One of the most important things an architect can bring to a project is knowledge of materials and systems. In order to provide this service, an architect has to be constantly looking, researching, and learning about what is available and what has been tested. In a recent project...

The LEED rating system has faced some serious criticism over the last several years for the actual building performance vs. modeled performance. While I do support the program’s rating system as a tool to create better buildings, I see the point of the criticism. LEED is a...

Does Going Green Cost More? Nope!

As Thomas Jefferson said to James Madison in 1789, “The Earth belongs to the living. No man by natural right can oblige the lands he occupies to debts greater than those that may be paid during his own lifetime. Because if he could the world would belong to the dead.”...

The process of design is a mystery to many people and they don’t understand that this is the process. The former Dean of the UVA Architecture School William McDonough has been quoted as saying “Design is the first sign of human intention.” So this is our first...

Scott Rogers posted news of a new commercial business potentially coming to Harrisonburg this year. We have several empty big boxes in town that need this kind of development or a rethinking of their use all together. This business will bring jobs to the area, provide a...

Anytime you are thinking of doing a kitchen renovation or bedroom addition, that means you have a chance to make your home more energy-efficient. The return on investment for these renovation projects is usually about an 80% value invested, while an energy-efficient renovation...

Tapping the power of the sun?  No more utility bills? The Climate Action Alliance of the Valley is sponsoring the second in a series of programs addressing the alternatives to fossil fuels.  “Shenandoah Sunshine: Harvesting Solar Power in the Valley,” will be presented Tuesday,...

Building a home is a major investment of time, energy, emotions, and money. You have to make some hard decisions and put value vs cost to the test. One of the most expensive rooms in a home is the kitchen. You have to get it right to make it efficient, functional, and beautiful....

Many developers are looking for new solutions to their traditional projects in this “new” economy. From live work spaces that allow for small business to start on the lower level and for the owner to live above to smaller footprint lots, innovation is happening. We...