The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design has been “alive” on campus since last October. This semester, students are attending classes in the building for the first time. Behind the scenes there is a team of Facilities Management professionals in place to operate, maintain, and service the building. 

Who are the folks on this "Special Ops” team?

Marlon Ellis, Area 6 Manager, along with six other Facilities Management employees make sure that The Kendeda Building is operating smoothly. Learning new sustainable processes and procedures every day, Marlon reveals that he has begun to make different decisions at home because of the building. From conserving more water and energy to even purchasing plant-based butter, he’s become much more environmentally aware. He’s very proud of the fact that The Kendeda Building is one less building in Atlanta putting water and waste out to the city’s system. 

Dexter Harper, the AC Mechanic II on site, states that working in the building is humbling. Window blinds that automatically descend, and open and close help maintain the temperature of the building almost as if the building is taking care of itself. Since working in The Kendeda Building, Dexter is more aware of what is being wasted energy-wise and hopes that the energy efficient operating systems make their way to other buildings and spaces across campus.  

Ronald Wormley and Marilyn Lofton, both Custodian IIs, are the faces behind keeping The Kendeda Building clean. Marilyn originally turned down the offer to work in the building because she wasn’t sure what she would get herself into. Now, she finds that the building puts her mind at ease because it is such a beautiful space in which to work. Ronald is proud to a part of the team working in such a unique environment. He also enjoys talking football with Marlon and Dexter.

The Recycling Department plays a very active role in The Kendeda Building. Johnny Rand, Recycling Specialist II, a self-described neat freak often finds himself helping visitors place their recyclables in the correct container. “There is a learning curve, but I’m eager to help them understand how it all works.”

Alex Gurciullo, IT Project Manager Support Specialist II, maintains the building’s information technology and works closely with Shan Arora, the Director of The Kendeda Building.

As Marlon, Dexter, Ronald, Marilyn, and Johnny keep things on track inside the building, Steve Place, Horticulturist II, oversees the landscape outside. He recently met with individuals from the Audubon Society to discuss the surrounding landscape becoming a certified wildlife sanctuary. 

As The Kendeda Building “lives” on campus, the Facilities Management professionals behind the scenes are dedicated to keeping it healthy.  For interesting side notes about the team, visit www.livingbuilding.gatech.edu/about/team.  (Above photo L-R: Alex Gurciullo, Marlon Ellis, Marilyn Lofton, Johnny Rand, Steve Place, Ron Wormley and Dexter Harper)