Business Details
37 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Historic Preservation Experts
Since 1989, C&H Architects has been dedicated to creating sustainable, enduring spaces that prioritize occupant well-being and environmental responsibility. Our approach centers on active listening to understand client needs, site constraints, and budget parameters, allowing our team of experienced partners to develop tailored architectural solutions. With three decades of expertise in green building practices, we specialize in net-zero energy design, passive house standards, and historic preservation while maintaining a commitment to high-performance materials and systems.Our collaborative process leverages a regional network of consultants to deliver projects that balance aesthetic diversity with functional longevity, earning us a reputation for fostering long-term client relationships and repeat business.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Historic Renovations
Net Zero Design
Energy Retrofits
Institutional Projects
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience specializing in green building standards
- Your project receives personal attention from senior partners
- Sustainability is core to our practice, not an add-on service
- Proven success with complex historic renovations and energy retrofits
- Extensive regional network of trusted engineering and design consultants
What people say
Collaborative process
Sustainable expertise
Successful preservation
Long-term relationships
Energy-efficient solutions
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice creates energy-efficient buildings that minimize environmental impact. We integrate passive solar design, renewable energy systems, and low-carbon materials to achieve certifications like Net Zero Energy and Passive House standards. Every project balances contemporary functionality with long-term durability.
Historic Renovations
We specialize in transforming historic buildings while maintaining their architectural character. Our approach combines structural reinforcement, energy performance upgrades, and modernization of systems to extend building lifespans. Past projects include deep energy retrofits of campus chapels and 19th-century homes.
Net Zero Design
Our net zero design services create buildings that produce as much energy as they consume annually. We employ advanced insulation, heat recovery systems, and on-site renewable energy generation to achieve this standard while maintaining occupant comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Energy Retrofits
We upgrade existing structures to meet modern energy performance standards through comprehensive retrofits. This includes envelope improvements, mechanical system replacements, and integration of renewable energy sources while preserving structural integrity and historical elements.
Institutional Projects
Our institutional work serves colleges, universities, and nonprofits through functional, sustainable spaces. We navigate complex stakeholder processes to deliver campus buildings, libraries, and administrative facilities that balance institutional needs with environmental responsibility.
People
Bruce Coldham
Founding Partner
Founded C&H Architects in 1989 with a vision for climate-conscious design. Pioneered sustainable practices that remain central to the firm's philosophy while establishing our reputation for collaborative working relationships.
Thomas RC Hartman
Partner
Brings decades of architectural experience to complex projects requiring technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Focuses on translating client visions into sustainable, high-performance built environments that exceed expectations.
Garth Schwellenbach
Partner
Specializes in integrating advanced building systems with architectural design. Oversees technical execution of sustainable strategies across residential and institutional projects while maintaining our commitment to design excellence.
Jesse Selman
Partner
Leads our historic preservation efforts, combining deep knowledge of traditional building methods with modern sustainability requirements. Ensures renovations maintain historical integrity while achieving contemporary performance standards.
Questions
What makes C&H Architects different from other firms?
Our 30-year focus on sustainable design from the beginning—not as an afterthought—combined with personal partner-level attention to every project distinguishes our approach to architecture.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
We specialize in both new builds and historic renovations, with particular expertise in transforming existing structures into high-performance buildings while preserving their architectural character.
What green building certifications can you help achieve?
We have experience achieving Net Zero Energy, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, and LEED certifications while maintaining focus on functional, beautiful spaces.
How do you approach complex institutional projects?
We employ structured collaboration with stakeholders through inclusive design processes, working closely with facilities teams, trustees, and committees to navigate complex requirements successfully.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Amherst, MA, we work across New England and beyond with notable experience in residential, educational, and institutional projects requiring sustainable solutions.
Reviews (1)
Chris ScottHanson
Sep 15, 2014
Report
Wonderful, responsive team of architects specializing in environmentally sensitive design, and cohousing. It's been great working with them over the years.
