ABSTRACT

The ethical obligation to produce sustainable outcomes brings with it some practical considerations. Design professionals work in an environment where their work is reviewed by others-in some cases others with far less knowledge of the work. Their work is evaluated within a framework of regulations, laws, past practices, desired outcomes, budgets, and competition. Every project is subject to the acceptance of the marketplace, concerns of insurers, and, ultimately, professional peers in terms of reflecting an accepted standard of care. In the end, even the most autonomous designer works for someone, and the result of the work is used by others. No professional designer works in a vacuum. The designer is expected to balance the concerns of the client, of the end user, of the context of where the design will be used or built.