CMG Principal Consultant Betsy del Monte, FAIA, LEED BD+C, brings decades of experience in sustainable, resilient and regenerative design to Creating the Regenerative School, a book she co-authored with architects Alan Ford, FAIA, and Kate Mraw. Published by ORO Editions, the book examines how the places where children learn can move beyond conventional sustainability to actively support the health and resilience of students, communities and the environment.
Drawing on extensive research and case studies from around the world, the authors examine exemplary learning environments through measures including net-zero energy and carbon strategies, regenerative design, evidence-based design, occupant satisfaction and post-occupancy performance. Essays from subject-matter experts further explore issues ranging from occupant health and biophilic design to climate resilience and advocacy.
Betsy’s contribution builds on more than 30 years of architectural practice and sustainability consulting. Her expertise encompasses high-performance building design, sustainable and resilient communities, and integrated design and delivery. Before joining Cameron MacAllister Group, she served as a principal and director of sustainability at The Beck Group and taught at Southern Methodist University’s Lyle School of Engineering.
A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Betsy has also played an influential role in advancing climate action within the profession. She sponsored the AIA’s 2019 Resolution for Urgent and Sustained Climate Action, which helped accelerate the Institute’s focus on decarbonization and climate-responsive practice. Her contributions to architecture and sustainability were recognized with the AIA Dallas Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Since its publication, Creating the Regenerative School has attracted attention within the design community. Architectural Record included it in its 2025 roundup of notable sustainability books, highlighting its shift from simply reducing environmental harm toward design that restores and revitalizes. Texas Architect subsequently reviewed the book favorably, citing the strength of its data and its demonstration that ambitious regenerative and net-zero goals can be achieved in real-world learning environments.
Through both her work with CMG and her broader leadership in the profession, Betsy helps design firms translate ambitious sustainability and resilience goals into meaningful changes in practice—making Creating the Regenerative School a natural extension of the expertise she brings to CMG clients.
Learn more about Creating the Regenerative School and explore the book.
Image courtesy of Oro Editions
The book can be purchased online or wherever books are sold.