“Build a Remarkable & Regenerative Future for All.”
Eric Corey Freed is a nationally recognized architect, author, and sustainability thought-leader with more than three decades of experience transforming the built environment through regenerative and ecologically intelligent design. As Principal and Director of Sustainability at CannonDesign, Eric leads the firm’s sustainability strategy across over 30 million square feet of new construction annually. His work is rooted in achieving net zero energy, reducing embodied carbon, and delivering measurable health, performance, and resilience outcomes—proving that beautiful, functional architecture can and must be sustainable.
A LEED Fellow and recipient of numerous industry honors, including recognition as one of the Top 200 Influencers in the Construction Industry and one of Build Magazine’s American Architecture Top 25, Eric is revered not only for his technical expertise but for his ability to inspire action. His approach goes beyond green building; he is a visionary helping cities, communities, and developers imagine and realize radically better futures. Whether guiding clients through cutting-edge strategies like EcoDistricts and the Living Building Challenge, or mentoring students as an adjunct professor at Boston Architectural College, Eric empowers others to innovate for environmental and human wellbeing.
Eric’s passion for sustainability is matched by his commitment to education and communication. He is the bestselling author of multiple influential books, including Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies, Sustainable School Architecture, Green$ense for the Home, and the 2021 Circular Economy for Dummies. He also co-founded Architect Exam Prep, a leading resource helping future architects navigate the Architect Registration Exam. As a keynote speaker and facilitator, he brings clarity, humor, and urgency to topics ranging from passive solar design to biomimicry, zero waste, and the circular economy.
His career path has been as diverse as it is impactful—ranging from his early organic design practice at organicARCHITECT to his leadership roles at the International Living Future Institute and EcoDistricts. A licensed architect in both Oregon and California, Eric studied Architecture at Temple University and earned a Master’s in Ecological Design from the San Francisco Institute of Architecture. He also apprenticed under students of Frank Lloyd Wright, grounding his practice in a philosophy that honors both place and purpose.
Whether developing sustainability roadmaps for global non-profits, guiding billion-dollar healthcare projects, or helping neighborhoods chart a course toward equity and resilience, Eric approaches every challenge with creativity and compassion. His legacy is not just in the buildings he’s helped shape, but in the countless professionals, students, and communities he’s inspired to believe that sustainable design isn’t just possible—it’s essential.
Character
Eric Corey Freed leads with authenticity, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose, consistently aligning his work with values of environmental stewardship, equity, and community impact. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to regenerative design and a belief in the power of architecture to improve lives and inspire change.
Knowledge
With more than 30 years of experience and a portfolio that spans architecture, education, publishing, and nonprofit leadership, Eric brings unmatched expertise in sustainable design, net zero energy, and circular economy principles. His work is grounded in both academic rigor and real-world application, making him a trusted authority in green building innovation.
Strategic
Eric approaches every challenge with a systems-thinking mindset, integrating long-term vision with tactical execution to deliver measurable outcomes in health, performance, and sustainability. He has led transformative initiatives across organizations, institutions, and communities by uniting technical excellence with practical, scalable solutions.
Communication
A dynamic speaker, bestselling author, and seasoned educator, Eric excels at translating complex ideas into engaging narratives that move people to action. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or with clients, he connects deeply and communicates with clarity, vision, and passion for a better built environment.
