Symbiosis is an innovative, high performance design + building performance engineering, consulting, and research practice. We develop projects with public + private clients throughout the world, including the US, Africa, Europe, Puerto Rico, and China. We work with developers_design teams + engineers to maximize project performance + design quality. We rigorously employ the latest advances in material, system, and computational analysis + research, including building energy analysis, fluid dynamics [wind modeling], daylighting analysis, and thermal modeling. This process results in cost effective_high value_high performance built environments. Our dedication to developing high quality_high performance project solutions have enabled us to garner international recognition and work as consultants for leading architecture firms such as Ken Yeang, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, William McDonough + Partners, Mecanoo Architecten + Fielding Nair International.
Through the development of our projects and research, we have discovered that performance based building designs that utilize natural site inputs, such as climate responsive thermal conditioning strategies, result in design solutions that are more cost effective, initially and through a building’s lifetime, than traditional design strategies, while producing sustainable environments that improve occupant productivity_health_comfort_lifestyle + the aesthetic quality of the design solutions.
_Symbiosis provides a diverse range of services, from the development of residences for individuals, to complete
design and development of residential_commercial_institutional_industrial projects.
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Architects_Symbiosis provides architects with a method to evaluate the effectiveness + efficiency of various design strategies in terms of cost and performance. We provide a comprehensive understanding of individual site characteristics that should be considered to develop a high performing design project. In addition, we provide sustainable schematic design and consulting, along with post occupancy analysis of existing projects that identify strategies to improve future designs.
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Developers_We provide developers with a comprehensive high performing project design, from pre-design to construction documentation, as well as numerous post occupancy analyses, if desired. We provide full architectural and building performance engineering and evaluation services. If an architect is already specified for the project, we work alongside the design team, starting at the pre-design stage, to develop + evaluate high performing design options + solutions.
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Individual_We provide complete architectural design, building performance engineering, performance based design + sustainable consulting services for new construction + renovation projects
Sample Services
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Post Occupancy Occupant Performance + Satisfaction Analysis
_Evaluate occupant performance + satisfaction with different building spaces + spatial qualities
_Utilizing standardized metrics + custom, scientifically validated evaluation processes developed in-house
_Provide quantified measurements of occupants' performance + satisfaction
_Provide strategies + methods to improve occupant performance + satisfaction
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Post Occupancy Thermal Analysis
_Determine Annual_Seasonal_Hourly_Operating Thermal Environment _Compare to Design Intentions
_Utilizing Real Time_Remote Thermal Sensors_Weather Data_Virtual Thermal Analysis
_Evaluate Design Team Thermal Climate Design Intentions + Occupant Satisfaction
_Develop Proposed Adjustments_Lessons through developed Research Package
_Compare Operational Energy/Mechanical Use_Efficiency to Design Expectations
_Determine Project Performance in terms of project || evaluation goals
_Develop Conclusions for Future Design Implementation
Post Occupancy Evaluations
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Advise on High Performing_Cost Effective Material Specs + System Selections
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Minimize Value Engineering by working with design team + engineers to maximize design quality + project performance
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Complete Design Development_Construction Documents Drawing Sets
Design Development_Construction Documents
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Project Performance Evaluations : Work with Architect_Engineers_Developer_Owner to :
_Evaluate Performance of Existing/Alternate Design Proposals Based on Specified Budget/Performance Goals
_Develop more effective proposals based on client specified performance parameters/goals
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Building System Design + Analysis : Cost Reducing + Higher Performing Building System Development
_Significantly reduce building operating costs + construction costs
_Science Based Solutions improve worker productivity_health_comfort_reduce absenteeism
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High Performance/Value Concept + Schematic Designs : Schematic Designs for Buildings + Infrastructure
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Site Approval Documentation : Complete Schematic Drawing Sets_Project Visualizations
Building Performance Evaluations_Schematic Design_Site Approval
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Optimize/Evaluate various Building Locations_Building Concepts + Landscape Designs_based on :
_Building Cost_Energy Use + Carbon Emissions_Occupant Performance + Well Being
_Impact of Project on Local Ecosystem
_Climate Responsive Design Strategies
_In-house developed performance based design strategies + evaluations
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Develop more effective proposals based on client specified performance parameters/goals
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Site Thermal_Wind_Water_Solar_Site Climate Analysis
_Identify strategies + opportunities to minimize project costs + optimize performance using natural site inputs
_Significantly reduce building operating costs + construction costs
_Science Based Solutions improve worker productivity_health_comfort_reduce absenteeism
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Design + Evaluate Building Spaces + Spatial Programming Strategies in terms of Cost_Performance_Quality of
Life
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Performative Vegetation : Design + Quantify Vegetation Strategies to Provide Higher Performing + Quality Building Systems + Building Spaces
_Integrating Nature into Buildings can provide a range of benefits, including :
_Cost Effective Cooling + Air Filtration Systems_Significantly Reduce Building Energy Use + Carbon Emissions
_Improve Indoor Air Quality + Improve Occupant Productivity_Absenteeism Rates_Well Being
Master Planning_Landscape Design_Site Analysis_Building Concept Design
Symbiosis|Sustainable Design + Consulting
Bio
_Microforest Atrium_Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
_Carbon Neutral Office Design_Washington D.C.
_LEED Platinum Affordable Housing,_New Orleans
_Community Wind Analysis
_Spatial_Energy Positive_Residential Climate System
_Interior Natural Ventilation Strategy _Summer Thermal Comfort Analysis
