Best architects for ecological and preservation renovation?

We are looking to embark on a reno of our (3-fam) brownstone later this year. My main interests are updating electrical and plumbing systems while keeping our plaster walls and ceilings mostly intact (I realize they’ll be chopped up some for this work). We’d also like to do the work in an environmentally thoughtful way. I’ve seen it said here that some architects are better at engineering and some more oriented toward design. I guess we are looking for an engineer type so we can figure out the above plus consider things like a french drain, green roof and solar. The thing we need most of all is probably insulation (although I think not a full passive house as we’d like to keep interior walls) … and new windows. We may also reconfigure the C of O so that’s a very big Q of how to lay everything out and what each scenario would cost. I don’t really care if it’s fancy. I like our house fine except for shitty outlets, drafty doors and windows and leaky pipes…. Any recs and reasons why would be very much appreciated. Obviously we are at the bottom of a steep learning curve here. Thanks in advance for any and all advice!!

slopegirl

in General Discussion 8 years and 2 months ago

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slopegirl | 8 years and 2 months ago

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aha, ok. I wondered the same thing. I’ve accumulated a list of names of contractors who I need to call. My concern was changing from 3 fam to different layout and necessity of permits for this, possibility of sprinklers, etc. I’ll start calling contractors since I have three that are highly recommended which seems like a good start. I know two of them have architects who sign off on plans for city as needed.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 8 years and 2 months ago

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I don’t think you need an architect for the kind of work you say you want . You need an electrician, a plumber, a plasterer, and a window company. Ask your neighbors for recommendations.