How do you find an architect that knows green home remodel and design?

It’s not easy finding green help these days, but it is getting easier.  Not only are more architecture schools and environmental programs out there focusing on green building, but, finding these graduates as well as seasoned architects with the eco-friendly passion is becoming more realistic.

When my husband and I graduated from architecture school with degrees in Landscape Architecture, we had learned enough to know the importance of highering an eco-friendly architect to assist us in our home building and remodeling adventures that are beyond our own design skills.  We have settled in the Wasatch Mountains between  Park City, Utah (home of the Sundance Film Festival, and some of the ‘best snow on earth’) and the Sundance Resort (Robert Redford‘s playground).   A beautiful and serene place to work, learn, play, and lay our heads each night, though not the most saturated ‘green’ building area.

Where to begin your search (associates, family, friends)

I asked questions of people that I knew, but didn’t find a great green wealth of information this way.  My contacts, friends and family at the time, were not in the ‘green’ circle.  If your circle is more reliably green, this is a wonderful place to begin your search.  Ask about their green projects.  Did they do it themselves, or did they hire an architect or builder to do the work?  Were they satisfied, and what would they recommend?

Research via the internet to find local green building resources

Despite my fruitless beginning, I was determined.  So I began by researching on the Internet.  After using Google to search ‘green building, architect, utah,’  I was led to some architect’s websites as well as my current resource for green building, The Green Building Center, in Salt Lake City.  The site showcased their products, green building info, photos, workshops, and a particularly helpful friends page, that gives links to other green building professionals, certification, and organizations.

Using my green architect list recommended by the Green Building Center, I began examining their online portfolios.  Another learning lesson from Architecture school: its all about the portfolio! Just from looking at their projects, I could see which architect would be willing to design my preferred style and had a similar green vision.  The architects I researched were ‘green’ to varying degrees.  I found the firm that matched my husband and I’s green scale in building.

Who you know - Ask friends and family with green architects about their experience
Use the www- Research online to find local green resources.  They are a wealth of knowlege as they work with your local green architects, and have heard stories and opinions from their clients.
Portfolio – Make sure that you see projects/styles that agree with your taste
Vision – Does the architect’s green scale match yours?
Accreditation – Are they licensed?  Where did they study, and how long have they been designing with green in mind?
Press - What are others saying about their work?
Literature – Have they written anything?  That is another great way to understand their philosophies and how to utilize their talents.
Eco-friendly Magazines – Discover projects you admire and architects that may be near you.  Some excellent green magazines: Natural Home, Grist,  Environmental Design & Construction, E-Magazine,
Visit your local library – Look for green building books that give an overview of projects and list green architects that may be in your area.
Contact an architect you admire – If you find an architect whose green vision matches yours, but they are not in your area, look at their site for references.  One of my favorite green architects is the famous Mid-western architect, Sarah Susanka.  On her amazing The Not So Big House website, she has an extensive green architect registry.  If you still come out short after searching their site, contact the architect directly.  Chances are, they will be able to think of someone in your area with whom they are familliar.
1. Books on selecting an architect- Two of Sarah’s recomendations:  Designing Your Perfect Houseby William J. Hirsch Jr., AIA and How To Work With An Architectby Gerald Lee Morosco, AIA.
Pricing – Building and remodeling a home is expensive.  Choose an architect that is willing and able to give you product and service pricing during the design process.  Make sure there are no unwanted surprises with the architect you’ve selected.

Internet resources to help you find your green architect:

Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility- Group of proffessionals who support several environmental causes, including green building.

Sustainable Sources – A worldwide directory of green building professionals.  The site also has wonderful green building info, such as an international strawbale registry, articles, book recomendations and bookstore, discussion board, additional green building sites and groups, and a green real estate locator.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Comittee on the Environment- Group within the National chapter of Architects that focus on eco-friendly architecture.  Resources for clients listed on the site.

LEED Architects- Architects that have passed an exam demonstrating their knowledge and sensitivity of enviornmental design.

Best of luck to you.  Fill us in on your experience and suggestions in finding your green architect.

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