Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Green Home Architects in Houston | Environment Associates Architects & Consultants
Founded in 1975, Environment Associates Architects & Consultants has pioneered sustainable architecture in Texas, specializing in green home design and environmental consulting. Our team of certified professionals combines decades of experience with innovative design principles to create energy-efficient, healthful living spaces that align with clients' values. We focus on passive sustainability, resilience, and cost-effective solutions, having completed the first LEED Platinum project globally and influenced national green building programs. Our holistic approach integrates climate-appropriate materials, superior construction methods, and cutting-edge technologies to deliver homes that thrive in extreme conditions.With a legacy of awards and industry recognition, we remain committed to lowering living costs while advancing eco-conscious practices. Our services span new construction, remodeling, and consultation, tailored to meet diverse budgets and needs. Transparency and ethical standards guide our work, ensuring no conflicts of interest through product sales or commissions. We prioritize client education and empowerment, offering flexible engagement levels from technical advice to full construction oversight. Our proven track record demonstrates that green homes are not only affordable but essential for a sustainable future.
Services
Green Home Design
LEED Certification
Remodeling Services
Sustainable Architecture
Energy Audits
Site Planning
Passive Solar Design
Healthy Home Consultation
Construction Documentation
Climate Resilience Planning
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We pioneered Texas' green building movement with 40+ years of specialized expertise.
- Our team includes the first Houston firm to complete a LEED Platinum project globally.
- We guarantee energy-efficient designs that significantly lower living costs.
- Our holistic approach integrates health, durability, and climate resilience.
- We maintain strict ethical standards with no product sales or referral commissions.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- USGBC Platinum
- Austin GBP 5 Star
Services
Green Home Design
Our green home designs integrate passive solar strategies, energy-efficient systems, and non-toxic materials to create resilient, low-maintenance living spaces. We prioritize climate-appropriate construction methods that reduce energy bills by up to 70% while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Each project balances environmental responsibility with client-specific needs for comfort and functionality.
LEED Certification
We guide clients through LEED certification for homes and buildings, leveraging our expertise as pioneers of the first LEED Platinum project globally. Our process ensures compliance with rigorous sustainability standards while optimizing cost-efficiency. This service includes documentation, material selection, and performance verification to achieve recognized green building credentials.
Remodeling Services
Our remodeling solutions transform existing homes into energy-efficient, healthful environments without compromising structural integrity. We specialize in retrofitting older properties with modern sustainability features like solar panels and advanced insulation. Each project enhances functionality, durability, and market value through eco-conscious design principles.
Energy Audits
We conduct comprehensive energy audits to identify opportunities for reducing consumption and improving indoor air quality. Our analysis includes thermal imaging, HVAC evaluation, and material testing to create customized efficiency plans. Clients receive actionable recommendations to lower utility costs and enhance home performance.
Climate Resilience Planning
Our resilience planning prepares homes for extreme weather events through strategic material selection and structural design. We incorporate passive cooling, flood-resistant construction, and off-grid energy systems to ensure habitability during power outages. This service safeguards investments while prioritizing occupant safety in changing climate conditions.
People
LaVerne A. Williams
Founder & CEO
AIA and LEED AP-certified architect LaVerne Williams founded Environment Associates Architects & Consultants in 1975. He pioneered Texas' green building movement through projects like Houston's Passive Solar Demonstration Home and influenced national green building standards. His work focuses on sustainable design ethics and community education.
Richard Rivera
LEED AP
Richard Rivera combines architecture and engineering expertise to develop innovative sustainable solutions. With LEED AP certification, he specializes in integrating technical precision with eco-friendly design principles for high-performance buildings.
Juan J. Hron
Architect
Juan J. Hron applies his dual expertise in architecture and interior design to create functional, aesthetically pleasing green spaces. He focuses on material selection that balances environmental impact with occupant health and comfort.
Xiomara Ojeda
Architect
Xiomara Ojeda specializes in translating sustainability principles into practical design solutions. Her work emphasizes passive design strategies that reduce energy consumption while maintaining architectural integrity across diverse project types.
Maria Gonzalez
Architect
Maria Gonzalez combines environmental design knowledge with architectural practice to develop holistic green building solutions. She focuses on site-specific designs that optimize natural resources while meeting client needs for functionality and comfort.
Questions
What services do you offer for green home construction?
We provide full-service green home design, LEED certification guidance, energy audits, and climate-resilient construction solutions tailored to your budget and sustainability goals.
How do you ensure energy efficiency in your designs?
Our passive solar strategies, high-performance insulation, and advanced HVAC systems reduce energy use by up to 70% compared to conventional homes, verified through post-occupancy performance tracking.
Can you help with remodeling existing homes?
Yes, we specialize in retrofitting older homes with sustainable features like solar panels, improved insulation, and non-toxic materials to enhance efficiency and indoor air quality.
What makes your firm different from other architects?
As pioneers of Texas' green building movement, we combine 40+ years of specialized experience with ethical practices, including no product sales or referral commissions for unbiased advice.
Do you work outside the Houston area?
We serve clients across Texas, including Austin, and have completed projects beyond state borders, applying climate-appropriate design principles to diverse geographic conditions.
How do you handle construction oversight?
We offer optional Level 4 Construction Follow-Through services to ensure proper implementation of design specifications, or clients may choose self-management with our technical support.
