As sustainable architects, 2018 was a banner year for Hennebery Eddy. In addition to being named the AIA Northwest and Pacific Region firm of the year, we made our debut on two lists that speak to the core values of the firm and our goals for 2019 and beyond.
Architect Magazine’s ARCHITECT 50 is a ranking of the top architecture firms in the country, based on a combination of detailed business, sustainability, and design information. In our first year participating, we are honored to land at 31 on the list. This was due in large part to our high rank (No. 11) in the sustainability category and is a reflection of our net-positive philosophy and design approach.
We aspire to design net-positive spaces that reflect and respond to both the natural environment and the people who use them. Inspired by long-term thinking, our designs are human-centric, feature simple and efficient systems, and support locally sourced and regionally significant materials. The result is a healthy, efficient, adaptive net-positive outcome for clients, users, the greater community, and our shared environment.
Oregon Business magazine’s annual rankings also look at sustainability, and again in our first year, we proudly ranked No. 41 on the list of “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.” Now in its 10th year, this comprehensive survey of statewide businesses looks at employee ratings on satisfaction with and importance of sustainable practices in day-to-day operations. Hennebery Eddy was the only architecture firm on the list.
Among the sustainable features of our business is our certified LEED Gold design studio, our commitment to the Architecture 2030 Challenge to achieve carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030, and our participation as a “Just” organization with a social justice transparency label through the International Living Future Institute. In addition, our workplace features include an on-site bike room and showers, a composting program, food vendor and dishware policies that reduce waste, office Zipcar and GoBox subscriptions, and participation in the NWEI EcoChallenge and Bike More Challenge – all in support of employee interests and reducing our collective impact on the environment.
By advocating for net-positive designs and practicing what we preach in our own sustainable business operations, we live out our core firm values of thinking long term and taking personal ownership.