We haven’t seen much snow yet, but in Chicago, we know it’s coming – and that means more time spent indoors where it’s warm and cozy. Historically, that coziness has come at a cost to the environment and our collective health, but Chicago architect Alicia Ponce says it doesn’t have to be that way.

As part of our Last Word series, she gives La Ultima Palabra on how she believes those who create and maintain our built environments should keep sustainability at the center of all their projects.

Alicia Ponce is also one of the founding members of Arquitina, a professional leadership and licensure initiative that supports Latinas in architecture and encourages Latinas to join the industry.