A carpet of moss growing in the forest was the initial inspiration for the name of our sustainable architecture studio, moss Design. While taking photos on a hike during the time of our studio’s infancy, we stopped to photograph patches of moss creeping across rocks and fallen logs, the afternoon sun catching it just right. In that moment, it occurred to us that this moss protects and shelters so many elements of the forest, providing a habitat.
It sparked a thought that continues to shape our work: how can architecture do the same? How can we improve the relationship between the built environment and the natural world? What is our environmental responsibility to this forest and the surrounding land? And how can our interdisciplinary and collaborative design approach help us innovate and provide forward-thinking architectural solutions?
That moment in the woods became a metaphor for care, for adaptability, for design that grows with its environment. From that seed of inspiration, our studio has evolved into a collaborative, interdisciplinary practice grounded in sustainability and guided by the belief that good design should regenerate, not just minimize harm.
Focus on Sustainability
Our core design philosophy is rooted in environmental responsibility and exploring ways to create low-impact designs that minimize environmental degradation. We begin each project by asking how a building can use less, last longer, and live in a better relationship with its surroundings. To achieve this, we incorporate renewable energy strategies like photovoltaic solar panel arrays, daylighting, and source reclaimed and renewable materials whenever possible. Water conservation, waste reduction, and designing for durability are fundamental to our process.
Based in Chicago, we’re constantly thinking about how buildings function in an urban climate—how they breathe through the seasons, harness light and heat, and contribute to the health of their occupants and the environment. Whether it’s a renovation, adaptive reuse, or new construction, our goal is the same: to design buildings that are lighter on the land and built to last.
Architects Specializing in Sustainability: Sustainable Reputation and Recognition
moss is recognized both in Chicago and nationally for our leadership in sustainable, eco-friendly architecture design. With experience in LEED and Passive House certification, we know how to design buildings that perform and bring deep technical knowledge to every project. And as a small studio, we also keep things personal. That means working closely with our clients to create thoughtful, sustainable architectural spaces that are as beautiful as they are efficient, whether residential or commercial. This approach ensures that every project meets high standards for both environmental responsibility and aesthetic appeal.
Diversity in the Range of Sustainable Design Approaches
The projects we work on are diverse by design, allowing us to explore innovative solutions across an array of sites and project types. The design approaches include passive solar design, green roofs, natural ventilation, and high-performance building materials. All of which can apply to our wide range of residential and commercial project types.
Best of all, we’ve likely done it before. In addition to our primary role as architects, we are also real estate brokers, general contractors, developers, and landlords, able to use our broad experience to better merge modern architecture and the natural environment.
Local Expertise and Track Record on Residential and Commercial Projects
moss is experienced and has completed projects in Chicago and the rest of Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and California. Familiarity with the local zoning ordinance and building codes is its own form of efficiency, but just as important is the ability to assess the local climate and environmental challenges, which is crucial for creating sustainable homes that work well in a specific region. The ability to assess a site, no matter where it is located, and allow it to inform the design is the most important factor in creating successful, sustainable architecture.
Working directly with the eventual users of a space, whether it be a homeowner or business owner, we have a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, space planning, and how to integrate sustainability on a more intimate, day-to-day living scale. We have systems in place that aid our clients and end users in making informed design decisions. Thus, we are able to integrate cutting-edge sustainable design practices with a deep understanding of the local context and climate.
Innovation and Forward-Thinking Sustainable Design Approach
When moss launched in the early 2000s, sustainable design was considered fringe and not as well-known by the construction industry as it is today. Because we have been innovating since those early years, we are now able to develop ideas beyond already established sustainable practices. Today, our work includes net-zero homes, like the Engawa House, regenerative building strategies like our closed loop, organic brewery project in Southwest Michigan, and forward-thinking applications of passive design. We integrate technologies such as solar panels, smart-metering, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. We also explore innovative use of natural and reclaimed materials, like rot-resistant, rapidly renewable charred wood siding (also known as shou sugi ban).
Sometimes, the most sustainable solution is to simply do less. We have long championed adaptive reuse and restoration as a way to keep perfectly usable, often century-old buildings in active use – and out of the landfill. This approach maintains their presence in the urban fabric for what will hopefully be another 100 years. Our adaptive reuse of a 1900s-era bank building, for example, transformed the structure into a mixed-use development with shops, offices, and 20 residential units, giving the building a new chapter in the urban fabric.
Lastly, we’re also deeply invested in biophilic design—connecting people with nature and landscape through architecture. This connection with the building’s occupants is an effort to improve human physical and mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. This philosophy draws from Thoreau’s contact doctrine, which held that physical closeness to nature fosters a more profound sense of connection. Our designs reflect this belief, merging landscape and architecture to create spaces that support physical health, mental well-being, and a more grounded sense of place.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Approach
We prioritize collaboration with our design partners to achieve optimal, sustainable design solutions. Often, our projects require coordination with environmental consultants, engineers, and contractors. In our role as architect, we have experience leading these teams, coordinating their work, and developing and refining design concepts. And in our role as general contractors, we also understand what is possible at the construction site because of our experience managing the subcontractor construction crews.
