In Conversation with Sarah Lewis
Carrowbreck – Photo provided by Sarah Lewis
Inspiring Pathways into Passivhaus and Sustainable Design
At our latest Friends of Equate Network lunchtime event, we were delighted to welcome Sarah Lewis, Passivhaus Architect, Author, Co-Director of the UK Passivhaus Trust, and an outspoken advocate for sustainable, low-energy building design. Sarah’s voice in the built environment is both technically rigorous and deeply human — and our conversation with her brought clarity, humour and genuine encouragement for women exploring careers in Passivhaus construction and design.
For anyone interested in sustainability, architecture, or transitioning into a greener career path, her insights were a rare blend of professional honesty and practical wisdom.
From Architecture Student to Passivhaus Leader
Sarah Lewis a sustainability architect specialising in Passivhaus inspecting one of here project sites. Passivhaus construction, Norwich, Norfolk.
Sarah’s journey into Passivhaus began early, sparked by an interest in environmental design during her architecture studies. Influenced by professors who brought a physics-based approach to architecture, she travelled alone to Austria as a student to learn more about the emerging Passivhaus movement. That early curiosity became the foundation of her career.
Her first major role was as the Passivhaus Architect for London’s first certified Passivhaus home, one of the UK’s earliest buildings to meet the standard. From there, she continued designing pioneering low-energy projects before joining Hamson, Baron & Smith to apply Passivhaus principles at scale in social housing.
During the pandemic, she stepped into a new chapter: becoming Co-Director of the UK Passivhaus Trust, where she now leads research, policy development and national education initiatives.
Sarah’s story is proof that there is no single route into sustainable design — but curiosity, persistence, and a commitment to learning are powerful tools.
What Makes Passivhaus Special? “Curiosity and Collaboration.”
When asked about the key skills someone needs to succeed in Passivhaus construction, Sarah emphasised that it’s not just about technical expertise.
“Passivhaus requires a curiosity to do things better — and an attention to detail. It’s a collaborative discipline that brings the whole construction industry together.”
— Sarah Lewis
While building physics and energy modelling are important for designers, Sarah explained that Passivhaus is for everyone across the construction sector — architects, structural engineers, M&E consultants, quantity surveyors, site managers, and trades.
A unique strength of the Passivhaus community, she said, is its culture of generosity and shared learning. Firms and practitioners actively share details, lessons learned, and solutions — something Sarah found transformative early in her career.
Carrowbreck scaffolding – Photo provided by Sarah Lewis
Advice for Women Transitioning into Passivhaus Careers
With Scottish Minster – Photo provided by Sarah Lewis
For women considering a move into Passivhaus construction or design, Sarah shared the following guidance:
1. Start with research and explore who’s already doing the work.
Look for companies, local authorities, or consultancies delivering low-energy projects.
2. Make use of training opportunities.
Through the Passivhaus Trust and Coaction, Sarah and her team offer training pathways—from short introductions to the full Certified Passivhaus Designer and Certified Tradesperson courses.
3. Join the community.
The Passivhaus world is warm, supportive, and increasingly diverse. Student memberships at the Passivhaus Trust are low-cost and provide access to events and resources.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The community’s openness is one of its superpowers.
5. And above all:
“Advocate for yourself. Stand up for your expertise. Find people who champion you — and keep them close.”
Women in construction and architecture, she noted, still face barriers, but the landscape is shifting thanks to networks, visibility, and allyship.
WICE awards – Photo provided by Sarah Lewis
Own home – Kids on site – Photo provided by Sarah Lewis
Balancing Career, Parenthood, and Boundaries
Sarah spoke candidly about the realities of balancing a demanding profession with family life — including site visits while pregnant, navigating assumptions in male-dominated spaces, and moments of quiet frustration.
But she also reflected on the empowerment that came from redefining her working boundaries:
“After having my first daughter, I realised I had to leave on time — and nothing fell apart. It made me more focused, more efficient, and more confident in what I bring to the table.”
She emphasised the importance of supportive environments, flexible working patterns, and the role of partners, colleagues, and mentors in creating sustainable careers.
Looking Ahead: Passivhaus, Policy and the Path to Net Zero
Climate protest 2019 – Photo provided by Sarah Lewis
A major theme throughout the conversation was Scotland’s journey to net zero and the dual challenges of new-build standards and deep retrofit.
Sarah highlighted that:
- 80% of the buildings we will have in 2050 already exist today
- New buildings should not require future retrofit
- Retrofit must be safe, healthy, and robust
- Scotland’s upcoming building standards may incorporate elements of Passivhaus
- The Passivhaus Trust is ramping up support for retrofit innovation in 2026
Her optimism was grounded in both urgency and evidence — reminding us that sustainable buildings aren’t just about energy. They’re about health, comfort, well-being, and climate justice.
Why Conversations Like This Matter
This session wasn’t a technical masterclass — it was a human one. Sarah offered an honest look at career pathways, learning curves, confidence, and community. Her stories about supportive colleagues, advocacy on site, and moments of being underestimated resonated with many women navigating male-dominated industries.
It was a conversation full of hope — for greener buildings, for more inclusive workplaces, and for women who want to bring their skills into sustainable design.
Join the Friends of Equate Network
This event is part of our ongoing In Conversation series within the Friends of Equate Network — a free peer support network for women in STEM and allies.
If you’d like to join, learn about future events, or explore how Equate Scotland supports women in STEM careers, visit our website for upcoming opportunities.
