Sustainable Design

There are many “buzz words” to describe goals for environmentally conscious design - “green building”, “sustainable design”, etc.. We see our role in the broader goal of “sustainable living”, believing that architecture is one part of many facets of creating holistic lifestyles that not only are environmentally sensitive but that also enhance human opportunities and freedom. Thus our own goal is to work with you to create:

Here’s what we are doing:

Emphasizing sustainable design in our projects. We were architects for Shadowlake Village , a cohousing project in Blacksburg which incorporated cluster design, smaller houses and energy conservation techniques. Two buildings at Boys’ Home in Covington and a church in Christiansburg have geo thermal - based mechanical systems. Many of our projects utilize existing buildings recycled or updated for new uses. Some of our residential work includes passive solar and other energy features. Recent church projects explore many aspects of sustainable design.

Memberships in organizations promoting sustainable design:

  • USGBC - US Green Building Council is a nonprofit organization of leaders working to advance buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
  • We are working towards LEED certification and incorporation of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in future projects.
  • VSBN - Virginia Sustainable Business Network is the only statewide organization that brings together representatives from diverse sectors who are interested in building healthy, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings and sustainable communities.
  • AIA - Architect Institute of Architects serves as the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for our members in service to society.
  • We are members of the “Not so Big House” professional network - we strongly believe that appropriately - sized buildings of all types can represent a huge benefit of meeting sustainable goals.
  • AECP - Association of Energy Conservation Professionals - we support their efforts and have had exhibits taken by bike and bus to the Green Living Expo of Roanoke for the last 5 years.

We are a founding partner of the organizations listed below:

  • Sustainable Blacksburg.org is a non-profit community organization which facilitates effective environmental stewardship in the Blacksburg area to enhance the region’s livability and economic vitality by reducing its impact on the local and global environment.
  • go green NRV.com mission is to promote a Green Business Program for businesses in the New River Valley, including modified programs addressing industry specific green initiatives for the various businesses in the Valley.
  • Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC) We assisted in the development of this effort sponsored by AECP located at the Jacksonville Center in Floyd, VA. , in its mission to educate through hands on demonstrations of practical technologies for sustainable living. Current projects include a wind power system, solar photovoltaic array, straw bale structure and comprehensive exhibits about all aspects of sustainable living.