Sustainable Architecture with Tessa Bradley – What It Takes Podcast
In this episode of What It Takes, we explore sustainable architecture with Tessa Bradley, co-principal of the award-winning Artisans Group, a Pacific Northwest-based architecture firm leading the way in high-performance, energy-efficient design.
Tessa shares how her journey—from roller derby competitor to nationally recognized architect—has shaped her minimalist design philosophy and mission to make sustainability both practical and beautiful.
🏗️ Designing Simplicity: The Key to Sustainable Architecture
At the core of Tessa’s work is a deep belief in solving complex challenges with simple, intentional design. She doesn’t retrofit sustainability—she starts with it.
“It’s hard to make something simple that solves everything, but I like to win.”
Her team embraces integrated design from the very beginning, using science-backed strategies to build homes and commercial spaces that are as functional as they are stunning.
👉 Related: Why purpose-led businesses succeed
🌿 What Is Passive House? And Why Does It Matter?
Tessa is a pioneer in Passive House design, which she describes as “putting a big woolly sweater around your house.” It’s a high-performance building standard that results in:
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Lower energy costs
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Improved indoor air quality
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Greater long-term durability
This approach is key to sustainable architecture with Tessa Bradley, combining beauty, comfort, and responsibility.
💪 Leading as a Woman in Architecture
Tessa didn’t just find her niche—she created it. As one of the first ten female Certified Passive House Consultants (CPHCs) in the U.S., she blazed a trail in a male-dominated field.
“I didn’t meet a female licensed architect until I was almost one myself.”
Through Artisans Group, she’s helped elevate female leadership in a profession that still sees less than 1% of firm owners as women.
👉 Explore: Our interview with another inspiring woman entrepreneur
📈 How to Grow a Firm in a Legacy-Driven Industry
Unlike many architecture firms that inherit project portfolios, Tessa and her business partner built theirs from scratch—often having to “claw and fight” for every opportunity.
“We didn’t inherit the benefit of our forefathers’ portfolios—we had to earn it.”
Her success strategy? Relentless mentorship, excellence in execution, and clear long-term vision.
💼 The Business of Sustainable Architecture
Tessa wears the CEO hat with realism and grace. She talks openly about the loneliness of leadership, the pressure to be “on” at all times, and the growth that comes from owning your journey.
“You don’t get made an owner and then act like one. You act like an owner until you are one.”
If you’re an aspiring architect, creative, or business owner, her story is your blueprint.
🎯 What Does It Take?
We always close our show with this: What does it take to build something meaningful?
Tessa’s response was powerful and personal:
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Partnership: “Find someone to build your world with.”
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Ownership Mindset: “Act like a principal long before the title comes.”
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Intentionality: “If your actions don’t match your goals, either change your strategy—or admit that’s not really what you want.”
▶️ Listen to the Episode
🎧 Stream the episode: Sustainable Architecture with Tessa Bradley
🔗 Connect with Tessa Bradley & Artisans Group
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🌐 Website: Artisans Group
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📸 Instagram: @artisansgroup
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🏡 Learn more about Passive House design
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✅ Looking to build your own sustainable brand? Check out our latest episode on brand strategy for purpose-driven founders.
