User Friendly And Environmentally Friendly Need To Be In Lock Step
Good architectural design has always taken account of the requirements of those who will work and live in it and with it. But for a long time now, the needs of another stakeholder have registered as paramount: the planet. At Schmidt Associates, we do more than fully recognize this shift. We work expertly and effectively to factor its impact into our sustainable designs.
Redefining “Good” Design
Today, every aspect of our design has to minimize the call we make on finite resources and on any adverse effects on our environment. That’s how we ensure our tomorrow. The good news, we believe at Schmidt Associates, is that sustainable design does not put a ceiling on our aspirations and our creativity. In fact the opposite is the case. Designing for sustainability also means creating inspirational, leading-edge environments. These are not only kind to our wider environment. They also deliver more comfortable, more efficient and more enjoyable surroundings for their occupants. This is a true win/win. Good design is good for the planet. And it’s good for everybody on the planet.
“Green” Is Our Purpose. It’s Also Our Promise
Unfortunately, there are still a whole lot of promises being made around sustainable design and too many of those promises remain empty when it comes to proof time. Fortunately, our approach at Schmidt Associates does make difference, and a measurable one. We run a fully integrated design program that enables sustainable initiatives to be included with each project, even if the project concerned is not seeking certification from LEED, the nationally accepted organization for design, operation, and construction of high performance, low impact buildings. Our sustainability expertise is also integrated into our practice, with fully one quarter of our staff currently being LEED accredited professionals, spanning all the major disciplines. These experts can assist our clients in any area and with every stage of design, realizing our objective of creating inspirational environments based on energy efficient and cost-effective design.
For those who are seeking accreditation, and as part of our LEED administration services, our sustainability leader coordinates their project and registers it with the U.S. Green Building Council, identifies the credits that will be pursued, assigns team members to each credit for submission, and provides oversight to ensure that the project is submitted at the appropriate time. It’s all part of our belief that sustainability should be recognized and rewarded. And it’s yet more evidence that “green” is both our purpose and our promise.
“The end result is a facility that requires little maintenance, is client-friendly, functional for staff, and compliant with licensing regulations, and is LEED Certified at a Gold Level. It is a place where staff provide help and hope for families in need and where children feel safe.”
Susan Meyer
Former Executive VP/CFO, Children’s Bureau