Business Details
33 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Design Experts in Chicago
Founded in 1993, we are a multidisciplinary architecture and planning firm dedicated to merging innovative design with sustainable practices. Our expertise spans residential, commercial, and aviation projects, with offices in Evanston, Illinois, and Boulder, Colorado. We pioneered the 'High Design/Low Carbon' philosophy long before sustainability became mainstream, integrating passive solar and bioclimatic principles into every project. As early signatories to the AIA's 2030 Commitment, we rigorously pursue net-zero energy goals through advanced materials, construction methods, and energy efficiency. Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals and Passive House consultants, ensuring technical excellence across new constructions, historic restorations, and sustainable renovations.We emphasize client collaboration, offering tailored solutions that balance aesthetic vision with environmental responsibility. Our work has earned recognition as Chicago's premier award-winning sustainable architectural practice, serving diverse markets from single-family homes to airport concessions. We maintain a vertically integrated approach, handling projects from schematic design to construction administration while prioritizing affordability and resilience in housing initiatives.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Historic Restoration
Residential Design
Commercial Projects
Master Planning
LEED Certification
Passive House Design
Energy Modeling
Aviation Planning
Consulting Services
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in sustainable architectural design since 1993
- In-house LEED-accredited professionals and Passive House consultants
- Pioneers of net-zero energy design strategies in Illinois and Colorado
- Expertise in integrating historic preservation with modern sustainability standards
- Vertically integrated services from design to construction administration
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)
- AIA 2030 Commitment
What people say
Highly knowledgeable
Professional team
Great eye for design
Excellent communication
Sustainable solutions
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We create energy-efficient buildings using passive solar strategies and bioclimatic principles. Our net-zero-ready designs reduce carbon emissions through advanced insulation, renewable materials, and integrated mechanical systems. Services include energy modeling, LEED certification, and Passive House compliance for residential and commercial clients.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in adaptive reuse of historic structures, we combine period authenticity with modern sustainability. Our team meets Illinois Historic Preservation Agency standards for tax freeze programs, implementing energy-efficient systems while maintaining architectural integrity through meticulous material selection and construction techniques.
Residential Design
We design high-performance single-family and multi-family residences with a focus on resilience and wellness. Services include site-specific planning, 3D visualization, and integration of renewable energy systems. Our portfolio spans modern eco-homes, net-positive dwellings, and historic renovations across Illinois and Colorado.
Commercial Projects
Offering full-cycle commercial design for offices, retail spaces, and airport concessions. We implement Sustainable Airport Manual standards, optimizing layouts for energy efficiency and passenger flow. Recent projects include Tesla showrooms, restaurant concepts, and corporate headquarters with LEED-compliant mechanical systems.
Passive House Design
Our certified Passive House consultants deliver ultra-low energy buildings through airtight construction and thermal bridging elimination. We provide performance modeling, component specification, and certification support, ensuring 90% energy reduction compared to conventional structures while maintaining occupant comfort.
People
Nathan Kipnis
Founder + Principal
FAIA and LEED BD+C accredited architect with 30+ years of sustainable design leadership. Pioneered Chicago's first Passive House and developed affordable housing initiatives through public-private partnerships.
Dan Contreras
Sr. Associate/Project Manager
Registered architect and NCARB-certified professional managing complex residential and commercial projects. Specializes in technical detailing and sustainable systems integration for high-performance buildings.
Kudo Michael
3D Coordinator
Energy modeling specialist utilizing Sefaira and BIM tools to optimize building performance. Provides digital visualization and technical analysis for net-zero and LEED-certified projects.
Kaitlin DeAngelis
Project Manager
Registered architect overseeing residential and mixed-use developments. Expertise in historic preservation and client-focused design solutions that balance aesthetics with sustainability requirements.
Questions
What sustainability certifications do you offer?
We provide LEED, Passive House, Net Zero Ready, and HERS certifications through third-party verification, with in-house experts handling documentation and compliance.
Can existing homes be made energy-efficient?
Yes, we implement insulation upgrades, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and renewable energy retrofits while preserving historic elements through Illinois tax freeze programs.
How do you handle project timelines?
We follow a five-phase process (Schematic Design through Construction Administration) with typical 6-10 week permitting timelines in Chicago, using expedited workflows for urgent commercial projects.
What's included in your consulting services?
Sustainable design strategies, energy modeling, AIA 2030 Commitment reporting, and certification support starting at $350/hour with minimum 15-hour engagements.
How are construction costs estimated?
We provide square-footage benchmarks during Design Development and collaborate with contractors for detailed bids before finalizing construction documents.
