Parkhill, Smith and Cooper

We had another successful field trip this morning.  This time around we were able to visit Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper.  PSC is a “full service design firm that provides engineering and architectural design primarily in the public sector or with public entities such as municipal infrastructure, education, healthcare and transportation.” John, previously a practicing architect but currently an interior designer, gave us the grand tour of their two buildings PSC works out from.

            The first building was built to function as the space for the entire design firm. Within the space, they used several materials that are eco friendly, regionally close to get, and have low emitting toxins. Even though they did not strive for LEED certification, the building encompasses many qualities that would have given PSC many LEED credits if they pursed certification.

            The second building was created to be a double of the first building but LEED certification.  Therefore, they look strikingly similar because many of the products in the first building would receive LEED credits, so those same materials were used in the second.  In addition to some of those materials, a skylight in the main design space was used versus clerestory windows, a fabric-like material was used to serve as the air ducts over the main design space versus metal air ducts that are less efficient and require more maintenance, there is a roof garden, a small portion of the parking lot is actual grass, in addition to many other things that made this second building able to receive the first LEED certification in southwest Texas.

            Both buildings were beautifully designed and sustainable design was a main priority in both spaces including their exteriors and their parking lots. Striving to complete many LEED credits is a growing necessity for sustainable designs whether or not one actually wants to apply for LEED certification. The idea for a green design is the future and PSC is one that is trying to make that happen here in the community of Lubbock and across west Texas and parts of New Mexico. We can all learn a little something from their eco-friendly designs that are still aesthetically pleasing.