Richard Renner Architects

Knowledgeable. Resourceful. Pragmatic. (And they produce great designs, too.) Richard Renner Architects transformed our home. We hired Richard Renner Architects (RRA) with two objectives in mind. First, we wanted to live in a Net Zero home, which produced more total energy than it used. And second, we wanted to make our home a lot more attractive. In the end, we got more than we bargained for. For starters, our home’s energy total consumption (and attending carbon footprint) dropped by about 70%. When we add solar panels next year, our home will actually produce more total energy than it uses, putting us firmly into what the energy geeks call Carbon Negative territory. Along the way, our home went from ugly to handsome. Every time I look at the “before” and “after” pictures, I’m delighted. Especially when I consider how cost-effectively RRA managed to achieve the transformation. Most of our project budget went to energy conservation, leaving architect and builder with very little money to make things beautiful. You may never see our home in Architectural Digest, but it makes me smile every time I walk up the driveway. And now, to the “more than we bargained for” part of the story. Thanks to the design and construction methodology RRA drove, our home isn’t just a little more comfortable–it’s radically more comfortable. On the coldest winter day, every room feels cozy and warm. On a 100-degree summer day one can sit in my attic without breaking a sweat (even without the central air-conditioning running). The basement isn’t damp anymore. And the indoor air quality improved dramatically. Richard Renner Architects assembled a rock-star team. They say it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Sometimes it’s both. Richard and his team have deep knowledge and terrific design instincts. But they’re not builders. Fortunately, they seem to know “all the right people” when it comes to getting the job done. Richard helped us assemble a rock-star team of builders and engineers (with all the skills and none of the attitude). Right from the start, it was obvious that everyone on the team enjoyed working with Richard. He did a terrific job of managing our project–especially through the inevitable bumps in the road. On time and on budget. No, really. After suffering one “start-up” delay (our new windows arrived late) the project ran on time and on budget. And, remarkably, we’re still friendly with everyone who worked on our project. Full-disclosure. I don’t work for RRA and I never have. I’m a real, live customer. If you’ve decided to work with RRA, ask Richard to put us in touch if you’d like to hear more. Good luck with your project.