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The most important part of the building process happens before
ground is broken—the design phase. Decisions made in design
impact the life of a project, its environment, and every building user.
At 450 architects, we want our clients to be as informed as possible
before starting their project. This ensures a smooth-running project
that finishes on time and on budget, often exceeding the client's
expectations.
sustainable links
Building impacts on the environment are substantial. Construction in the
United States consumes 25% of all wood that is harvested and 40% of all
raw stone, gravel, and sand. It produces 25% of the carbon dioxide
added to the atmosphere and generates 2 to 2.5 pounds of waste per
square foot. Better building practices and smarter materials choices
can significantly reduce these impacts and, at the same time, reduce
construction costs and lifetime operating costs, saving money and
reducing burdens on local infrastructure. "Green building," which takes the environment into account during design and construction,
creates more comfortable indoor conditions, natural lighting, views to the
outside, and healthier indoor air. The following sustainable links will
take you to organizations that can help inform the green building
decision process.
20 questions to ask your architect + 20 questions to ask yourself
If you're thinking about a residential architecture project, check out the
ever-popular "20 Questions." These two resources from the American
Institute of Architects pose 20
questions that clients should ask themselves and another 20 questions
they should ask
their architects before they begin the work.
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