MQ architecture & interior design firm Boulder, Colorado

In recent years there has been a growing movement for high performance, sustainable buildings and an overall “green” approach in architecture and design. We believe in combining beauty with functionality and performance in our designs, the cornerstone of which is smart, sustainable planning. This is something Mark has been incorporating into his design work since he first picked up a drafting pen 30 years ago, not some fad to be followed. Mark founded Terra Verde Architects (which literally means “Green Earth”) in 1996 based around sustainable principals, and our focus at MQ Architecture & Design takes our nationally recognized environmental stewardship even further. Smart design intrinsically takes into consideration the many environmental factors impacting a project; at MQ we emphasize energy efficient technologies and green building practices to create a diverse pallet of environmentally sensitive solutions.

Benefits of Green Design and Construction:
Green design and construction is a sound investment that continues to pay for itself in many ways including the following:
Saving money in the long run:
We help you raise the value of your home, lessen utility costs, reduce maintenance, improve structural durability, maximize tax credits and rebates.
Better health for your family, friends or employees:
Improve the air quality in your building, control and improve your comfort level and create different zones, promote an healthy and active lifestyle.
Environmental Stewardship:
Promotes sustainable use of natural resources, reduced dependence on fossil fuels & foreign oil, minimize water usage and the draining aquifers.

If you would like to learn more about how to make your project more sustainable, economical, and ecologically smart, please give us a call or send an email hello@mqad.com with your questions or ideas.

This sustainable cabin in the wild received its LEED Gold Certification. The Carpenter Cabin is surrounded by the stunning Phantom Canyon Ranch Nature Conservancy, from which it has unobstructed 360 degree views. The site and its visual vistas became a core part of the design; and the home is nestled into the land to minimize its visual impact. The cabin was designed to reflect a rustic western vernacular, with exposed heavy timber and stone. It employs passive and active solar heating for domestic water and radiant in-floor heat. The photovoltaic panel output is supplemented by a wind generator and excess power is channeled back to the grid. Structural insulated panels create a highly energy efficient wall system; and finished stucco, native rock and reclaimed concrete roof tiles marry the exterior through to the surrounding environ.

Wolff St Duplex

The Wolff Street Duplex is a LEED Certified and Green Building Rated project designed for lots in some of Denver’s transforming neighborhoods. With fresh and contemporary floor plans (including a rooftop deck with fireplace and two wet bars) and a unique mix of exterior materials, these units are attracting up and coming young professionals that want to be close to downtown in the desirable old Denver neighborhoods. The homes welcome the outside environment with ample natural light, decks and use solar to off-set power use.

Numerous green building programs are being created throughout the U.S and abroad to: promote the benefits of green buildings, quantify and certify their “greenness,” and to provide education regarding green design and construction practices.

Please feel free to explore these Green Building Programs:

LEED for Homes (New Homes in all states).

ENERGY STAR® (New Homes in all states)

U.S. Green Building Council, Colorado Chapter

Built Green Colorado (one of oldest and largest green home building programs in the nation)

Boulder County BuildSmart & Green Points Programs