Business Details
50 Years
experience
Sustainable Solar Architecture & Energy-Efficient Design
David Wright Associates has been at the forefront of sustainable design since 1976. Our founder, David Wright, is a pioneering environmental architect with over 40 years of experience designing custom residences, commercial buildings, and institutional structures that harmonize with their environment. We specialize in passive solar design, energy-efficient construction, and the use of innovative building technologies like structural insulated panels (SIPs) and insulated concrete forms (ICFs). Our firm has completed over 400 projects across the United States, including award-winning homes, eco-friendly renovations, and LEED-certified buildings. We combine artistic vision with technical expertise to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.Our team maintains NCARB certification and holds licenses in six states, ensuring compliance with the highest professional standards. We have authored three industry-defining books on solar architecture and continue to shape sustainable design practices through our work. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in our role as founders of the Nevada County Land Trust and our advocacy for fire-resistant, climate-responsive construction. We provide comprehensive services including 3D modeling, construction documentation, and coordination with local engineers to ensure code compliance. Our reputation for excellence has been built through decades of delivering innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of each client and site.
Services
Architectural Design
Passive Solar Planning
Energy-Efficient Construction
Construction Documentation
Building Code Compliance
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of pioneering experience in passive solar architecture
- NCARB-certified architect with multi-state licensing expertise
- Specialized in energy-efficient, fire-resistant construction technologies
- Proven track record with 400+ completed residential and commercial projects
- Author of three industry-defining books on solar architecture
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
What people say
Energy-efficient designs
Personalized service
Innovative solutions
Climate-responsive buildings
Professional expertise
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates custom residential and commercial buildings that integrate with their natural environment. We combine passive solar principles with modern aesthetics to produce energy-efficient structures that reduce heating and cooling costs. Our team develops detailed 3D models and construction documents tailored to each client's specific needs and site conditions.
Passive Solar Planning
We specialize in passive solar architecture that optimizes natural heating and cooling cycles. Our designs maximize solar gain in winter while minimizing heat retention in summer through strategic window placement, thermal mass materials, and building orientation. This approach creates comfortable living spaces with significantly reduced energy consumption.
Energy-Efficient Construction
Our energy-efficient construction methods utilize advanced materials like structural insulated panels (SIPs) and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) to create high-performance buildings. We incorporate fire-resistant, non-toxic materials and prioritize thermal efficiency in every project, resulting in structures that maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal mechanical systems.
Construction Documentation
We provide comprehensive construction documentation packages including foundation plans, floor layouts, electrical systems, and structural specifications. Our detailed CAD drawings meet all California Building Code requirements and can be adapted for other jurisdictions with local engineering modifications.
Building Code Compliance
Our team ensures all designs meet current building codes and regulatory requirements. We coordinate with local engineers for structural calculations and energy compliance certifications, simplifying the permitting process for clients across multiple states.
People
David Wright
Senior Architect
David Wright is a licensed architect with over 40 years of experience in passive solar design. He has designed 400+ custom residences and authored three books on sustainable architecture. A NCARB-certified professional, he pioneered energy-efficient building techniques now widely used in the industry.
Catherine Wright
Office Manager
Catherine Wright manages business operations with 35+ years of experience. A UC Davis graduate, she oversees financial management and client communications while maintaining the firm's administrative efficiency.
Megan Wright Matthews
Structural Engineer
Megan Wright Matthews is a licensed structural engineer with expertise in green building technologies. She provides technical oversight for complex projects and contributes to architectural design solutions that balance aesthetics with structural integrity.
Heather Wright Foye
Licensed Architect
Heather Wright Foye is a licensed architect specializing in practical design solutions. She focuses on client needs while maintaining aesthetic quality and budget consciousness, delivering projects on time with attention to environmental considerations.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in sustainable residential and commercial design, passive solar architecture, energy-efficient construction, and building code compliance documentation.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We use passive solar principles, SIPs, ICFs, and other eco-friendly materials to create buildings that minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We provide architectural services across California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, and Wisconsin with multi-state licensed professionals.
Can you modify existing house plans?
Yes, we offer customization of our pre-designed plans including room size adjustments, material changes, and foundation modifications at hourly rates.
What makes your firm unique?
Our combination of 40+ years in solar architecture, NCARB certification, and authorship of industry-leading publications sets us apart in sustainable design.
