A nonprofit that promotes sustainable building practices and publishes the LEED rating system for green buildings.
The U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, promotes sustainable building practices. Its website highlights the LEED rating system, including the introduction of LEED version 5 with new standards for building design, development and operation, as well as events and related programs. Owners and developers in Nashville sometimes aim for a rating, and others simply borrow its ideas to guide design choices.
We are an independent firm and are not part of the USGBC. If you want to pursue a rating, we coordinate with a consultant who manages the documentation and verification, and we design with the credits in mind from the first sketch. If you only want the benefits of efficient, healthy buildings, we can use the same ideas, such as good daylight, tight envelopes and durable materials, without the paperwork.
Visit the official USGBC website
A framework for sustainable building design and operation.
New versions raise expectations over time.
Resources for professionals and owners.
A rating is a choice, not a requirement.
Many strategies help even without a rating.
Verification is handled by specialists.
Plan a lot, pick a style or ballpark a budget.
Lot Setback and Buildable Area PlannerEnter lot size, setbacks and coverage limits to see a rough buildable area. Always confirm real limits with the city.Try it 
Architectural Style PickerAnswer a few questions about your taste, site and lifestyle to see which home styles usually fit and what to look at next.Try it 
Architecture Project Budget PlannerPick a project, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for design and building. Placeholder values only.Try it No. Many strategies improve a building without formal documentation.
It can add design and documentation effort, and it may add value. We help you weigh it for your project.
No. We are an independent architecture firm and are not part of the USGBC. We explain what it publishes in plain language and help you apply it to your own project.
ResourceAIAA professional organization for architects and design professionals that publishes research, advocacy and resources on design and practice.Learn more ResourceNCARBA national council of architectural registration boards that publishes competency standards and tools for exploring requirements across jurisdictions.Learn more ResourceICCA nonprofit that develops model building codes and offers training, resources and product evaluation for building safety.Learn more ResourceNFPAA global authority on fire, electrical and life safety that develops codes and standards and offers training and…Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will look at your property, talk through ideas and give you a clear written estimate.
