BUILD

Saltonstall Architects’ design work is built on a foundation of trust we have developed with clients, consultants, contractors, and community leaders over the years. Founded by William G. Saltonstall, Jr., AIA in 1980 upon the principles of quality, energy-efficient design, Saltonstall Architects (SA) is currently led by second-generation owner William W. Saltonstall, AIA. The work of SA is focused on the term "build" at many levels. Our success in designing the next generation of sustainable buildings is based on building innovative design processes. Through research and design, we are forwarding processes, systems, and strategies for planning, building, and maintaining facilities. Our diverse portfolio of built work demonstrates our achievement in creating a successful body of thoughtful, energy efficient buildings. With over eighty percent of our clients seeking our services through past relationships or referrals, our success is built on solid results.

DESIGNING WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS

Every project has different qualities, requiring a specific set of tools to develop the best design and most productive communication methods. To effectively design a project, we as architects need to build the right techniques to develop concepts and promote these ideas to clients, financial backers, approving authorities, and other project community members. The tools we utilize to “build” design concepts range from low-tech sketching and drafting to more technical modeling and building performance analysis. Standard design processes include 3-dimensional modeling, building energy modeling, solar studies, building information modeling (BIM), web-based team communication, and other technologies. Our architectural design process balances a very technical approach to building science with a more intuitive sense of design developed through a long history of New England architectural practice.

ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Sustainable change in the way our culture constructs buildings requires architects to look beyond standard construction techniques. At SA, we are constantly researching and promoting alternative building methods to design better spaces to live and work. Examples of recently specified alternative systems in projects include structural insulated panels (SIP), factory-panelized wall and roof assemblies, modular buildings, insulated concrete form (ICF) wall systems, ground source heat pump systems, photovoltaic and solar water panels, closed cell foam insulation systems, and locally-milled pine framing. Our guiding principles in system selection are focused on specifying simple, efficient systems that are suitable to a client’s budget, lifestyle, and sustainable objectives.