If you ask Briana Rushton, Sustainability Specialist at Epsten Group, what drives her, she’ll tell you it’s the intersection of the natural and built environments and the responsibility to make that relationship thrive.
A Miami native, Briana’s journey into sustainability started in high school, where she developed a deep love for environmental conservation. That passion led her to volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon and Costa Rican rainforests, places she describes as where she is “happiest.” Along the way, she also discovered a deep appreciation for architecture, ultimately earning her master’s degree in the field and finding a career path that blended her two worlds.
“Coming straight out of graduate school, I knew I wanted to marry my two unique educational backgrounds – environmental sustainability and architecture,” Briana says. “Becoming a Sustainability Specialist did just that.”
At Epsten Group, Briana spends most of her time reviewing green building certifications and consulting with project teams on LEED and WELL documentation. She also reviews environmental product declarations for building materials. When consulting, she especially enjoys the chance to work directly with people, sharing knowledge and inspiring project teams to push for more sustainable outcomes.
Why the Role Matters
Briana believes sustainability in architecture shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be inherent.
“Our responsibility to ensure the built environment works well with the natural environment is essential for the wellbeing of the planet and the people who use these spaces.”
Her approach is rooted in her personal definition of sustainability: an inherent healthy relationship between elements—built or natural—that upholds mutual benefit and care.
Life at Epsten Group
For Briana, the work environment is just as important as the work itself. She loves the collaborative spirit, the shared passion for environmental sustainability, and the satisfaction of contributing to projects that make a difference. And yes, she’s quick to note that coming into an office as nice as ours is an extra perk.
Looking Ahead
In the year ahead, Briana is excited to continue growing her skills, connecting with more people directly, and expanding her impact on the projects she touches. Beyond work, she’s a passionate traveler with a personal goal to visit all seven Wonders of the New World and set foot on all seven continents before turning 30.
Her parting thought is a reminder of the bigger picture:
“I hope people are inspired by the work that we do here at Epsten, because it is no small feat.”
