Business Details
37 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Energy-Efficient Design Solutions
At C&H Architects, we design spaces that use resources efficiently, endure over time, and nourish the lives of their occupants. Our holistic approach to sustainability is rooted in listening deeply to our clients' distinct desires, creating unique architectural solutions that integrate thoughtful spaces, durable materials, and resourceful systems. With over 30 years of experience, we guide projects through defined development phases, leveraging our expertise to predictably deliver results while maintaining personal attention to each client's needs. Our small office structure ensures direct partner involvement, while our network of accomplished consultants extends our capabilities to deliver well-coordinated, mutually respectful teams.We specialize in net-zero energy, passive house, living building certification, low embodied carbon, and deep energy retrofits, viewing these performance standards as foundations for joyful, enduring spaces. Our history of repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals reflects our commitment to collaborative, enjoyable, and productive project experiences that create legacies for future generations.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Energy-Efficient Design
Historic Renovations
Net-Zero Energy Buildings
Passive House Design
Living Building Certification
Deep Energy Retrofits
Grid Independence Solutions
Indoor Air Quality Optimization
Decarbonization Planning
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in sustainable architecture.
- Our partners provide personalized attention to every project.
- We maintain a network of top landscape designers and engineers.
- We specialize in net-zero energy and Living Building Certification.
- Our clients consistently praise our collaborative, efficient processes.
What people say
Love my house
Highly energy efficient
Creative solutions
Timely delivery
Best consultants
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture focuses on resource efficiency and enduring design. We create spaces that minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant well-being. By integrating durable materials and innovative systems, we deliver buildings that align with both client needs and ecological responsibility.
Net-Zero Energy Buildings
We design buildings that produce as much energy as they consume through solar panels, efficient systems, and passive design strategies. Our expertise ensures optimal performance while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity for residential and institutional clients.
Historic Renovations
We preserve the character of historic buildings while upgrading them for modern energy efficiency. Our approach retains original materials and design elements, extending their lifespan and reducing environmental impact through thoughtful, code-compliant renovations.
Living Building Certification
We guide projects through the rigorous Living Building Challenge standards, focusing on net-positive energy, water, and waste systems. Our team ensures designs meet the highest sustainability benchmarks while creating spaces that enhance occupant health and community impact.
Deep Energy Retrofits
Our deep energy retrofits transform existing buildings into high-performance spaces through insulation, air sealing, and renewable energy integration. We reduce energy use by 70-90% while improving comfort, durability, and indoor air quality for long-term savings.
People
Bruce Coldham
Principal Emeritus
Founded C&H Architects in 1989 to advance sustainable design. With over 30 years of experience, he pioneered energy-efficient solutions and mentored teams to achieve net-zero and living building standards for residential and institutional clients.
Thomas RC Hartman
Partner
As a partner, Thomas leads projects with a focus on sustainable innovation. He collaborates closely with clients to create functional, energy-efficient spaces that balance aesthetic vision with environmental responsibility across residential and institutional sectors.
Garth Schwellenbach
Partner
Garth specializes in integrating advanced building systems with sustainable design. His expertise ensures projects meet rigorous energy performance standards while maintaining architectural integrity and client-specific functionality for diverse institutional and residential clients.
Jesse Selman
Partner
Jesse focuses on holistic project delivery, combining technical precision with creative problem-solving. He ensures seamless coordination between design, construction, and sustainability goals to achieve high-performance buildings that exceed client expectations.
Samantha Wood
CADD Specialist
Samantha provides technical expertise in project documentation, BIM, and 3D modeling. Her precision ensures accurate translation of sustainable design concepts into detailed construction documents that support efficient project execution.
Questions
What services does C&H Architects offer?
We specialize in sustainable architecture, energy-efficient design, historic renovations, net-zero energy buildings, passive house design, and living building certification for residential and institutional clients.
How does C&H Architects approach sustainability?
We integrate resourceful systems, durable materials, and thoughtful spaces to create enduring, energy-efficient buildings that align with clients' needs and environmental goals.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in revitalizing historic structures with energy-efficient upgrades while preserving their original character and materials.
What certifications do you handle?
We achieve net-zero energy, passive house, living building certification, and deep energy retrofit standards through proven expertise and collaboration.
How do you manage project timelines?
Our defined development phases and experienced team ensure efficient decision-making, minimizing delays and delivering projects on schedule.
