Born and raised in Northern California, Rick Van Diepen found his way to Las Vegas 19 years ago after earning his degree from UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design—and he’s been calling the desert home ever since. In 2014, Rick became a principal at GRN Vision, a Las Vegas-based sustainability and green building consulting firm. Before that, he pivoted from a long career in architecture to focus on his true passion: sustainability and community development. As the first executive director of Green Chips, a regional nonprofit, Rick championed efforts to build stronger communities and promote sustainability in the public and private sectors.

Rick has been a LEED 2.0 Accredited Professional since 2004, with a deep focus on integrated design and sustainability. Before joining GRN Vision, he worked as an Associate Principal and Sustainability Manager for PGAL Architects, overseeing sustainability initiatives across their nine U.S. and Mexico offices. With roots in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Rick has always been drawn to sustainable design, local food systems, and historic preservation. He’s left his mark on several notable projects, including the 1907 East Ely Railroad Depot, the Nevada State Museum at the 1907 Ely Freight House, and the 1941 Harrison House in West Las Vegas. Each of these projects came with unique challenges, blending energy conservation with the careful preservation of historic structures in tough climates.

Rick also brings his leadership skills to the nonprofit world. He’s served as board member and 2015 Chapter President of the US Green Building Council Nevada (USGBC NV), board member and chair for Green Chips, and contributed to organizations like the AIA Las Vegas Chapter and Nevadans for Clean and Reliable Energy (NCARE). A 2008 Leadership Las Vegas graduate, Rick stays deeply involved in the community through volunteer work and pro-bono design services for groups like Habitat for Humanity, Olive Crest, Family Promise, and the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation.

A frequent guest speaker and panelist, Rick shares his expertise on sustainable design with local professional groups, TV audiences, and public radio listeners. At home, Rick and his wife Kathryn are raising two daughters—and renovating their lively 1964 central Las Vegas house into a net-zero energy haven.