Cuningham Team Members Join mindfulMATERIALS

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Materials detail shot - Rafter Apartments

Three Cuningham team members, Monica Coleman, Katie Sander Smith, and Emily Bisaga Dunne are officially members of mindful MATERIALS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the selection of building materials that prioritize health, sustainability, and resilience.

As members, the three will be joining a group of more than 50 owner's groups, AEC firms and manufacturers that are leading the charge to collectively create a common language and processes around sustainable material products and labels.

This partnership marks a meaningful advancement in Cuningham’s commitment to guiding clients toward healthier material choices that elevate industry standards.

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Cuningham's Mindful Material Team Members
From left: Monica Coleman, NCIDQ, CID, Assoc. IIDA, NEWH; Katie Sander Smith, NCIDQ, CID; Emily Bisaga Dunne

Becoming a Member

Members of mindful MATERIALS play a critical role in driving the adoption of sustainable practices within the industry, influencing positive change through collective efforts and shared commitments. The membership program enables individuals and firms to learn from peers, share knowledge, and participate in the organization’s various Working and Engagement Groups—specialized cohorts focused on advancing specific aspects of material sustainability.

  • Katie and Monica will be joining the Advocacy Working Group, which oversees the industry-wide promotion of the importance of selecting healthier and better materials.
  • Emily will be joining the Technology Working Group, which oversees the creation and alignment of industry tools.

The Forums

As members, Katie, Monica, and Emily will also be involved in mindful MATERIAL’s Forums—collaborative groups that bring together experienced materials leaders from various sectors of the building industry, including owners, AEC firms, and manufacturers. The primary objectives of these Forums are to identify alignment opportunities, develop shared resources and knowledge, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable materials practices across the industry.

Forum members are dedicated to at least a three-year commitment, focusing on deep alignment and scaling efforts to drive meaningful change in the industry. The work is structured in phases, with initial efforts centered on building foundational endorsement around aligned materials standards and data integration

We’re incredibly excited to have these team members representing Cuningham at a national level, becoming part of a collaborative movement dedicated to creating a materials economy that respects and protects the health of people, communities, and ecosystems.