Leah Karmaker is a change agent. From cultural arts to building science to social justice, Leah’s interests—and visions for betterment—are many. As design and project coordinator at Just Housing, a public benefit corporation designing ready-to-build zero-energy homes in Duluth, Minn., Leah’s work addresses housing inequity, environmental injustice, and the “green-collar” workforce. Since joining the woman-owned agency in 2021, she has focused primarily on new single-family residential design, and describes recent forays into energy assessments for climate resilience as “super fun.”

Keeping Things Creative

A self-proclaimed artistic type, Leah never expected to work for a building contractor after graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in architecture. She was surprised to learn how much she enjoys the technical, hands-on aspects of building with a construction crew. This experience informs her approach when leading Just Housing’s workforce trainings in green building principles and practices.

Leah says she is passionate about “adequate housing,” which Just Housing defines as healthy, durable, fossil fuel–free, and accessible. “Most people do not have access to buildings that keep them safe and healthy without polluting the atmosphere,” Leah explains. “Building adequate buildings is not a given in this industry; accessibility is still the challenge.”

Asked where her career is headed, Leah replies, “I would like to learn about high-performance multifamily design. And I am still figuring out how building expertise plays a role in systemic change—maybe it’s code work, maybe policy work. Also, building city halls, libraries, community centers, and other institutions to a high-performance standard is so important as a collective resource during climate emergencies—that’s another path I could see for myself.”

Wherever her path leads, Leah Karmaker is sure to make change.

— Kiley Jacques, senior editor, Green Building Advisor

From Fine Homebuilding #325

Keep Craft Alive is our campaign celebrating those who have chosen to passionately pursue a career in design, building, and remodeling. Find out more and show your support by visiting KeepCraftAlive.org, and use #KeepCraftAlive to share your passion for the cause.

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