About

philosophy

Grown from an architecture background, Filter ESD is a strong proponent of ‘sustainability by design’, and emphasis is placed on proven passive solar principles, site responsive design, appropriate technical solutions and consideration of cost benefit.  

Practice

Filter ESD was established by Erika Bartak in 2009, in response to the growing demand for integrated ESD services with a greater appreciation of architectural design, rather than the engineering-based or software-driven approaches prevalent elsewhere in the industry.

Erika is an ESD consultant and sustainable housing researcher with a background in architecture, and a passion for designing and promoting better housing. She has worked across a range of residential, commercial and institutional projects as both a consultant and researcher, with a primary focus on residential design, thermal performance and energy efficiency.  Erika has been an accredited NatHERS assessor for the past 15 years, and utilises house energy rating for government and industry research projects, as well as consumer assessments. 

Erika is currently completing a PhD in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne, investigating energy efficiency within the Australian volume home building sector. She also undertakes casual teaching and research for the faculty, in the areas of Environmental Building Systems and Design.

Erika received her Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 2004, and her Master of Environment Degree in 2016, both from the University of Melbourne. Prior to establishing Filter ESD, she gained valuable experience working for a number of environmentally focused firms, including Sustainable Built Environments, Zen Architects, and Caroline Pidcock Architects.