Our Design
Methodology

A comprehensive approach to sustainable architecture that integrates environmental stewardship, innovative technology, and human-centered design principles

Core
Principles

Six fundamental principles that guide every aspect of our design process, ensuring buildings that are not just sustainable, but regenerative for both people and planet

40% Energy Reduction

Biomimetic Design

Learning from nature's 3.8 billion years of R&D to create efficient, resilient building systems that work in harmony with natural processes.

90% Material Recovery

Circular Economy

Designing buildings as material banks where every component can be disassembled, reused, or recycled at end of life.

75% Less Energy Use

Passive House Standards

Ultra-low energy buildings that maintain comfortable conditions year-round with minimal heating and cooling needs.

25% Productivity Boost

Biophilic Integration

Incorporating natural elements, patterns, and processes to enhance human wellbeing and connection to nature.

50 Year Resilience

Climate Adaptation

Future-proofing buildings against climate change impacts through resilient design and adaptive strategies.

Community Centered

Social Impact

Creating spaces that foster community, equity, and cultural expression while addressing local needs and priorities.

Design
Process

A structured five-phase approach that ensures thorough analysis, creative exploration, and precise execution of sustainable design solutions

Discovery & Research
01

Discovery & Research

2-4 weeks

Comprehensive site analysis, stakeholder interviews, and environmental assessment to understand context and constraints.

Key Activities:

  • Site surveys and soil analysis
  • Climate data collection
  • Community engagement sessions
  • Regulatory framework review

Deliverables:

Site Analysis Report, Stakeholder Requirements, Sustainability Goals

Concept Development
02

Concept Development

3-6 weeks

Iterative design exploration focused on passive strategies, material selection, and integration with natural systems.

Key Activities:

  • Bioclimatic design strategies
  • Material lifecycle assessment
  • Energy modeling simulations
  • Stakeholder design workshops

Deliverables:

Concept Drawings, Performance Targets, Material Strategy

Design Development
03

Design Development

4-8 weeks

Detailed design refinement using advanced simulation tools to optimize performance and validate sustainability metrics.

Key Activities:

  • Advanced energy modeling
  • Structural optimization
  • Systems integration design
  • Cost-benefit analysis

Deliverables:

Technical Drawings, Performance Analysis, Cost Estimates

Documentation & Permits
04

Documentation & Permits

2-4 weeks

Comprehensive construction documentation and regulatory approval process with emphasis on green building certifications.

Key Activities:

  • Construction drawings
  • Permit applications
  • Green certification submissions
  • Contractor selection support

Deliverables:

Construction Documents, Permits, Certification Applications

Construction Support
05

Construction Support

Ongoing

Active construction administration ensuring design intent is maintained and sustainability goals are achieved.

Key Activities:

  • Regular site inspections
  • Material verification
  • Quality assurance testing
  • Performance commissioning

Deliverables:

Site Reports, Quality Documentation, Performance Verification

Certifications & Standards

We design to the highest environmental standards and pursue third-party certifications that validate our commitment to sustainability and performance

LEED

Platinum

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

BREEAM

Outstanding

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Passive House

Certified

Ultra-low energy building standard

Living Building

Challenge

Regenerative design framework

WELL

Gold

Health and wellness in buildings

ENERGY STAR

Most Efficient

Energy efficiency certification

Case
Study

A detailed look at how our methodology delivered exceptional results in a complex commercial project

Net-Zero Office Complex

Portland, Oregon
2023
45,000 sq ft

A flagship project demonstrating our integrated approach to sustainable design, achieving net-zero energy consumption through passive strategies and renewable systems.

Case study
Building exterior showcasing integrated solar array and natural ventilation systems

The Challenge

Create a high-performance office building that produces as much energy as it consumes while providing a healthy, productive work environment for 200+ employees.

Our Solution

Integrated design approach combining passive house principles, advanced building systems, and renewable energy generation with extensive post-occupancy monitoring.

Performance Results

Energy Use Intensity
12 kBtu/sf/yr

65% below baseline

Daylight Autonomy
85%

Target: 75%

Indoor Air Quality
Excellent

WELL Gold Standard

Embodied Carbon
45% Reduction

vs conventional construction

Our
Impact

Measurable results from our commitment to sustainable design excellence, demonstrating the real-world impact of our methodology

Energy Performance

65%

Average EUI Reduction

compared to conventional buildings

85%

Renewable Energy Integration

of projects include on-site generation

12

Net-Zero Certifications

buildings achieved to date

Environmental Impact

45%

Embodied Carbon Reduction

through material optimization

40%

Water Use Reduction

via efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting

90%

Waste Diversion Rate

during construction phase

Health & Wellness

100%

Indoor Air Quality

of projects meet WELL standards

80%

Natural Daylight

average daylight autonomy achieved

25%

Productivity Improvement

reported by occupants

Certification Success Rate

Our track record of achieving the highest levels of third-party certification across our portfolio of 15 completed projects

8/15

LEED Platinum

53% Success Rate
12/15

Passive House

80% Success Rate
3/15

Living Building

20% Success Rate
6/15

WELL Gold

40% Success Rate