Lindsay Suter, an architect and skilled furniture maker, has had sustainability deeply ingrained in his ethos since childhood. His journey has taken him across continents, living and learning in Denmark and Finland before settling in New Haven, where he became known as the “go-to green guy” at a prominent architecture firm. In 1998, feeling the pull toward a more dedicated pursuit of sustainability, Lindsay ventured out on his own and established his own architecture practice.
Over the years, Lindsay has shared his expertise with eager minds at Yale, educating the next generation of sustainable designers. Most recently, he has focused more on education and community engagement, teaching courses on sustainable design at the University of Hartford and collaborating with local communities on ecological restoration projects.
A testament to Lindsay’s tireless advocacy for sustainable design, he was recently awarded the CT GBC Green Advocate Award. The award acknowledges excellence in design and construction practice and those who support the broader goals of using the built environment as a vehicle for resource efficiency, access to community, and resiliency to combat human health challenges and climate change within the state of Connecticut and beyond.
One of Lindsay’s most memorable ecological restoration projects is right in his backyard – quite literally! Living in the old mill he and his wife restored after moving there in 2001, one day Lindsay witnessed struggling fish unable to navigate the dam during a heavy rainstorm. Determined to help, he spearheaded what became known as the Farm River Restoration Project.
Gathering a team of experts, including historians, fish biologists, civil engineers, and politicians, Lindsay and the team embarked on the ambitious task of building a fish ladder to aid the fish’s journey upstream. Despite challenges such as securing grants and funding, bureaucratic hurdles, Hurricane Sandy, and the uncertainty of construction starting during peak COVID times in April 2020, the team persevered.
Lindsay oversaw every detail of the project’s execution, and thus with his leadership and commitment, the project showcased the power of community, resilience, and sustainable design.
