Clients mostly hire us for the level of design and care we put into our work, not because they've heard we do green design. Green is important, but it's a sub-title of who we are. This message is one that both Guenther and Petrarca take pride in communicating to their colleagues. Fortunately manufacturers are adapting to meet the growing demand for green. But the bottom line still has to be good design.
Clients have to know that green is one part of good design.
That's the only way green is going to gain popularity and general acceptance. Guenther and Petrarca will preach to clients, too, but only when they sense that green design is something a client cares about. For the client who doesn't want to hear the sermon, both architects know there are enough quality green products around to make choosing them an unnoticeable, yet good design choice. Sort of like going around the wall instead of talking to it. To counteract the chemical off-gassing of carpet, Guenther Petrarca selected other products that would not readily absorb the emissions, such as the metal ceiling, which also makes the height restrictive space seem taller.