Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sustainable Architecture Solutions
Richard Pedranti Architect is a full-service architecture firm established in 1998, dedicated to creating environments that harmonize client values with the natural landscape of the Upper Delaware River Region, Philadelphia, and New York. Specializing in Passive House and high-performance buildings, we leverage modern building science to design structures that are beautiful, healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Our process is client-driven, emphasizing collaboration with consultants and partners to ensure projects meet the highest standards of design and sustainability.Rooted in the philosophy of connecting people with place, we prioritize site-specific design, solar orientation, and ecological responsibility. With certifications in Passive House consulting, building, and energy auditing, we are committed to advancing sustainable practices while delivering timeless architecture that balances innovation with regional heritage.
Services
Architecture
Passive House Consulting
Building Performance Consulting
Historic Preservation
Landscape Design
Energy Auditing
Energy Modeling
Building Diagnostics
PHIUS+ Rater Services
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in Passive House design and sustainable architecture.
- Our team includes Certified Passive House Consultants and Builders with industry-leading expertise.
- We prioritize client-driven, collaborative design processes for tailored solutions.
- Our projects integrate advanced building science with regional ecological stewardship.
- We hold multiple certifications in energy auditing, performance modeling, and green building standards.
Associations and certifications
- PHIUS+
- PHI
- RESNET
- USGBC LEED
- AIA
Services
Passive House Consulting
Our Passive House consulting integrates advanced building science to create ultra-energy-efficient structures. We provide design guidance, energy modeling, and certification support to meet rigorous international standards. Our expertise ensures optimal thermal performance, airtightness, and ventilation efficiency for residential and commercial projects.
Architecture
RPA offers full-service architectural design focused on sustainability and site-specific solutions. From concept to construction, we prioritize client needs, ecological integration, and innovative use of materials. Our portfolio spans modern residences, commercial spaces, and historic renovations across the Northeastern United States.
Building Performance Consulting
We conduct comprehensive energy audits, diagnostics, and modeling to optimize building efficiency. Services include HERS ratings, thermal imaging, and compliance verification for Passive House and Net Zero standards. Our data-driven approach identifies cost-effective upgrades for improved comfort and reduced environmental impact.
Historic Preservation
RPA specializes in preserving historic structures through adaptive reuse and sensitive rehabilitation. We navigate complex permitting processes while integrating modern energy-efficient systems. Our work maintains architectural integrity while enhancing functionality and sustainability for 21st-century use.
Landscape Design
Our landscape design services create harmonious outdoor spaces that complement architectural projects. Focused on ecological balance, we incorporate native plantings, sustainable materials, and site-specific features to enhance biodiversity and client enjoyment of natural surroundings.
People
Richard Pedranti
Founder & Principal Architect
A Harvard-trained architect with over 30 years of experience, Richard Pedranti founded RPA in 1996. Certified in Passive House consulting and building, he combines modernist principles with sustainable practices. His work spans award-winning residential and commercial projects, emphasizing energy efficiency and regional context.
Michelle Sangster
Architectural Designer
Michelle Sangster is a Certified Passive House Consultant with expertise in residential architecture and sustainable design. She contributes to RPAs Passive House projects, applying her Temple University education and hands-on experience in energy-efficient building techniques to create innovative, client-focused solutions.
Edgar B. Brannon Jr.
Senior Associate
Ed Brannon brings environmental management expertise to RPA as a Senior Associate. With a Harvard MPA and decades of experience in landscape architecture and forest conservation, he specializes in land planning, ecological stewardship, and historic preservation projects across Pike Countys natural landscapes.
Questions
What is a Passive House?
A Passive House is a building standard that uses super-insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery ventilation to achieve 90% energy savings for heating/cooling while ensuring superior comfort and air quality.
What are the benefits of a Passive House?
Passive Houses offer consistent indoor temperatures, 80-90% lower energy bills, exceptional air quality, noise reduction, durability, and resilience during power outages due to their advanced building science principles.
Does Passive House construction cost more?
Initial costs are 0-10% higher than conventional builds, but lifetime savings from reduced energy bills and low-maintenance systems make Passive Houses more affordable over time.
Can Passive Houses be combined with other green standards?
Yes, Passive House principles integrate seamlessly with LEED, Energy Star, and Net Zero standards to create buildings that excel in energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant health.
How does RPA approach historic preservation?
RPA combines modern Passive House techniques with historic preservation, ensuring energy efficiency upgrades while maintaining architectural integrity through adaptive reuse and sensitive restoration practices.
What certifications does RPA hold?
RPA holds certifications including Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB), PHIUS+ Rater, RESNET HERS Rater, and LEED accreditation.
