5 Architecture Firms That Create Sustainable Designs

5 Names in Architecture with an Eye on Sustainability

Sample the Work of Tryba Architects

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Concerns over the future of climate change, and the growing challenges of overpopulation mean that sustainability is becoming a top priority for city planning and building design. Architects are continually pushing the boundaries of humanity's relationship with nature through bold and forward-thinking projects. Whether it's for revitalizing urban landscapes, or for the latest designs in green homes, consider these five architecture firms that create sustainable designs, listed here in no particular order.

First at #1, is Tryba Architects, based out of Denver, Colorado. Tryba's portfolio is a reflection of the company's pursuit of the integration of historical context and future aspiration. From the firm's roots preserving and restoring Denver's iconic buildings, Tryba Architects now develops and creates new urban places and structures throughout the United States. Their work has been nationally recognized for transforming urban sites, buildings, and interiors into fully integrated, vibrant, and timeless places.

Tryba strives for sustainable urbanism through the unity of people and place by delivering a range of urban design projects with an approach that balances landscape, transportation, and natural resources. Close collaboration between client and community is essential to each endeavor. Some of their projects include the Parc Mosaic Apartment Homes, a community organized to maximize connection to nature, and Mercantile Square, an urban revitalization of six historic masonry warehouses into 98 residential units as well as a commercial area.

Close collaboration between client and community is essential to each endeavor.

Next for #2, we have John Ronan Architects, based in Chicago, whose designs are marked by conceptual innovation, exploration of materiality, and attention to detail. Led by John Ronan, the firm pursues a methodology that explores and tests a wide range of ideas in order to find the correct response for each situation. Each project is approached with an exploratory attitude and a concern for issues of sustainability and building performance over time.

John Ronan Architects' portfolio displays a wide variety of types and scales, from residential homes to high-rise office buildings. In 2019, John Ronan Architects won the Distinguished Building Award from the American Institute of Architects for their sustainable single family residence on Lake Michigan, Courtyard House. They continue to seek out projects that push the limits of design and sustainability through a process in which the destination is unknown in advance and only the next step is considered.

Coming in at #3, is Kipnis Architecture and Planning, or KAP, based in Evanston, Illinois. KAP has practiced an architectural design philosophy guided by the idea that excellence need not be sacrificed for principles of sustainability. Rather, they believe sustainable design expands the possibilities for innovative architectural forms, construction methods, and the use of materials. A particular expertise of KPA is the architectural integration of passive solar and bioclimatic design, such as with their Modern Solar Lake House that sits on Lake Zurich.

A particular expertise of KPA is the architectural integration of passive solar and bioclimatic design, such as with their Modern Solar Lake House that sits on Lake Zurich.

As early signatories to the American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment, KPA is working towards having their projects be net zero for their energy use by 2030. To accomplish this goal, designs are reviewed throughout the process to best utilize green materials and energy efficiency techniques. This total systems integration helps to reduce the environmental impact of the building through its entire life cycle, which KAP can predict by conducting a carbon footprint analysis.

Arriving at #4, we have the Studio of Environmental Architecture, or SEA, at David Hertz Architects. SEA is dedicated to the design and construction of sustainable and restorative places. They create architecture of enduring value for people and the planet by designing with nature. In addition to buildings, SEA produces industrial design, public sculpture, and materials research within a single versatile design culture.

SEA strives to reverse global climate change and prepare for the environmental volatility of the anthropocene. To that end, a think tank within the studio, Resilience Lab, develops green technology and provides communities with planning services. They also help families recover from disasters through fire-rebuilds and related projects. SEA believes that enlightened architecture can heal people and restore ecosystems, ensuring symbiosis between built and natural environments.

SEA strives to reverse global climate change and prepare for the environmental volatility of the anthropocene.

Finally for #5, is Alison Brooks Architects, or ABA. Founded in 1996, ABA has developed an international reputation for projects ranging from urban regeneration, higher education, and housing. Intensive research into cultural, social, and environmental contexts guides each project, expressing a specific response to place, community, and landscape. Their approach enables them to develop responsive solutions for sustainable buildings, each with a distinct identity.

In addition to directing ABA, Alison Brooks regularly gives lectures on topics such as Experimental Sustainable Archetypes, where the future impact of sustainable design on communities is examined. She also advocates for the role of housing as civic building, the resurgence of building craft, and the use of timber in architecture. ABA's projects reflect Alison's perspective and under her leadership, the firm has had a growing international presence, publication record, and award collection.