William McDonough

Date of Birth: February 20, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

William McDonough is a globally recognized designer, architect, and thought leader in sustainable development and design. Born in Tokyo, Japan, to American parents, McDonough spent his formative years in various parts of Asia and the United States, which profoundly influenced his worldview and design philosophy. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in philosophy and went on to earn his Master of Architecture from Yale University. McDonough’s career is characterized by a commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. He co-authored “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” with chemist Michael Braungart, a seminal work that redefined the principles of eco-friendly design and manufacturing. McDonough has served as the Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia and has founded several influential design firms, including William McDonough + Partners and McDonough Innovation. He has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the design of the Ford Rouge Center, the Herman Miller “GreenHouse” factory, and NASA’s Sustainability Base. McDonough’s work transcends traditional architecture and design, encompassing a holistic approach that integrates environmental, economic, and social equity goals.

5 Interesting Facts about William McDonough

1. William McDonough was the first and only individual to receive the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development, which was presented to him by President Bill Clinton in 1996.

2. He is a co-founder of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, which certifies products based on their environmental and social performance.

3. McDonough’s design for the Ford Rouge Center in Dearborn, Michigan, includes the world’s largest “living roof,” a 10.4-acre expanse of soil and plants that provides insulation, absorbs rainwater, and reduces the heat island effect.

4. He was named a “Hero for the Planet” by Time magazine in 1999.

5. McDonough’s work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Design Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William McDonough

1. “Design is the first signal of human intention.”

2. “Waste equals food.”

3. “The goal is a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy, and just world, with clean air, soil, water, and power – economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed.”

4. “Being less bad is not being good.”

5. “Regenerative design means to design in a way that gives back more than it takes.”