.

 

BEInG (Built Environment Innovation Group)                                                                                 2017-Present

BEInG is an international collaborative of innovative thinkers and practitioners working to develop regenerative design solutions across scales in urban and rural places. BEInG brings together people working in the areas of building design, engineering, construction, finance, law, social sciences, public health, and community engagement to explore the complexities of creating vibrant and resilient communities for the 21st century.

 

Spiezle Architectural Group                                                                                                                 2013-2017 

Director of Sustainability – Responsible for promoting the Firm’s commitment to green design and sustainability through LEED Certification, incorporating sustainable high-performance strategies in the work the firm produces, and continually educating staff and clients on the issues and trends of green building certification, high performance design and sustainability in the industry.

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Alpine Green Solutions LLC                                                                                                                 2010-2013     

East Coast Managing Partner - Focused on LEED consulting and deep energy retrofits for select building types and markets. Alpine also provides development services for alternative and renewable energy projects throughout the country.

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TD Bank NA                                                                                                                                              2009-2010 

U.S. Green Officer - Responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for U.S. Banking operations, overseeing portfolio wide energy efficiency measures, and assisting in the development of the Bank’s LEED Certified branch prototypes.

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Mackenzie Keck Construction                                                                                                           2007-2008

Vice President - Responsible for developing the Company’s green construction services and the development of an architectural services division.

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Global Thinking                                                                                                                                     2007-2009

Principal - Consulting practice focused on corporate & community sustainability and technical green building services including LEED consulting.

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Chrisner Group                                                                                                                                      2004-2007

Partner & Technical Director - Consulting practice focused on LEED certification and technical green building services. Chrisner Group was an early promoter of the LEED Rating System and provided education and training on LEED process as well as management services for clients pursuing LEED Certification.

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Hillier Group Architects (RMJM Hillier)                                                                                          1998-2004

Associate – Served as project architect and project manager in the corporate and historic preservation studios, and company-wide expert on green building issues; supporting six national offices on projects pursuing LEED Certification.

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Sherman Associates                                                                                                                           1992-1998

Principal and Registered Architect - Architectural design practice with a focus on interior-based architecture and institutional clients. Became involved with green building and introduced to the U.S. Green Building Council on behalf of a client in 1996.

 

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

 

American Institute of Architects CNY Chapter - Board Member                                                        1990

American Institute of Architects – Member                                                                                           2013-Present

US Green Building Council National - Member                                                                                     2001-Present

US Green Building Council New Jersey Chapter - Member                                                                 2001-Present

Delaware Valley Green Building Council – Member                                                                             2010-Present

US Green Building Council LEED-EB committee                                                                                   2001-2002

US Green Building Council New Jersey Chapter - Founding Chair                                                     2001-2003

US Green Building Council Chapter Steering Committee – Member & Chair                                  2002-2007

US Green Building Council Regional Council - Member                                                                      2006-2007

US Green Building Council Board of Directors - Director                                                                    2007-2008

US Green Building Council Board Leadership Task Force - Co-Chair                                                 2007-2008

US Green Building Council Board of Directors - Executive committee                                              2008

Green Building Certification Institute Board of Directors - Director                                                  2008

US Green Building Council Governance Committee - Member & Chair                                           2009-2012