Although each project is unique, there are five goals we have for every building we design.

Energy Efficiency Most building's largest effect on the environment is our use of fossil fuels to heat, cool, and light them. With thoughtful design we can greatly reduce this energy use. All of our designs integrate passive solar heating, passive cooling, and abundant use of natural light. This saves money in the long run, creates a more comfortable building, and reduces one of our single greatest environmental impacts.

Enduring Beauty Whether clean and straightforward, or sensuously organic, all our designs address aesthetic qualities on both sensory, and functional levels. Visually we maintain balance in the parts of the building, a sense of shelter even while one feels connected with the outside; the opportunity to nest snuggly, or revel in a downpour, spaces that are comfortable for one as well as entertaining. Careful detailing helps to keep a home quiet, both from external and internal noise

Relationship with the Land A building not only defines space inside its walls, but outside as well. Attention to these spaces, and the connections between the in and outdoors, allows the yard to be a functional extension of the house. This can greatly increase the available living space during part of the year. Attention to this detail can make the outdoor space more attractive, accessible, and more likely to be used. At a minimum we consider this aspect in all our designs, and in the grading around the building. We also provide full landscape architecture services.

Sustainable Resource Use We use as many local sustainably produced building materials as possible in our designs. Local straw and earth can beautifully, and durably replace much of the energy intensive concrete, fiberglass and gypsum found in most buildings. For those building components in which modern is best we will strive to reduce the use of resource intensive materials. In addition, we attempt to minimize building size, while still meeting the needs of the inhabitants. This reduces resource use, and often frees up funds for higher levels of finish, which can be more satisfying in the long run than additional square footage. We accomplish this through careful attention to circulation, minimizing unused places, and using more of the available square footage in the common areas.

Indoor Environmental Quality An energy efficient building is a tight building, and fresh air needs to be helped in, and moisture laden stale air out. In addition, modern building materials often include toxic chemicals, which disperse into the air over time. Our designs plan for the efficient introduction of fresh air, as well as the minimization of indoor pollutants.