Talking about Sustainable Design with Eric Hughes of Image Design

Whether the project is commercial, residential or institutional, there is growing interest and passion about green, sustainable, energy-conscious design strategies. For MMA, our clients are drawn to projects that are not only modern, but also connected to and responsible for the natural environment and healthy, livable communities.

Our focus on sustainability is shared by fellow-architect and MMA friend Eric Hughes of Image Design, who joined us for an open in-house discussion about the importance of sustainable design and practical applications for achieving energy-efficiency in every project.

Sustainability has been a lifelong passion for Eric, particularly for residential design. Inspired by the work of architects like Sam Mockbee at the Rural Studio, Eric practiced hands-on design for homes in the poverty-stricken areas of the Ozark Mountains during his college years. It was there that he applied a sustainable approach to design using reclaimed, inexpensive, and readily available materials in a creative way. Passive solar, active solar, natural cooling, and roof forms to capture breezes became Eric’s tools to improve the conditions and health of the local communities of the Ozarks.

The case for sustainable design is unique to each project, and it is custom for each client. Through questionnaires, conversations and consultations, both Eric and MMA spend a great amount of time understanding the goals and aspirations of each opportunity. Today, the growth in the awareness of the benefits of sustainable design, as well as the growth of sustainable products, systems, and technologies helps make the design and construction of a green home almost the same construction cost as a traditional build, except with drastically reduced energy bills.

MMA enjoys our collaboration with Eric and other creative designers. They represent a great resource that benefits the entire region. We applaud his dedication to environmental sustainability and in-depth knowledge of green building best practices.

Thanks again for visiting with us, Eric!When Eric returned to west Michigan in the 1980’s, there was only a small awareness of the benefits and importance of sustainability and green home design at the time. His passion took a back seat until 2005, when a client (knowing of Eric’s interest in sustainable design) asked him to design a LEED Platinum home (at the time there was only one certified LEED Platinum home in the world.) The client wanted to build a zero-energy home using wind energy generated on the bluffs of Arcadia, Michigan as part of an Energy Fair taking place in the Manistee area. Eric enthusiastically designed this show-home and it became the first LEED Platinum home in Michigan. Eric has been a sought-after resource for green design ever since.