10/03/2026
GWU students visit Studio JV for a conversation about sustainability.

A group of students from the Interior Architecture course at George Washington University visited Studio JV this Tuesday (10) for a conversation about sustainability in architecture. Accompanied by professors from the institution, including Professor Erin Speck, the students had the opportunity to learn about the work developed by Studio JV and to discuss how sustainability strategies can be incorporated into architectural design processes.
The session was led by Raphaell Valença, the office’s interior director, who presented some of the studio’s projects and shared reflections on the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability principles into professional practice. The visit was part of the academic program of the course Sustainability and Human Wellness in Today’s Built Environment, dedicated to analyzing the relationship between sustainability, human well-being and the built environment.
The conversation addressed topics such as the impact of architectural design on the quality of spaces, the role of natural light, environmental comfort and urban integration in promoting well-being, as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in creating healthier and more resilient environments.
The visit provided an opportunity for exchange between academia and professional practice, allowing students to directly experience the realities of the sector and understand different approaches to sustainability in the context of contemporary architecture.