A key part of LPA's green strategy is design collaboration with both in-house and outside project partners. Green is not a gimmick or "brand name" that is overlaid on a project at the end of the design process. It is integrated into each project at the beginning, so that sustainability is a part of the building's DNA.

"You have to be able to design holistically for sustainability," explains Dan Heinfeld, President of LPA. "This means bringing in the engineers as early in the design process as possible."

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LPA has recognized the importance of this concept and has its own structural, mechanical, civil, electrical and plumbing engineers on staff. "It is fundamentally so different and more effective when your design partners are in-house," finishes Heinfeld.

Sustainable design requires a holistic design approach in which interior and exterior architecture, landscape architecture, structural engineering, and mechanical systems are integrated components of a single system. These elements are evaluated by their effectiveness and ability to meet the client's goals.

By working together the team can adjust up front planning and design elements and shift budget allocations from one building component to another to meet the larger project objectives of a cost effective green building that remains timeless and offers enduring benefits.