We believe that the key to creating sustainable architecture begins with a deep understanding of the place in which it exists. That means considering both the natural and human context - from the way the sun and wind interact with a place, to its history and cultural context.
Sustainability
We design with the soul of a place in mind - letting climate, culture, and history guide sustainable architecture shaped by modern insight.
Preservation is a big part of our sustainability strategy. We maximize the use of existing materials, latent energy, and passive energy strategies whenever possible, while also exploring cutting-edge sustainability methods to help us achieve our goals. When we take on existing buildings, we take a holistic approach to sustainability. We incorporate green roofs, ground water capture, solar panels, geothermal wells, and more to ensure that our stewardship of place extends to the natural environment as well.
We’ve integrated sustainable strategies into some of the most iconic buildings in Texas, including the 1937 Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and United States Courthouse - the first historic structure under the supervision of the GSA to be certified as LEED Platinum - as well as the Texas Governor's Mansion and San Antonio's Historic City Hall.
Our approach to sustainability is guided by an integrative process that prioritizes green building design and cost-effectiveness from the very beginning of a project. This process is broken down into three phases: discovery, implementation, and performance and feedback.
Some of the most popular sustainable strategies in our work include:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Greywater recycling
- Bioswales and Rain Gardens
- Material Selection
- Resource Conservation
- Waste Diversion and Recycling
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
- Passive Design Strategies
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Sustainable Landscaping
- LEED Certification