Quality is Performance

For those interested in designing a custom home that is cold-climate responsible, there is a trade-off to consider. Not all building assemblies are high-performing and natural.

The most responsible design minimizes environmental impact over time ( project life span ). In certain cases, non-natural construction materials will outperform natural methods in terms of cost. When this occurs, it is essential to evaluate the trade-offs. The overarching goal is to reduce a project’s negative impact, a principle that guides me in every design project. Yes, it would be great to design everything natural and high-performance, but there needs to be a realistic understanding of cost impact.

Throughout the design process, there are numerous opportunities to make smart choices, from material selection to window / door performance. As the project progresses, decisions are made considering the owner’s values in cost, design, health, performance, and function.