FIRM INFORMATION
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Green Architecture
The firm joined the U S Green Building Council several years ago and has developed an extensive expertise in sustainable design, sometimes referred to as “GREEN Architecture.”
We currently have four projects in various phases of design or construction that will achieve LEED Certification at levels ranging from “Certified” to “Gold,” including an innovative school athletic facility; gymnasium, lockers, weight room, and climbing wall that is almost completely buried beneath the earth in Sedona Arizona.
LEED Certification
We offer a full suite of GREEN Design services including sustainable architectural design, certification services, energy consulting and analysis, and general consulting on LEED (Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design.)
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LEED ap
Principal Peter K. Phinney, AIA, LEED ap, speaks frequently to community groups, school districts, high school and college students on issues related to global warming, the greenhouse effect, recycling, and public policy related to sustainability and water resource issues. He is also designing a course for Cerritos College on LEED Protocols and Sustainable Design.
Design Recommendations
If your new project would benefit from an overlay of sustainability strategies, and we believe every project can, we recommend discussing opportunities as early in the design process as possible to limit the financial impact of decision making later on.
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Sustainability Strategies
For existing buildings, we’re always happy to review with clients ways in which reclaimed or gray water might reduce operating costs and conserve resources, how PPA’s (Prepaid Power Agreements) can make solar electric generation practical and affordable with current technologies, and how renovations can be accomplished with the smallest possible carbon footprint through the use of recycled materials, careful construction sequencing, and careful selection of low or no VOC materials and finishes.
New Project Strategies
Of course, for new projects of significant scale, we can team with commissioning agents and MEP engineers to offer buildings that protect the environment and achieve the highest levels of certification. But for smaller projects and renovations, we are always happy to analyze the “low-hanging fruit” that protects construction outlays and also reduces operating costs with reasonable payback periods.
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