Business Details
28 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Passive House Design Experts
Since 1998, Richard Pedranti Architect has been at the forefront of sustainable architecture, specializing in Passive House and high-performance buildings. Our firm combines modern building science with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, creating spaces that are beautiful, healthy, and energy-efficient. Rooted in the Upper Delaware River Region, we serve clients in Philadelphia, New York, and beyond, prioritizing a collaborative process that aligns with our clients' values and the natural landscape.Our expertise in Passive House design and construction is underscored by certifications such as Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) and Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB). We are dedicated to advancing sustainable practices through innovative design, historic preservation, and a client-centered approach that ensures every project achieves harmony between people and place.
Services
Passive House Design
Sustainable Architecture
Building Performance Consulting
Historic Preservation
Master Planning
Landscape Design
Energy Auditing
Certification Consulting
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in sustainable architecture and Passive House design.
- Our team includes Certified Passive House Consultants and Builders with industry-leading expertise.
- We prioritize collaborative partnerships to ensure client-driven, site-specific solutions.
- Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in every project's energy efficiency and durability.
- We are recognized for excellence in historic preservation and modern sustainable design.
Associations and certifications
- PHIUS
- PHI
- RESNET
- AIA
- USGBC
- LEED
- 2030 Challenge
- ASES
- Indoor airPLUS
- Energy Star Builders Challenge
- NHAB
Services
Passive House Design
Our Passive House Design service focuses on creating ultra-energy-efficient buildings that maintain comfort with minimal energy use. By optimizing insulation, airtightness, and heat recovery ventilation, we deliver homes that reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 90%. Ideal for eco-conscious clients seeking durability and sustainability, our designs meet rigorous international standards while adapting to local climates and site conditions.
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable Architecture integrates environmentally responsible materials and energy-efficient systems to minimize ecological impact. We prioritize renewable resources, waste reduction, and lifecycle performance, ensuring buildings meet LEED or Net Zero goals. This service caters to clients committed to reducing carbon footprints while achieving functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that align with long-term environmental and financial objectives.
Building Performance Consulting
Building Performance Consulting evaluates energy use and structural efficiency to identify improvements for existing or new constructions. Using advanced diagnostics like blower door testing and energy modeling, we provide actionable recommendations for enhancing comfort, reducing costs, and achieving certifications such as Energy Star. This service supports homeowners and developers aiming to optimize building performance and compliance with modern standards.
Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation focuses on rehabilitating and adapting historic structures while maintaining their architectural integrity. We blend traditional craftsmanship with modern upgrades to meet current energy and safety codes. This service is tailored for clients seeking to preserve cultural heritage, enhance property value, and extend the lifespan of historically significant buildings through sensitive, code-compliant interventions.
Master Planning
Master Planning creates comprehensive, long-term strategies for land use and development projects. We analyze site conditions, zoning regulations, and client goals to design layouts that balance functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. This service supports municipalities, developers, and institutions in realizing cohesive, scalable projects that enhance community value and environmental resilience through thoughtful, data-driven planning.
People
Richard Pedranti
Founder & Principal Architect
Richard Pedranti, AIA, CPHC, CPHB, LEED, is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience. He founded RPA in 1998 after studying at Harvard and working with renowned firms. A Certified Passive House Consultant and Builder, he specializes in sustainable residential and commercial projects, blending modern design with environmental stewardship.
Michelle Sangster
Architectural Designer
Michelle Sangster, CPHC, joined RPA after earning her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Temple University. She specializes in Passive House design and has contributed to award-winning projects. Her focus on residential architecture and sustainability aligns with RPA's mission to deliver energy-efficient, client-driven solutions.
Edgar B. Brannon Jr.
Senior Associate
Edgar B. Brannon Jr., BSLA, MS, MPA, is a landscape architect and environmental planner with decades of experience in forest conservation and land management. As RPA's Senior Associate, he integrates ecological expertise into projects, ensuring harmony between built environments and natural landscapes through sustainable planning and design.
Questions
What is a Passive House, and how does it work?
A Passive House is a building standard that uses super-insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery ventilation to minimize energy use. It maintains comfort by leveraging passive solar gains and efficient thermal envelopes, reducing heating and cooling needs by up to 90%.
What are the benefits of building a Passive House?
Passive Houses offer superior comfort, healthier indoor air, and 80-90% lower energy bills. They are durable, resilient to power outages, and environmentally friendly due to reduced resource consumption and carbon emissions.
Does a Passive House cost more to build?
Initial costs are 0-10% higher than conventional buildings, but long-term savings on energy bills offset this premium. The investment pays off through reduced operating costs and increased property value over time.
Can existing homes be retrofitted to Passive House standards?
Yes, RPA specializes in retrofitting historic and existing buildings to meet Passive House criteria. This involves upgrading insulation, windows, and ventilation systems to enhance energy efficiency while preserving architectural character.
What certifications does RPA hold for Passive House projects?
RPA's team includes Certified Passive House Consultants (CPHC) and Builders (CPHB) through PHIUS and PHI. We are also RESNET-certified HERS raters, ensuring rigorous compliance with international energy performance standards.
How does RPA approach sustainable architecture beyond Passive House?
Beyond Passive House, RPA integrates green building practices like LEED certification, Net Zero energy goals, and sustainable material sourcing. We prioritize lifecycle analysis, water conservation, and site-sensitive design to minimize environmental impact across all projects.
