Specialties 

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We provide the following special expertise to client projects, in addition to the general practice of architecture.

GREEN LIGHTING DESIGN

The firm employs designers certified by the National Council on Qualifications for Lighting Professionals (NCQLP). We use current software tools to establish high-quality, energy-efficient lighting designs. AutoCAD's VIZ-4 and LIGHTscape are two such tools. Our experience has helped us make contributions toward green lighting design through such projects as the DLC know-how™ Guidelines and Case Studies for energy efficient yet high quality lighting.

INTERIOR DESIGN

We spend the majority of our lives occupying interior spaces in buildings. Our surroundings directly affect our moods. This makes it very important to create an environment that is comfortable, relaxing, and helps us function effectively.Through the careful combination of colors, finishes and textures Interior Designers are able to integrate the architectural form of a building and the functional needs of the occupants into a pleasing whole. Design details used in conjunction with lighting, furniture, artwork and plants can create spaces that appeal to all of us and actually improve productivity and positive attitudes.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION and ADAPTIVE REUSE

As architects working in New England, we are frequently dealing with the renovation and rehabilitation of older existing buildings. Often these structures have historic value, and usually the new uses are quite different than those for which the buildings were originally built. Adaptive Reuse is a process that adapts buildings for new uses while retaining their historic features. An old factory may become an office building. A rundown church may find new life as a museum.

 

There are many organizations, associations and foundations for architectural historians and persons concerned with preserving and restoring historic architecture. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is an independent Federal agency created by the National Historic Preservation Act. The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for establishing standards for all programs under Departmental authority and for advising Federal agencies on the preservation of historic properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In our work on historic buildings, we are guided by these Standards for Rehabilitation.

ENERGY ANALYSIS and CONSULTATION

We use current analytical tools to study the interaction of mechanical, electrical and building systems. Energy-10 can be applied during the early stages of design development to establish and confirm strategies which will improve the energy performance of our projects beyond that permitted by codes.

PUBLICATIONS

The principals of the firm have a long history of sharing their knowledge of architectural and construction practices and energy use in buildings through the publication of booklets, plans and design guides.

  • The Thermal Mass Pattern Book
  • The DLC know-how™ Guidelines and Case Studies for energy efficient yet high quality lighting design reflect the contributions of Charles Michal, knowledable in lighting design and building energy use.
  • The Brookhaven House and Building the Brookhaven House, a film that documents the design and construction of this Department of Energy prototype passive solar home.
  • The Solar Home Plan Book