In every issue of New York House you can find suggestions for creating a more ecofriendly house. From interior to exterior, there are always new advances in technologies to green our homes. But those who want to start from scratch should find an architect who understands and can implement the green elements you desire.

When searching for the right professional, it’s essential to choose a registered architect.

“The number one item that you want is an architect who is professionally licensed to practice in the state of New York,” offers Diane Kaufman Fredette, a registered architect (RA). “Those symbols after a person’s name are actually about having 18 years of education and five days of examinations.”

Fredette says that a registered architect is licensed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. However, there are other certifications you may find in an architect’s title: AIA (American Institute of Architects), NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards), and possibly the most familiar, LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Carol Kurth, RA, AIA, LEED AP, says the most credible architects are members of the AIA since the organization mandates continued education beyond what is required by the state. On the other hand, registered architect David Borenstein, NCARB, is not a member of the AIA and furthermore, asserts that the priorities of LEED “are completely skewed” and “money-driven.” Fredette, also a LEED AP, says while this additional certification is “a very good second credential,” a third or perhaps equal credential “is experience on a sustainable project.”

Whether building a house from the ground up or refurbishing an existing structure, a capable green architect will know numerous ways to create a sustainable design. “An architect who’s interested in sustainability embraces those concepts holistically as much as they can,” says Kurth.

For Kurth, one of the most important elements in a green design is the ability to naturally illuminate a house. She points out that, besides mechanical equipment, lighting creates the largest consumption of electricity. In addition, according to Turner Construction Company, the builders responsible for $3 billion of green construction in 2008, there are five key design values that can improve human and environmental health: a sustainable development site, water efficiency, energy efficiency, building material choice, and the quality of the indoor environment.

“To some extent, there’s a little bit of an innateness to it,” says Kurth. “When you’re designing, you’re thinking about these principles. You’re thinking about how to be efficient and what you can do to be responsible.”

While an architect should have the ability to create the design plan for the green house of your dreams, it’s important for the homeowner to be open about what elements they can afford and are willing to maintain.

People usually choose ecofriendly options because they are passionate about the cause and want to be at the forefront of technology, Fredette says, and not because they necessarily want to spend a lot of money.

When it comes to what features you want in your home, “it depends on what your horizon is for a return,” says Michael Carlton, AIA, LEED AP. While solar panels on a rooftop may mean a larger initial payment and longer savings return, he suggests that “a tankless hot water heater is the easiest example of something that’s about the same cost for installation, but the savings are immediate.” An individual can spend just as much building a house that is not green as building a house that is, he adds.

Choosing a green registered architect may not be an easy decision, but it’s important to research an architect’s past projects, determine your own budget and commitment to maintenance, and keep an open dialogue about your vision for a house that is efficient, safe, and environmentally sound.

The following is a list of registered architects with green credentials and experience. Most of the firms represent multiple architects with a vast array of credentials, besides the mentioned individuals. Use this reference as a starting point when choosing which architect is best for your next green project.

List of Green Architects

Alfandre Architecture, PC
Rick Alfandre, AIA, LEED AP, USGBC
7 Innis Ave., New Paltz, NY 12561; (845) 255-4774
ralfandre@alfrandre.com; alfandre.com

Ashokan Architecture & Planning, PLLC
Brad Will, AIA, LEED AP
288 Wall St., Suite 2; Kingston, NY 12401; (845) 338-8182
aap@ashokanarchitecture.com; ashokanarchitecture.com

B Space LLC.
Blake M. Goble, Principal, AIA, LEED AP
135 W. 29 St., 3rd fl.; New York, NY 10001; (212) 239-3134
blake@bspacearchitecture.com; bspacearchitecture.com

Raymond Beeler Architect PC
Raymond Beeler, Principal, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, USGBC
629 Fifth Ave., Suite 216; Pelham, NY 10803; (914) 738-6094
Member Firm US Green Building Council
rbeeler@beelerarchitects.com; beelerarchitects.com

Bermello, Ajamil & Partners
Raimundo A. Fernandez, AIA; James Rowe, AIA
532 Broadway, 7th floor; New York, NY 10012; (646) 878-2824
sllaneza@bermelloajamil.com; bermelloajamil.com
Many LEED APs in the firm.

Michael R. Berta, AIA Architect
Michael R. Berta, AIA
7 Robert Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 489-1638; mrbdpc@aol.com; bertaarchitects.com

David Borenstein Architects & Builders
David Borenstein, NCARB
165 Academy Hill Rd., Milan, NY 12571; (845) 758-0021
dborenstein@frontiernet.net; architectdavidborenstein.com

Patrick Brennan Architect PLLC
Patrick Brennan, AIA, LEED AP
P.O. Box 767, Katonah, NY 10536; (914) 767-0837
patrick@patrickbrennanarchitect.com; patrickbrennanarchitect.com

Carlton Architecture PC
Michael Carlton, AIA, LEED AP, USGBC
240 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016; (212) 973-9500 x224
mcarlton@cf-cfm.com; carltonpc.com

Victor Castillo Architect, PC
Victor M. Castillo, AIA, LEED AP
55 Washington St., Suite 810; Brooklyn, NY 11201; (212) 796-2165
victor@victorcastilloarchitect.com; victorcastilloarchitect.com

cjpc Architect
Christopher Collin, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
10 Neiland Dr., Warwick, NY 10990; (845) 988-0233
info@cjpcarchitect.com; cjpcarchitect.com

Colgan Perry Lawler Aurell Architects
Elizabeth Parks, AIA, LEED AP
118 Main St., Pappan, NY 10983; (845) 680-6670
elizabeth@cpla-arch.com; cpla-arch.com

Cosentino Architecture, PLLC
Ronald Cosentino, Architect, AIA, CSI (Construction Specifications Institute), LEED AP
3062 Rte. 9W, Suite 300; New Windsor, NY 12553; (845) 562-2320
rcosentino@cosentinoarchitecture.com; cosentinoarchitecture.com

Domus Studios Architecture
Richard Labrizzi
71 Main St., New Paltz, NY 12561; (845) 256-1402
info@domusstudios.com; domusstudios.com

EcoArchitecture DesignWorks, PC
Janus Welton, AIA, USGBC (LEED AP in process)
PO Box 86, Woodstock, NY 12498; (845) 247-4620
ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com; janusweltondesignworks.com

Eduardo Faxas
Architects & Planners
Holmes, NY 12531; (845) 855-5515; efaxas@gmail.com

Fivecat Studio
Mark LePage, AIA, LEED AP
48 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville, NY 10570; (914) 747-1177
info@fivecat.com; fivecat.com

Fredette Architects, PLLC
Diane Kaufman Fredette, AIA, LEED AP
245 E. 25 St., Penthouse C; New York, NY 10010
(212) 842-8990; dkf4@columbia.edu

FXFOWLE Architects, PC
Dan Kaplan, Senior Partner, AIA, LEED AP
22 W. 19 St., New York, NY 10011; (212) 627-1700
info@fxfowle.com; fxfowle.com; Many LEED APs in the firm.

Alan Gaynor & Co.
Michele Boddewyn, AIA, LEED AP
343 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; (212) 334-0900
mboddewyn@gaynordesign.com; gaynordesign.com

The Office of Carol J.W. Kurth, AIA Architect, PC
Carol J.W. Kurth, AIA, LEED AP, USGBC;
The Arcade Building
644 Old Post Rd., Bedford, NY 10506; (914) 234-2595
carol.kurth@carolkurtharchitects.com; carolkurtharchitects.com

Michael McDonough Architect
Michael McDonough, AIA, NCARB, Building Enclosure Council
131 Spring St., New York, NY 10012; (212) 431-3723
mail@michaelmcdonough.com; michaelmcdonough.com

Ted Moudis Associates
Ted Moudis, AIA
79 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016; (212) 308-4000
tedmoudisassociates@tedmoudis.com; tedmoudis.com
Many LEED APs in the firm.

Neuhaus Design Architecture, PC
Kimberly Neuhaus, AIA (LEED AP in process)
355 First St., Brooklyn, NY 11215; (718) 832-4771
ksn@neuarch.com; neuarch.com

Peix & Marchetti Architects
Steve Marchetti, AIA, NCARB; Douglas Peix, AIA, NCARB
208 Fifth Ave., 2E; New York, NY 10010; (212) 675-1555
info@peixandmarchetti.com; peixandmarchetti.com

Barry Price Architecture
Barry Price AIA, LEED AP
 Russell Krysiak, CSBA (Certified Sustainable Building Advisor)
P.O. Box 724, Bearsville, NY 12409; (845) 679-3282
bprice@barryprice.com; barryprice.com

Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC
Carlos M. Rodriguez Infanzon, AIA, USGBC (LEED AP in process)
50 Eldridge St., 3rd floor; New York, NY 10002; (212) 217-1535
carlos@rodriguezstudio.net; rodriguezstudio.net/

Claude Samton
Adjunct Instructor at New York University
84 Mercer St., New York, NY 10012; (212) 966-6691
szama@aol.com; claudesamton.com

Michael Shilale Architects, LLP
Michael Shilale, AIA, LEED AP; John Cirilli, AIA
140 Park Ave., New City, NY 10956; (845) 708-9200
mshilale@shilale.com; shilale.com

Siris/Coombs Architects
Jane Siris, AIA, LEED AP; Peter Coombs, AIA, LEED AP
211 W. 19 St., 2nd floor, New York, NY 10011
(212) 580-2220 x300
sicoarch@siriscoombs.com; siriscoombs.com

space ink
David V. Foell, AIA, LEED AP; Daniela Bertol
465 Snydertown Rd., Claverack, NY 12513; (518) 851-7225
160 W. 77 St., 4C; New York, NY 10024; (212) 877-8310
 spaceink.net; info@spaceink.net

Urban Office Architecture
Carlo Enzo Frugiuele Architect, AIA, NCARB
66 West Broadway, Suite 306; New York, NY 10007; (212) 233-2290
uoa@uoa-architecture.com; uoa-architecture.com