Resources
Here are the design resources that have made it onto our studio’s “totally useful” list. If you’ve bookmarked a great green website that isn’t listed here, please tell us about it!
- ADA Accessibility Guidelines – scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities.
- AIA San Francisco – aiming to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area by promoting architecture and design through community involvement, education, advocacy, public outreach, member service, and professional excellence.
- American Institute of Architects – the leading professional membership association for architects, with a focus on advocacy, information, and community.
- American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (AIA COTE) - working to advance, disseminate, and advocate design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.
- Apartment Therapy – helping people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online.
- Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR) - professionals working for disarmament, protection of the natural and built environment, and socially responsible development.
- Architecture for Humanity – a nonprofit design services firm dedicated to building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design.
- Argonne Child Development Center in SketchUp – a SketchUp model of 450 architects’ Argonne Child Development Center, modeled by Google 3D Warehouse.
- BLDGBLOG – architectural conjecture, urban speculation, and landscape futures.
- Building REsources - a source for reusable, recycled and remanufactured building and landscaping materials in San Francisco.
- Build It Green – a nonprofit membership organization promoting healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in California.
- California Planning & Development Report – a periodical on planning and development issues in California.
- California Solar Schools – bringing renewable energy education into under-served communities through highly-visible solar installation systems.
- Community Food Security Coalition – a North American coalition of people and organizations working to build community food security, focusing on low income food needs, self-reliance/empowerment, local agriculture, and broadly collaborative projects.
- Division of the State Architect – providing design and construction oversight for K-12 schools and community colleges, and developing and maintaining accessibility standards and codes utilized in buildings throughout California.
- Dwell – an architectural magazine that focuses on modern design and embracing the human experience.
- Earth Pledge – a nonprofit foundation that partners with businesses, communities and government to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Ecology Center - promoting environmentally and socially responsible practices through grassroots programs that educate, demonstrate, and provide direct services.
- EcoSchool Design – seeking to assist schools, and those who care about them, in transforming paved schoolyards into vibrant ecosystems for outdoor learning.
- Energy Design Resources – decision-making tools and resources that help make it easier to design, build and operate more energy-efficient buildings in California.
- Environmental Building News – a monthly newsletter featuring comprehensive, practical information on a wide range of topics related to sustainable building.
- Environmental News Network – a network of environmental news publications.
- Environment News Service – the original daily international newswire of the environment.
- Fine Homebuilding – resources and expert advice on all aspects of homebuilding.
- Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) – a nonprofit, non-governmental organization aiming to promote sustainable development through environmental education.
- GOOD Magazine – a magazine about moving things forward, celebrating progress wherever it comes to life.
- Green Chamber of Commerce – aiming to build an honest economy for all people and our planet, through promoting the success of its members, supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and advocating for a green public policy.
- Green Roofs for Healthy Cities – working to promote the benefits of green roofs throughout North America.
- GreenSage - green products, books, and information about sustainable furnishings and materials.
- GRID Alternatives – empowering communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training.
- Healthy Building Network – transforming the market for building materials to advance the best environmental, health and social practices.
- JLC Online – practical construction information for home builders and remodelers about building materials, products, and business management.
- LeedVisual – a visual reference guide and study material for LEED examinations.
- Low Carbon Productions – creating and publishing content about the latest developments and trends in energy efficiency.
- Pacific Energy Center – offering educational programs, design tools, advice, and support to create energy efficient buildings and comfortable indoor environments.
- Passive Buildings California – promoting the knowledge required to design and construct super-low, zero- and positive-energy buildings in California that meet the Passive House standard.
- Passive House Institute US – working to further the implementation of Passive House standards and techniques in the United States.
- Passivhaus Institut – researching and developing the Passive House technique in Germany.
- Planetizen – a public-interest information exchange and news source for the urban planning and development community.
- PlanetReuse - matching reclaimed building materials with designers, builders, and owners to save money, serve LEED efforts, and sustain the planet.
- Remodelista – guiding readers through the home design and renovation process.
- Renewable Energy World – a network providing access to renewable energy-focused services, news, products, jobs, and events.
- Rocky Mountain Institute – an entrepreneurial non-profit that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources.
- San Francisco Bicycle Coalition – working for a bicycle-friendly, greener and healthier San Francisco since 1970.
- San Francisco Department of Building Inspection – providing permit services, plan review, and inspection services for the city of San Francisco.
- San Francisco Department of the Environment creates visionary policies and innovative programs that promote social equity, protect human health, and lead the way toward a sustainable future. We put our mission into action by mobilizing communities and providing the resources needed to safeguard our homes, our city, and ultimately our planet.
- San Francisco Green Schoolyard Alliance – serving children and families of San Francisco by providing resources, training, and advocacy to help school communities create and sustain outdoor learning environments.
- San Francisco Parks Trust – dedicated to providing leadership and support for San Francisco parks, recreation centers, and open spaces.
- San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) – a nonprofit public policy think tank that promotes good planning and good government through research, analysis, public education, and advocacy.
- San Francisco Planning Department – guiding the future growth, improvement, and development of San Francisco.
- San Francisco Waldorf School – providing Waldorf education in San Francisco for children from early childhood through high school.
- San Mateo County RecycleWorks – a resource center dedicated to reducing and recycling waste.
- StopWaste.org – dedicated to achieving the most environmentally sound solid waste management and resource conservation program for the people of Alameda County.
- Surfrider Foundation – a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education.
- TreeHugger – a media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream.
- Urban Land Institute – a nonprofit institute that researches emerging land use trends and issues, proposing creative solutions based on that research.
- U.S. Green Building Council – a coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to make green buildings available to everyone.
- Woods Hole Research Center – an independent, nonprofit institute focused on environmental science, education, and public policy, seeking to conserve and sustain the environment in support of human well-being.