Boulder Area Architects Seek To Combine Sustainability With Creative Designs

BOULDER, COLORADO—As a pioneering center of the “green movement” that has overtaken Colorado, many Boulder area architects are now looking for new methods for designing buildings that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly. Though the earlier portions of this movement focused on consumer behaviors, such as using less plastic or choosing public transportation, many within the business and design community have begun to recognize the important role that they play.

One of the leaders of this shift towards sustainable architecture has been a firm known as BLDG Collective. Located on Bluff Street (near the 28^th Street Mall), this firm was originally founded in 2009 with “the purpose of approaching the practice of architecture in a unique way.”

The company focuses on both commercial and residential designs and seeks to balance the pursuit of sustainability with aesthetic excellence. A focus on creating LEED and other “certifiably green” buildings has helped the company reduce the carbon footprint that comes with new construction and also helps building owners reduce their energy consumption over time.

According to some estimates, green architecture can reduce the energy use of a given building by as much as 18-39 percent. Over time, these savings can really begin to add up. BLDG Collective has noticed that not only are its clients happy to incorporate green design features—they are also happy with the lower energy bills they are receiving each month.

The architectural design process is comprehensive and will usually involve a considerable amount of input from the client along the way. BLDG Collective acknowledges that keeping their clients satisfied will involve a careful balancing act. According to the firm’s website, “…we work towards achieving our clients’ goals while keeping their aesthetic, programmatic, sustainable, and budget aspirations front of mind.”

Still, when the concept of green architecture is breached, the Boulder area firm has noticed there has been very little resistance from its clients. People are genuinely interested in investing in green architecture features and can immediately see the value that it adds to their living space.