Enriching the experience of those who occupy the buildings and spaces we create is the foundation of our design approach.

 

Sustainable Design

Creating healthy, comfortable, energy-efficient and resilient buildings and environments is a universal goal to all of our project work. Our accomplished staff contribute performance-based design expertise with accreditation in LEED, WELL, Evidence-Based Design and Passive House Design. MDS is a corporate member of the U.S. Green Building Council and Living Products 50 consortium, and a signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment.

AIA 2030 Commitment

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment is a data-driven initiative that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the built environment. As a signatory to the 2030 Commitment, MDS confidentially reports energy performance projections of our projects to the national AIA 2030 Design Data Exchange (DDx) database. This focus on performance helps us identify best practices and anonymously compare performance metrics of MDS projects and others. We developed a framework to define goals—such as Predicted Energy Use Intensity (PEUI)—for each project type as it aligns with the 2030 Commitment.

usgbc-membership-logo.png
 
 

AIA 2030 Design Data Exchange (DDx)

These charts describe MDS's progress towards meeting 2030 goals
 
 

Integrated Design Process

We encourage an integrated design process that brings all stakeholders and experts around the table early in the process. Typically, we have a green design charrette to establish project goals. We then map out a work plan and assign responsibilities for meeting building performance targets and other project goals. We review passive strategies, such as daylighting, envelope thermal improvements, and occupant comfort, while evaluating mechanical system options. Energy modeling and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) are typically done at the end of schematic design to evaluate mechanical system options in greater detail. As a best practice we use certifications such as the USGBC LEED Rating Systems and WELL Building Standard to guide some of the goals in the early phases. 

Harvard Business Publishing Headquarters Green Design Charrette

Harvard Business Publishing Headquarters Green Design Charrette

 
 

As a Living Product 50 Member, MDS stands for transparency in the health and environmental impacts of building products and materials.

 
Biotech Organization (Private Client), Collaborative Workplace, LEED-Silver certified

Biotech Organization (Private Client), Collaborative Workplace,
LEED-Silver certified

Material Selection + Specification

Enriching the experience of those who will occupy the buildings and spaces we create is our primary design goal. This influences our approach to material selection, ventilation, and daylighting strategies, among many other factors. Our in-house Specifications Team continually researches and updates our specifications with the most affordable and durable green materials. In evaluating new materials, we review the chemical composition to limit usage of materials that contain chemicals of environmental or health concern, or products that have unvetted, third-party certifications. MDS is a member of the Living Product 50 (LP50), a collaboration of leading manufacturers working to ensure that healthy, high performing building materials with full ingredient transparency are the rule, not the exception.

Resiliency Planning

As architects and planners working with clients in Boston and the greater New England region, we understand our region is vulnerable to sea level rise, increasing intensity of storm events, rising temperatures, and other impacts of climate change. We are committed to providing high-performance buildings that are flexible and respond to these external stresses. While each project is site- and place-specific, we evaluate structure and system types and placement so they can withstand climate events and our buildings can provide shelter in the event of a disaster. Our collaborative design teams work to provide buildings that contribute to resiliency and provide a positive transformation to the built environment, while also creating new landscape amenities for public use. 

 
 

Boston University, Myles Standish Hall Renovation, LEED-Gold certified

Boston University, Myles Standish Hall Renovation, LEED-Gold certified

 

The LEED® certification trademark is owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used with permission.

 
bikes-2019.png
 

Culture of Sustainability

Our commitment to the principles of sustainable design extends beyond our project work. We strive to continually improve our green practices in the firm — from replacing computers and other equipment with more energy-efficient models to using green cleaning products, and encouraging staff to pursue healthy and sustainable commutes to our office and project sites. 

 

If you have visited our office, you know MDS is a community of passionate bicyclists and active commuters. The firm and individual staff members participate in a range of organizations and groups that encourage safe and sustainable transportation options in the Boston area and beyond, including Green Streets Initiative and MassCommute Bicycle Challenge, among others. For the third year in a row, MDS was recognized by Green Streets Initiative as its Walk/Ride Day Corporate Challenge winner. The firm also received the 2015 Biking Tourney Enthusiasm Award from the MIT Changing Places Group, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab and Austrian Institute of Technology.