Stories Of Vision And Progress

with Jeff Nichols and award nominees at the 2026 Vision Awards for Bellevue and Seattle 2030 Districts Sometimes the headlines make it feel like we're not making progress — but the reality on the ground tells a very different story. In this special episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols looks beyond the negative news about stalled programs to bring you voices from the frontlines of real sustainability work happening right now in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. Jeff attended the Bellevue and Seattle 2030 Districts Vision Awards, a major annual celebration for the building, architecture, and energy community — and sat down with many of the builders, engineers, architects, and city leaders nominated in various Vision Award categories.  From hospitals and universities slashing energy use to the LEED certified restoration of a 135-year-old vacant downtown building — the work being done is remarkable. Most people just haven't heard about it yet. This episode is a reminder of the thousands of people making an impact every day, often without the recognition they deserve.   Guest Segments Include: Reducing energy use and emissions through efficiency, electrification, and high-performance operations with: Denise Montgomery, Property Manager for Unico Properties Christian Taylor, Lead Engineer at Unico Properties Armando Berdeal, Energy Program Delivery Manager at Seattle City Light Innovative approaches to conserving water and improving long-term resource stewardship with: Mark Johnson, Principal Architect at Signal Architecture and Research Todd Mayne, Director of Operations and Construction at Webber Thompson Angie Rivera, Director of Sustainability at Sellen Construction Discover more about the International Living Future Institute (ILFI)  Discover more about LEED certification  Transforming existing buildings to improve performance, reduce emissions, and extend asset life with: Mike Jobes, Principal at The Miller Hull Partnership Reducing the carbon impact of materials and construction through thoughtful design with: Matt Aalfs, Founder and Principal Architect at Building Work Design Visionary leadership driving meaningful sustainability outcomes through strategy, policy, and collaboration with: Barbara Lee, Waterfront Program Director at the Seattle Department of Transportation  David Woodson, Executive Director of all thing's energy at the University of Washington Perry England, Building Performance Vice President at MacDonald-Miller The Reframe podcast is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight. If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, please email us: [email protected]