SH Architecture has turned up the meaning of “green” to go beyond turning out the lights and recycling copy paper.
In 2004 and 2005, the company underwent substantial changes. Swisher Hall Architecture Ltd. became SH Architecture. In 20 years, the company has grown from a two-person operation to more than 50 employees who create commercial, government, higher education, transportation and Clark County School District projects.
“We didn’t need the name ‘Swisher Hall’ anymore,” said Eric Roberts, vice president. “We became a firm.”
Employees started an internal shift towards a “keen sense of awareness,” Roberts said. The self-audit explored everything from how designs were created and the ideas behind them, to how paper was used in the copy machines. With SH Architecture’s sustainability philosophy for contracted projects came a new way of overall thinking: “One Pod. One Earth.”
Internally, the firm installed occupancy sensors that automatically turn off lights when rooms are empty, large windows to maximize daylight and a waterless urinal system. Before the transformation, urinals were using 40,000 gallons of water annually. Last year, the company recycled 13.5 tons of paper and saved $800 when desk lights were installed to replace overhead fluorescent lighting.
“When people hear passion they can’t ignore it,” Roberts says. “I think it was realized here as a microcosm of what will happen locally, globally.”
When SH Architecture’s designs, externally, started to reflect the company’s passion for a cleaner environment, requirements were put in place to mirror the firm’s new philosophy. At the very least, a project must include a reduction in energy and water demand, and maximize use of natural lighting.
When companies meet extraordinary standards, the firm can help the project achieve certification with the United States Green Building Council. Current LEED-certified projects designed by SH Architecture include Burkholder Middle School in Henderson, where geothermal wells and natural lighting help cut heating, cooling, and lighting costs, and downtown Henderson’s Water Street South Mixed-Use Development, which is equipped with waterless urinals and maximizes access to natural daylight, as well.
The firm’s job is to educate clients about innovative technology and practical designs that fit their needs, because environment-friendly designs are more costly up-front, Roberts said.
“I think it’s scary because it’s different. [But] it’s an ever-changing world and we want our clients to have the best products for application,” he added. “Las Vegas is just beginning to mature architecturally with sophisticated clients who allow us to do what we’ve been trained to do.”
Eventually, the goal is to accredit every employee through the United States Green Building Council.
“We’re proud of the things we do in the office to make the world a better place,” said Cheryl Nervez, public relations manager. “We practice what we preach.”
“To us, it’s more than that,” added Roberts. “It’s a lifestyle choice and it’s who we are.”