At Integrative Designs, we strive to use nature-based solutions to help you find your own unique path to a sustainable, regenerative life. Through listening, design, consulting, education, and collaboration, our goal is to create spaces where everyone can bloom where they’re planted.

Regenerative Practice

The moment we’re in demands we rethink many of the systems we have come to assume as status quo. Our habits of extraction, consumption, distribution, and waste are increasingly eroding the natural balance of the world on which we all depend. Everything that is has been designed and built, and now is the time to start re-designing and re-building in better harmony with the living systems around us.

Integrative Designs has had the privilege to share the principles of Regenerative Design at The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Strategic Growth Council, Housing & Community Development Department, and the California Air Resources Board. We are committed to continue spreading the word, and connecting all who will listen to the ancient and enduring wisdom within this old way of thinking. We are happy to present these principles at your firm so they may be better incorporated into your workflow and design ethos.

Consulting

With over 15 years of experience with green building in California, primarily for single family residences, Integrative Designs offers consulting services for both homeowners and architects to create more efficient and healthier spaces. It can be as simple as advising you on what upgrades to make to your energy systems, connecting you with the right industry professionals, or offering resources on how to live a more circular, waste-free life. For those clients wanting ideas but not ready to commit to their full remodel, we can also do low-cost schematic design studies to help you visualize the healthy home of your dreams.

For architects, Integrative Designs can perform full building analysis and drawing set review to better integrate high performance building strategies into your construction drawings and specs.

The green building field of is ever changing and fast growing. Together we will find the best solutions for your project and budget.

If you’re considering a major design project, Integrative Designs offers full architectural design services from schematic design to construction administration. Our practice centers on efficiency and high performance design, emphasizing envelope improvements, all-electric systems, indoor air quality and balanced ventilation, natural light and air, and efficient space planning. Building small is inherently the greenest move you can make, and we strive to help clients realize that ‘less is more’.

Our practice has primarily focused on re-use of existing spaces, mostly single-family homes, as it is inherently less carbon intensive to reuse than to build new. We love working within the boundaries of what is to create something different that is beloved, healthy, conscientious, and enduring. We aim to work with Clients that share these values and vision.

Design

  • "We love working with Chris! He drew as-built plans for our 1950's home, and then presented multiple design options for a staged renovation. Since comfort, energy efficiency, and eventual solarization were goals for us, Chris explained options and specified heat-pump tech, insulation and fresh air intake solutions for us to consider. He tipped us off to local and national eco rebates/incentives and recommended local experts who analyzed our house and drew up estimates for HVAC, water heating and electrical upgrades. The knowledge Chris shared with us has already helped us tremendously as we unexpectedly had to upgrade our hot water system before breaking ground on our reno. We'll be engaging Chris again!"

    Cliff Curry & AJ Maiorano, SF

  • "Through several collaborative residential landscape design projects we worked on together throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, I was consistently appreciative of Chris' diligence and eye to detail. From the idea stage to sketching, detailed design to the often arduous permitting process, Chris charmingly challenges traditional methods and finds a way to balance high design with climate-minded implementation."

    Rob Ungar, CEO Sage + Bay: Urban Landscape Design

  • "Chris is an accomplished architect and passionate advocate for green building solutions. His deep rooted commitment to preserving the natural environment guides his decision making process at every stage, from the initial site design to the selection of finish materials. In addition to being a talented and experienced designer, Chris is also a good communicator and effective manager, which makes him an altogether wonderful person to work with."

    Antje Paiz, Raumfabrik Architecture

  • "Chris took the time to listen to our needs and preferences, and offered insightful suggestions for our kitchen remodel. We feel fortunate to have had his guidance throughout this process and so happy with the plans we landed on!"

    May Bresler-Herzog & Ilan Bresler, SF