Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable Architects for Eco-Friendly Homes in Texas
Founded in 1975, Environment Associates Architects & Consultants has pioneered sustainable architecture in Texas and beyond. Our team of LEED-certified professionals specializes in designing healthful, energy-efficient homes that reduce living costs while promoting environmental stewardship. With decades of experience in green building, we developed the first LEED Platinum project globally and continue to lead the industry in passive sustainability and resilience. Our holistic approach integrates climate-appropriate design, healthy materials, and superior construction methods to deliver durable, low-maintenance spaces. We prioritize client education and transparency, avoiding conflicts of interest by not selling building products or accepting commissions.Our work has been recognized with national awards, including USGBC Platinum and Austin GBP 5 Star certifications. We serve clients seeking quality of life improvements through new construction, remodeling, and master planning. Our process emphasizes collaboration, from initial consultation to construction follow-through, ensuring alignment with client goals and budgets. By focusing on passive design strategies, we help homes achieve net-zero energy potential while maintaining comfort during extreme weather. Our legacy includes influencing the Austin Energy Green Building Program, now a global model for sustainable development.
Services
Green Home Design
LEED Certification Consulting
Energy-Efficient Remodeling
Sustainable Architecture Consulting
Construction Follow-Through
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We pioneered Texas' green building movement since 1975
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects with global recognition
- We developed the first LEED Platinum project worldwide
- We guarantee transparency with no product commissions or design/build conflicts
- Our passive design strategies achieve $108/month energy bills in Houston's climate
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- LEED Platinum
Services
Green Home Design
Our green home design service creates energy-efficient residences that reduce living costs while maintaining environmental responsibility. We integrate passive solar strategies, climate-appropriate materials, and LEED-certified methodologies to deliver durable, healthful spaces. Clients benefit from 40+ years of innovation in net-zero energy design and resilience against extreme weather conditions.
LEED Certification Consulting
We guide clients through LEED certification processes for residential projects, leveraging our industry-leading expertise as creators of the first LEED Platinum building globally. Our consulting ensures compliance with sustainability standards while optimizing cost-efficiency and maintaining design integrity throughout the certification journey.
Energy-Efficient Remodeling
Our remodeling services transform existing homes into high-performance spaces through strategic upgrades to insulation, HVAC systems, and renewable energy integration. We specialize in improving energy efficiency while maintaining structural integrity, helping clients achieve significant reductions in utility costs without compromising comfort.
Sustainable Architecture Consulting
We provide expert consultation on sustainable building practices, including material selection, passive design strategies, and resilience planning. Our hourly technical advising helps clients make informed decisions about eco-friendly construction methods and energy-saving technologies tailored to their specific project needs.
Construction Follow-Through
Our optional construction administration ensures proper implementation of design specifications through site visits and contractor coordination. We verify adherence to green building standards, maintain quality control over material usage, and facilitate communication between stakeholders to guarantee project success aligned with original sustainability goals.
People
LaVerne A. Williams
Founder & CEO
AIA and LEED AP-certified architect who pioneered Texas' green building movement in 1975. Designed Houston's Passive Solar Demonstration Home and influenced the Austin Green Building Program's creation. Recognized with the Hershey Conservation Award for advancing sustainable architecture.
Jan Wheeler
Office Administrator
Manages daily operations and client communications with 20+ years of experience supporting Environment Associates Architects & Consultants' architectural projects. Ensures smooth coordination between design teams and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
Richard Rivera
LEED AP Architect
B.S. in Architecture and Engineering, specializing in sustainable design implementation. Provides technical expertise for LEED-certified projects and energy modeling analysis to optimize building performance.
Juan J. Hron
Architect & Designer
Combines architectural and interior design expertise to create functional, aesthetically pleasing green spaces. Focuses on integrating eco-friendly materials with modern design principles for holistic sustainable solutions.
Xiomara Ojeda
Architectural Designer
B.S. in Architecture graduate contributing to conceptual designs and technical documentation. Specializes in creating detailed plans that balance environmental responsibility with client-specific functional requirements.
Questions
What green building certifications do you handle?
We specialize in LEED certification and Austin Energy Green Building Program standards, having pioneered both programs in Texas.
Can you help reduce energy bills in existing homes?
Yes, our energy audits identify cost-effective remodeling solutions that have achieved $108/month utility bills in Houston's climate.
Do you work outside Texas?
While based in Houston, we serve clients nationwide and internationally through our proven remote consultation process.
How do you ensure construction quality?
Optional Level 4 Construction Follow-Through services provide site visits and contractor coordination to verify proper implementation of design specifications.
What service levels do you offer?
Four flexible levels from hourly consulting (Level 1) to full-service design and construction administration (Level 3 + 4).
