Ecology + Health

I design ecologically sound and healthy environments, otherwise known as “green” building. “Green” is a catch-all term that is used to describe choices of what to build and of building materials and methods that have overlapping environmental goals: protecting people’s health, reducing resource consumption, lowering ongoing energy requirements, and minimizing pollution. In every project I present the benefits and costs of green options and determine the client’s priorities. I then work with clients to address green goals in the following ways:

Design in relationship to the site

Situate the building and landscape elements to take advantage of the sun and the shape of the land, and to protect soil, water, and wildlife.

Build less

Work with what already exists, use salvaged materials, and design for efficient use of space. Building less has the biggest impact on minimizing energy and other resource requirements.

Minimize resource consumption

Choose sustainable materials and building systems, considering their lifetime environmental impact.

Minimize energy requirements

Choose equipment and building systems that minimize energy requirements. A building’s energy usage creates its largest environmental impact over the lifetime of the building.

Minimize pollution

Choose low-toxic materials to protect indoor air quality and the larger environment.

Design to last

Create beautiful, functional, and well-built spaces that will be timeless and durable. If a building is torn down or remodeled because it was poorly constructed or its trendy design becomes outdated, it has a large envinronmental impact.

Much of green design is just good, common-sense design, which will benefit the client and in some cases save on cost as well as protect the environment. Some aspects of green building add cost, and the client then needs to decide what the options are worth to them. I act as an advisor and facilitator to help clients with their decisions.

I am a Certified Green Building Professional with Build It Green, an organization at the forefront of promoting green building practices.