Proactive in sustainable design

We make sustainability an integral part of our design process to reduce the negative effects of the construction process and energy consumption of buildings. Products are selected from within a 500 mile radius to reduce transportation costs whenever possible. With an emphasis on passive measures, we design well insulated exterior walls, use renewable and recycled materials, specify finishes with no toxic chemicals, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and high performance windows. Additional energy saving measures include the use of high efficiency HVAC equipment and systems, Energy-Star rated appliances, and Energy-Star rated light fixtures in combination with occupancy sensors. The pay-back period is used as the gauge for balancing the costs versus the benefits of each material or system.

Using this approach we recently completed Cedars, which received a LEED Gold rating in 2010, and Kandake House which anticipates obtaining a NYSERDA certified Energy Star Building label. East 181st Street Apartments, a DHCR funded building that is also planned to be Energy Star certified, will be completed in 2011. Soundview Avenue is in design and is anticipating LEED Silver.

We aim to achieve the highest energy efficiency and environmental quality with the least cost to the owner. These measures vary depending on the goals of the client and the available budget.