Sustainable Design
Sustainability has long been a core value at Mahan Rykiel. Before LEED checklists dominated the discussion, we developed design strategies to minimize our impact on natural systems, and restore native plants and environments around the globe. Now that LEED is an integral part of design, we have 15 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff and are actively involved in the green building industry.
At Mahan Rykiel, we seek to create neighborhoods and communities that promote walking, biking, and transit use in order to limit dependence on automobiles. Not only do denser neighborhoods create better community, but they also limit the impact of development on natural systems, and provide greater opportunity for open space.
Within the urban environment, Mahan Rykiel has been a leader in designing green roofs- both intensive and extensive, and in the use of green wall elements, innovative treatments for stormwater, and promoting parks and open spaces. In addition, we seek opportunities to restore landscapes with native plantings, permeable paving surfaces, and the use of recycled materials. Creating and protecting habitat for plants and animals influences our design decisions, and pushes us to develop innovative design solutions.
If you would like to be a part of this greener future, join Mahan Rykiel in supporting American Forest’s Global ReLeaf program which has planted trees in over 500 locations worldwide. For every $1 donated, one new tree will be planted to reforest neighborhoods, wetlands, blighted communities, woodlands and cities, reducing global warming, one tree at a time. To find out more, visit www.americanforests.org.