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Green Architecture & Sustainable Design

The staff of Mathews Architecture has long been involved in the Green Building movement and sustainable design. In July 2002, all of the architectural staff members achieved the status of Leed™ Certified Professional.

As a firm, we are committed to furthering environmentally responsible, quality building practices wherever possible and we can help guide considerations related to what is often called “green” building. Through our holistic approach, we work with clients to develop designs that meet their needs and budget, while at the same time helping them make wise choices regarding use of available sustainable resources, non-toxic materials and energy-efficient systems. These considerations are not only environmentally wise. In most cases, they are the right economic choice for an organization or municipality’s long-term investment in its built environment and the use of its funds.

Jane Mathews has had an active interest in sustainable design throughout her professional career and holds academic degrees in Environmental Design as well as Architecture. When the development of a credible national system for certifying professional expertise in these areas was developed, her firm joined the US and WNC Green Building Councils and the staff actively began its training and studies in preparation for LEED™ accreditation. Jane Mathews, Mark Powell, RIBA, and Shane Elliott of the firm’s architecture staff are all LEED™ Accredited Professionals with the U.S. Green Building Council. Briana Cracco, Associate AIA, is currently preparing to take the LEED™ exam.

Recent sustainable projects include Prospect Terrace, a pilot project for the state of North Carolina in sustainable affordable housing. A 17-unit development in the West End Clingman Avenue neighborhood, this is the first realized project in the state of the North Carolina HealthyBuilt Homes Program in conjunction with the NC Solar Center. This project received national recognition with the 2006 Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly by the Home Depot Foundation.  It was also selected as one of three national case-study models by the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. for its conference “Sustainable Design: New Directions in Affordable Housing”.

In addition, the new North Carolina Arboretum Baker Exhibition Center will meet the standards of the state of North Carolina’s sustainability and high performance requirements, meeting or exceeding the requirements for Bronze Certification under the LEED™ Rating System. Jane Mathews, recently appointed to the new City of Asheville Advisory Committee on Sustainable Design and the Environment, hopes to continue to promote sustainable design initiatives in the public sector.