F L U I D
what we love to do
our work
Contrary to first impressions, we do not sell flowers. We do, however, create sustainable footprints for buildings and improve the environmental quality of interiors for its occupants (and plants). The intelligent, integrated design which supports the growth and existence of, for example, a beautiful, healthy hydrangea is a metaphor for seeking similarly intelligent, integrated solutions for buildings - optimizing them as healthy, livable sites without negative impacts on the environment or humans during the lifecycle of its use.
As a design agency committed to sustainability and innovation, we study existing conditions, review deficiencies and recommend site improvements relative to LEED standards, client needs, design simulations and a triple bottomline approach to your people, your organization's profit and our planet. We address and provide you with options for. . .
o obtaining energy efficiencies
o qualifying for financial incentives
o acquiring innovative solutions
o improving indoor air quality levels
o implementing renewable energy solutions
o steering clear of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
o reducing CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions
. . . all within the context of improving the human experience in buildings and
integrating your building, your space seamlessly, beautifully and benevolently with the environment.
Whether you are curious and considering change or needing to follow a new corporate or government-issued sustainability mandate, we can help organize priorities, set benchmarks, define budgets, calculate carbon offsetting goals and design tailored solutions for new construction or renovation projects. It does not matter what stage your project is in: whether at the beginning stages of a full-scale LEED certification engagement or in the middle of an operations and maintenance issue. What matters is your decision to mitigate or rectify your environmental impact sooner rather than later. For existing sites, we help you through thoughtful incremental changes which are painless on budgets, easy to implement and immediate on results. For new sites, we help you start on the right foot to ensure the long-term success of your sustainability implementation.
Also, please do not expect shortcuts as we make assessments and accompany you on your journey towards a sustainable environment. Transparency, cooperation, integrity and honesty are the denominators that sustain our practice. We are happy you have made a commitment to change. The transition will sometimes seem difficult. However, it is worthwhile and both an honor and a privilege to assist you in your building's transition from a conventionally designed structure to one that reflects a deep respect for nature's intelligence. We thank you, in advance, for bestowing us the opportunity to collaborate with you on nature's behalf during this important moment in your organization's history.
Sincerely,
Violeta Archer, LEED Green Associate
Founder
F L U I D was born in Austin, Texas on January 2004 to fill a gap in the interior finishes space and promote sustainable design practices. A small showroom located at Backdoor To The Trade, designed with the exemplary products it showcased and backed by ambient lounge music, set a new standard and elevated the "sourcing" experience for the architectural and design community.
We introduced LEED-compliant solutions and demonstrated that green design is beautiful, that recycled materials are just as good, if not better, than those minted from fossil-based or non-renewable materials. With an eye on the international scene for innovative product development, materials and products (gems, really) were carefully chosen to create a unique resource portfolio worthy of any designer's black book.
We introduced and launched these treasures in Texas; we educated clients and groups on their sustainable merits, economic viability and technical characteristics to help usher in a new, transformative consciousness. . .one characterized by a greater sensibility and responsibility towards our planet when designing spaces and meeting design challenges. Several years later, we are happy to see our clients and others embrace sustainable design practices with commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication.
After some lifechanging experiences and restored faith, F L U I D now brings this same curated sensibility to Italy - the mecca of design. Why? Because we see an opportunity for creating parity between sustainable design and aesthetic design. We now dare push the envelope further by offering materials and solutions which defy conventional processes and derive their inspiration from nature.
This is biomimicry - nature-inspired design - and it is the next step in the evolution of design with an emphasis on regenerative processes and renewable resources. We are excited about the sublime technology and intelligence inherent in these new solutions and look forward to educating you on their merits, assisting you throughout the specification process as well as calculating carbon footprints, energy efficiencies and lifecycle costs to meet your sustainability and LEED certification goals.
As you review the revised portfolio and supporting documentation, we hope to inspire integrative and regenerative approaches for your next design projects.
Also, please check out our allies.