Information on making buildings more sustainable and eco-friendly

Post-Frame Construction: A Flexible & Sustainable Choice

Post-frame construction has been around since humans first started building spaces to live in, but it is becoming a more popular option for new home and commercial construction, thanks to its flexibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. What Is Post-Frame Construction? Post-frame construction is an engineered-wood-frame building system that meets Uniform Building Code (UBC) and International Building

Remodeling for Summer? Consider Permeable Paving

This  post first ran in 2016. With summer just around the corner, it’s an excellent time to think about remodeling your outdoor living spaces. One excellent, eco-friendly upgrade to consider is replacing patios and walkways made from impermeable paving materials—such as traditional concrete or stone, asphalt, or plastic—with permeable paving. Why Use Permeable Paving Materials?

Pillars of Modern Design: Clean, Functional, Sustainable

This post first ran in 2018. As an architect, I’ve long been drawn to modern design, both in my work and my personal life. Modern design is more than an aesthetic, it’s a way of approaching design from the standpoint of how we live now. Clean, Simple, Elegant Technically speaking, modern design is

5 Ways to Reduce Construction Waste from Your Next Remodeling Project

This post first ran in 2016. How much construction waste did your last remodeling project generate? Chances are, it was more than necessary. According to California's 2008 Statewide Waste Characterization Study, 29 percent of the state's solid waste stream comes from the "Inerts and Other" category, which includes construction and demolition. But with a little planning,

What Is Green Design?

This post first ran in 2015. Green design, also known as sustainable design, was once an afterthought – a nice "extra" to think about after the big design decisions had been made. As our awareness of the importance of caring for our planet has grown, green design has evolved to become a key consideration for

Repurposed Buildings: Great for Business, Communities & the Planet

Repurposed buildings are having a moment. A few weeks ago, I identified repurposed buildings as a commercial architecture trend for 2019, and now I’d like to expand on why they’re becoming a more important part of the architectural landscape and why I think they’re a great choice for business owners. What Are Repurposed Buildings? A

Post-Frame Construction: A Flexible & Sustainable Choice

Post-frame construction has been around since humans first started building spaces to live in, but it is becoming a more popular option for new home and commercial construction, thanks to its flexibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. What Is Post-Frame Construction Post-frame construction is an engineered-wood-frame building system that meets Uniform Building Code (UBC) and International Building

Pillars of Modern Design: Clean, Functional, Sustainable

As an architect, I’ve long been drawn to modern design, both in my work and my personal life. Modern design is more than an aesthetic, it’s a way of approaching design from the standpoint of how we live now. Clean, Simple, Elegant Technically speaking, modern design is a form that evolved as a counterpoint to