Athenahealth Masterplan
We are committed to the creation of architecture that minimizes ecological and environmental impact. As leaders in the creation of net-zero, carbon-neutral buildings, sustainable considerations are integral to our creative and conceptual approach.
An Equitable Future is Sustainable
As the crisis of climate change is increasingly manifest, we have committed to create projects of the most minimal impact; ideally all future projects would be net-zero energy with a minimal carbon footprint. We acknowledge the immense power we hold in shaping the future of our world and believe in design that is equitable and sustainable for all.
As climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities including immigrants, children, elderly, people with medical conditions and low-income communities, sustainable architecture not only benefits its users and community but is the equitable solution for all members of society. We strive to be design advocates and allies within our communities: to continually learn and improve the ways in which our designs and processes can positively impact the built environment through the experiences of those who encounter it. We seek to respect the natural environment in our work though cutting-edge and well researched strategies for meaningful sustainability.
John T. Olver Transit Center
Benefits of Sustainable Design
Here is why it’s so important: According to the EPA, in the United States buildings use 39 percent of our energy and account for roughly 70 percent of our electricity consumption, as well as 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.
We are obliged to acknowledge our role in climate change and to work tirelessly towards inventive solutions to produce sustainable architecture. The benefits extend beyond minimized ecological impact and energy expenditure. These designs promote human health and wellbeing while reducing lifecycle and operating costs.
Net Zero School, Otto Specht
Responsible Design with Longevity in Mind
Buildings are not static objects; inevitably they transform over time. From the start of each project, we consider architecture in relationship to time – the growth of the landscape, the weathering of finishes and the lifetime of building materials. We are experts at siting forms within the natural landscape, taking advantage of existing trees and developing strategies to weave interior and exterior environments. Interior spaces are strongly connected to the surroundings, taking best advantage of the benefits of natural light and ventilation.
Materials are selected with the process of weathering in mind, selecting natural finishes that age and transform with exposure. We care deeply about project longevity and integrity, which we achieve through strict attention to detail during design and administration.
Leeper Studio Complex
Camp Paint Rock
Sustainability is a Collective Effort
The implications of environmentally driven decisions cut across traditional boundaries of design responsibilities and requires intense collaboration of many disciplines to achieve sustainable solutions for the built environment. Our sustainable projects are the result of the simultaneous exploration of science, technology, and artistic expression. We work with our engineers to attain the highest building performance through optimizing form in terms of orientation and massing. The aspirations of clients and impacted communities are integrated into the design decisions especially in the relationship to context and space planning.
Comprehensive Sustainable Energy Strategy
Sustainable Projects
U.S. Port of Entry, GSA Design Excellence Program, Del Rio, TX – Net-Zero Energy, LEED Platinum
John W. Olver Transit Center, Net-Zero Energy Building, Greenfield, MA – Net-Zero Energy Building
Otto Specht School, Net-Zero Energy Building, Chestnut Ridge, NY – Targeted Net-Zero Energy
Jean Vollum Drawing, Painting, and Photography Building, Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland, OR – LEED Gold
Currier Center for the Performing Arts, The Putney School, Putney, VT – LEED Silver,
Downtown Art and Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, New York, NY – LEED Silver
athenahealth, Inc., Waltham, MA; Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; San Francisco, CA; Belfast, ME – LEED Certification
Busan Opera House Competition, Busan, South Korea – LEED Platinum Equivalent
Federal Offices, Net-Zero Energy Building, Pease International Tradeport GSA Design Excellence Program, Peterborough, NH – Targeted LEED Platinum, Net-Zero Energy, Geothermal
Queens Botanical Garden Gateway, NYC DDC Design Excellence Program, Flushing, NY High-Performance Pilot Project – Targeted LEED Silver
St. Vincent College, Competition Winner, Latrobe, PA – Targeted LEED Silver
Carl and Ruth Shapiro Admissions Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA – LEED Silver Equivalent
Jackson Hole History Museum, Jackson, WY – LEED Silver equivalent
Interdisciplinary Studio, The MacDowell Colony, Peterborough, NH – Targeting LEED
Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas, TX – Sustainable
Business School Competition, American University of Beirut, Competition Finalist, Beirut, Lebanon – Sustainable
Equipment Shed, San Juan Island, WA – Sustainable
The Fred M. Rogers Center for Early Learning/Children’s Media and Conference Center, Latrobe, PA – Sustainable
Jonathan Nelson Fitness Center, Brown University, Competition Finalist, Providence, RI – Sustainable
Westport House, Westport, MA – Geothermal
Vineyard Farm House, Martha’s Vineyard, MA – Sustainable: Green Roof, PV
Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, Jamaica Plain, MA – Ecosensitive
Camp Paint Rock, Hyattville, WY – Ecosensitive
Visitors’ Center, The Polly Hill Arboretum, Martha’s Vineyard, MA – Ecosensitive