We Keep Tearing Out Perfectly Good Buildings — And Calling It Progress — Episode 158 with Lona Rerick and Jesce Walz

<p>In this episode of <em>Better Buildings for Humans</em>, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Lona Rerick and Jesce Walz of Perkins&amp;Will to explore regenerative design, circularity, and rethinking buildings and materials as valuable resources rather than disposable products.</p><p>The conversation examines the shift away from construction’s traditional take-make-waste model, why usable materials are discarded during renovations, and the environmental impacts of interior fit-outs. They discuss the cultural and economic barriers to reuse and what it takes to challenge the preference for new materials.</p><p>Drawing on Perkins&amp;Will’s <em>Circular Design Primer for Interiors</em>, the discussion explores material longevity, creative reuse, deconstruction, refurbishment, bio-based materials, and designing for disassembly. It also highlights opportunities for architects, contractors, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs in a circular building economy.</p><p>Ultimately, this episode challenges how we define waste and value, encouraging designers to see existing materials as opportunities and create buildings that benefit people, communities, and the environment long into the future.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>More About Lona Rerick and Jesce Walz</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Lona Rerick</strong></p><p>Lona Rerick is an Architect and Firmwide Director of Regenerative Design Materials at Perkins&amp;Will. She leads the firm&#39;s efforts to select responsible materials supporting human health, climate health, ecosystem health, and social equity within a circular economy.</p><p>Lona guides teams through material research, supply chains, and specifications while advocating for industry transformation. She serves on the mindful MATERIALS Board, the Living Future Material Health TAG, and co-leads the Portland Materials Transparency Collaborative. She also helped establish the AIA Materials Pledge and its reporting framework.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Jesce Walz</strong></p><p>Jesce Walz is a Senior Research Lead at Perkins&amp;Will, specializing in regenerative design, circular economy, and bio-based materials. With a background in architecture and landscape architecture, she collaborates with leading organizations advancing sustainable building practices.</p><p>Within Perkins&amp;Will&#39;s Research and Development Group, Jesce leads initiatives supporting ecologically responsible design. She authored the firm&#39;s <em>Circular Design Primer for Interiors</em>, led