services / commercial
Value Assessment & Goal Setting
ēdi assists clients in understanding the multifaceted arena of sustainable design and provides information necessary to make educated decisions about site, materiality, technology, and conservation strategies. We apply our extensive experience in sustainable design and a broad knowledge of green building to tailor individual plans and strategies to meet the needs of our clients and their environments.
Site Analysis and Planning
Our site analysis and planning service offers an evaluation of solar and wind orientation, local microclimates, drainage patterns, utilities, and existing features to develop optimal building orientation and appropriate landscaping. Environmentally sensitive planning looks beyond the boundary of the project site to evaluate linkages to transportation and infrastructure, ecosystems, wildlife habitats and community culture. We work closely with our clients to create a building that fulfills client expectations, neighborhood needs, and responds to the natural environment.
Master Planning
Preservation and protection are key elements of an in-depth understanding of site concepts. This includes preserving the natural topography, avoiding clear cutting and leveling, and retaining desirable features such as established trees and rock formations. ēdi has established expertise in various design disciplines, and we facilitate the development of community master plans towards holistic environmental integration.
Architectural Building Design
ēdi’s professional architectural services include building design for new construction, renovations and remodels, drawing preparation for construction documents and permit submittal, energy and sustainability assessments, green construction management and environmentally responsible alternative materials consultation.
ēdi approaches building design from a whole systems perspective. Members of the planning, design, and construction teams meet to examine the components of a building and consider issues of cost, future flexibility, environmental efficiency, occupant comfort, and productivity.. Energy and Lifecycle Assessment looks beyond the immediate cost of materials and technologies to evaluate the broader impact on natural and economic environments.. By looking at product development from raw material extraction through disposal, including manufacturing, packaging, storage, distribution, and use, it is possible to choose sustainable alternatives that fulfill the project goals.
Typically, ēdi’s designs include rainwater harvesting systems, passive solar strategies, efficient building envelopes, local building materials, and non-toxic interior finishes. We use traditional materials as well as strawbale, adobe, E-crete, engineered studs, insulated concrete formwork and structurally insulated panels to create the most appropriate building within the budget. We also integrate photovoltaics, on-site water treatment systems, and solar-assisted heating strategies when requested. Above all, we provide designs that are culturally appropriate and architecturally interesting to fulfill our client’s goals and to enrich their vision.
Construction Documentation
Construction Documentation is the primary communication tool between the designer and the construction team. ēdi fully understands that delivering clear, complete and accurate drawings in a timely manner reduces the number of change orders and helps maintain the construction schedule. With every project, a principal works with a project manager and a talented team of drawing technicians so our clients receive high quality documents commensurate with the needs of the project.
Construction Administration
In order to facilitate the construction process, ēdi offers construction administration services on all of our design projects to assist the contractor in delivering a high quality project on time and on budget.
