Meet Our Awesome Assistant Designer.
10 Questions for Assistant Designer, Hyla Zouzias.
We Asked. She Answered. Now You Know.
1. Why did you join the Pisgah Energy team?
When I was looking to move to Asheville, I also wanted to transition from residential to commercial solar projects, with a specific focus on solar photovoltaic design. Finding this position was a dream come true! Not only was their location ideal, but, overall, Pisgah Energy’s commitment to professional designs and positive local impacts was apparent. Seeing another solar company breaking barriers to provide state-of-the-art systems is exactly what I was looking for. Being in an intentional and detail-oriented design team that truly cares about this work is exactly where I want to be.
2. What drew you to work in renewable energy initially?
From a young age it was obvious to me that the natural world had everything we needed and had worked so well for so long, why would we ever contest its processes? Working with natural resources and building cyclical systems became my passions as early as high school. Once in the Sustainable Technology and Built Environment department at Appalachian State, I knew the biggest difference I could make was in the energy sector and most specifically in the fastest growing form of renewable energy: solar photovoltaics.
3. What excites you most about the future of renewable energy?
That renewable energy can make a direct and lasting impact on our carbon emissions, ensuring we have a bright future. Making sustainability practical and accessible for all is an environmentalist’s dream and solar can provide exactly that on a large scale. Renewable energy gives me hope for a carbon neutral future that we all can benefit from.
4. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
One of the most random jobs I have ever had was as a Christmas tree farmer for Blue Ridge Evergreen Nursery in Meat Camp, NC. For App State environmentalists, Christmas tree farming has a lot of controversy due to the amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used that ultimately runoff into waterways and eventually trickle into ground water. However, sustainability takes the environment, social equality, and the economy into consideration, and Christmas tree farming is a large industry for the local economy in Western NC. Prior to this job I volunteered on farms and studied sustainable agriculture. It was eye opening to see how many people depend on this industry for their livelihoods. So, when exploring what is more sustainable, would it be better to eradicate a fundamental part of the local economy or continue to allow these strong chemicals to be used? I believe there is an answer in between. Did you know it takes 12 years to grow a Christmas tree to full size? This nursery had 2–3 year-old seedlings shipped in which were first started in a greenhouse and were barely a foot tall when they got to us. We planted over 100,000 of them that summer. In another field, we uprooted over 100,000 4–6 year-old trees that were about 2 feet tall and were then sold to the next farmer that would grow them over the next 6 years to full size. I thought the entire process was fascinating, and it was a beautiful place to work on top of the mountain.
5. Is there a ‘Next Big Adventure’ you’d like to go on?
Well, I would like to travel to Greece next year! I am very thankful to have both my mother’s and father’s family in Europe which has provided me opportunities to travel abroad. My father’s side of the family is Greek, and I still have not made it to mainland Greece so, I am hoping to make it there next summer and learn more about my heritage.
6. Do you have a favorite meal and/or dessert?
My favorite snack (or meal to me) are fried plantains, or, as we called them in Puerto Rico: amarillos! They are more commonly called maduros. And for dessert I will take anything chocolate!
7. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My list of hobbies seems endless sometimes but for the most part I love to crochet and sew, be outside in the rivers or hiking, playing my cello or bass guitar, and enjoying music with friends.
8. What kind of music is at the top of your list these days?
I listen to all types of music! When I go to concerts, I usually go for electronic music but, my father’s choices of classic and hard rock are what I find myself circling back to the most.
9. Do you have a personal mantra or favorite quote?
One that resonates with me as of late is “wherever I go, there I will be.” For me, it has a lot to do with life’s transitions. And in general, it reflects that my core nature is always present while providing reassurance that I will mindfully and naturally stay true to myself, and to the people and planet that I so deeply care about!
10. Off the top of your head, what are three words that describe you?
Passionate, kind, and creative.
Learn more about Hyla’s work at Pisgah Energy here.
