There has never been a more important time to take responsibility for our actions. The world is experiencing unprecedented rates of change in climate, energy supply, technology, and business—all of which impact the human experience. As designers of the built environment, we have a unique and inspiring opportunity to shape a positive future. We are committed to designing for change.
An Integrated, Holistic Approach
With over 65 years of experience working as an interdisciplinary design firm, we have developed an integrated, holistic approach to our work. Collaboration happens early and often, resulting in innovation throughout the design process. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, and researchers have built a network of expertise and a culture of knowledge-sharing to address the increasing complexities faced by our clients.
We start every project by listening carefully to our clients, building a vision for sustainability that embodies our clients’ values. That vision is realized through ideas that reflect our desire to understand and optimize all aspects of a project’s performance: human experience, technical rigor, cultural significance, and systems efficiency.
Deepening our Commitments
As signatories of AIA 2030 and SE 2050—public commitments in architecture and engineering to lower embodied and operational carbon—we meet our clients’ goals while challenging our industry. Guided by our curiosity, we push beyond what’s expected, from net zero to net positive energy; from making a neutral impact on health, safety, and resources to a positive one.
In 2020 we formed a collaborative of architects and engineers to guide the evolution of sustainable practice at HGA, led by our Director of Sustainability, Ariane Laxo. Ariane brings an evidence-based, collaborative approach informed by her experience and knowledge in resiliency planning, climate change adaptation, and change management.
Through our work, we have embraced a vision and strategy for sustainability that relies on a distributed model of knowledge and resources, leveraging best-in-class engineering and expertise in high-performance design—no team member is more than two degrees of separation from the expertise and resources they need. It is through this collective approach that we will continue to elevate the level of sustainable design on every project we touch.
An Inspired Future
Our growing portfolio of sustainable projects encompasses citywide master plans to complex new construction to small renovations. We have added resources in early design modeling and simulation, environmental analysis, and energy and compliance modeling, and increased our support for teams deepening their knowledge and capabilities in certification programs like LEED, WELL, and the Living Building Challenge. Our clients, colleagues, and resources—fueled by our curiosity and commitments—are inspiring our future.
Human experience is at the core of any successful design solution. Our aim is to create spaces that are embraced by the owners, users, operators, and community members they impact. A beloved building—one so treasured it lasts for generations—is beautiful and truly sustainable.
We believe it is our responsibility to shape the future through design. Join us.