Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Green Architects for Sustainable Homes in Houston
Environment Associates Architects & Consultants has been pioneering sustainable architecture and green building practices since 1975. Our firm specializes in designing healthful, high-performance homes that reduce living costs while prioritizing environmental responsibility. With nearly four decades of experience, we have established ourselves as leaders in passive solar design, LEED certification, and resilient construction methods. Our holistic approach integrates climate-appropriate materials, energy-efficient systems, and innovative design to create spaces that enhance comfort and survivability during extreme conditions.We maintain strict ethical standards by avoiding conflicts of interest, ensuring our clients receive unbiased expertise. Our work has influenced national green building programs and continues to set benchmarks for sustainability in Texas and beyond.
Services
Green Home Design
LEED Certification
Energy-Efficient Remodeling
Sustainable Architecture Consulting
Passive Solar Design
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We pioneered Texas' first green building project in 1979 and continue leading sustainable design innovations.
- Our LEED Platinum-certified projects set global benchmarks for energy-efficient architecture.
- We maintain strict ethical standards by avoiding product commissions or design/build conflicts.
- Our passive solar strategies reduce energy bills by up to 90% compared to conventional homes.
- We offer flexible service levels tailored to every budget and project complexity.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- Austin Energy Green Building Program
Services
Green Home Design
Our green home design integrates passive solar strategies, climate-appropriate materials, and energy-efficient systems to create durable, healthful living spaces. We prioritize net-zero energy potential and indoor air quality while ensuring aesthetic appeal. Clients benefit from reduced utility costs and enhanced resilience to extreme weather conditions.
LEED Certification
We guide projects through LEED Platinum and other green certification programs, leveraging our industry-leading expertise. Our process ensures compliance with rigorous sustainability standards while optimizing cost-effectiveness. Clients gain access to tax incentives and increased property value through verified eco-friendly construction practices.
Energy-Efficient Remodeling
Our remodeling services enhance existing homes with energy-saving technologies and health-focused materials. We conduct comprehensive audits to identify efficiency gaps and implement solutions like advanced insulation and solar integration. Clients achieve lower operating costs while improving comfort and environmental impact.
Passive Solar Design
We specialize in passive solar strategies that minimize mechanical heating and cooling needs. Our designs optimize building orientation, thermal mass, and natural ventilation to maintain stable indoor temperatures. Clients experience year-round comfort with dramatically reduced energy consumption.
Sustainable Consulting
Our consulting services provide technical expertise for sustainable construction projects. We offer feasibility studies, material selection guidance, and performance analysis to align projects with environmental goals. Clients receive actionable strategies for achieving durability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
People
LaVerne A. Williams
Founder & CEO
AIA and LEED AP-certified architect LaVerne Williams founded Environment Associates Architects & Consultants in 1975. He pioneered Texas' first green building project and helped shape national green building standards. His work has received numerous awards, including the USGBC Platinum and Austin GBP 5 Star recognitions.
Richard Rivera
LEED AP
LEED AP Richard Rivera brings combined architecture and engineering expertise to our projects. With degrees in both fields, he specializes in integrating technical precision with sustainable design principles to deliver high-performance building solutions.
Juan J. Hron
Architect
Architect Juan J. Hron contributes expertise in sustainable design and interior architecture. His dual background in architecture and environmental design enables holistic solutions that balance aesthetics with energy efficiency and functional performance.
Xiomara Ojeda
Architect
Architect Xiomara Ojeda focuses on creating climate-responsive designs that prioritize occupant health and environmental stewardship. Her work emphasizes innovative material applications and passive design strategies to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
Maria Gonzalez
Architect
Architect Maria Gonzalez combines environmental design principles with architectural practice to develop resilient, low-impact building solutions. Her expertise spans sustainable material selection and energy-efficient system integration for diverse project types.
Questions
What green building certifications do you specialize in?
We specialize in LEED certification and Austin Energy Green Building Program standards, with expertise in achieving net-zero energy performance.
Can you help reduce energy costs in existing homes?
Yes, we offer energy audits and retrofit solutions to improve efficiency, comfort, and durability in existing structures.
Do you work outside Texas?
While based in Houston, we provide design services for sustainable projects nationwide and internationally.
What service levels do you offer?
We provide four flexible service levels from hourly consultations to full design and construction oversight.
How do you ensure ethical practices?
We avoid conflicts of interest by not accepting product commissions or offering design/build services.
