Confluence Architecture ~ Architectural & energy consultation services

Mark A. McLain, Architect, HERS energy rater & certified professional energy auditor

Architectural projects by Confluence Architecture

Green architects,  third-party energy conservation auditing services, HERS ratings & blower door air leakage tests

Client area

Contact Confluence Architecture

Energy Services
BPI home energy audits can often be paid for, in whole or part, by reimbursement rebates offered by several programs. Contact me if you are not sure what incentives might apply to you. Our BPI audits satisfy the requirements to receive federal, state & local funds for home energy improvements.

• Blower door (air infiltration) test with test results report & compliance certificate
$150*

• Duct blaster (duct leakage) test with test results report & compliance certificate
$150*

• BPI home energy audit with full testing and recomendation report
$250*

• REScheck, COMcheck or REMrate energy model with compliance certificate (satisfying conditions of UA trade-off provisions of the IECC performance path)
$350*

• Projected HERS rating (from plans & specs) with energy model, report and certificate
$450*

• “As is” HERS rating with energy model, testing, report and certificate
$550*

• Confirmed HERS rating with energy model, inspection, testing, report and certificate
$750*

• ENERGY STAR label (Confirmed HERS rating with energy model, inspection, testing, report and ENERGY STAR certificate)
$850*


* Additional fees may apply for larger houses, complex mechanical systems or long-distance travel. I would be happy to provide you with a written proposal for services after getting some specifics on the project.

Architectural Services

The traditional role of an Architect as the leader of the design process seeks the efficiency that comes with having one, central clearing house for ideas, questions, decisions, etc., between all parties involved including the owner, contractor & consultants. This is the best way to insure that a project is delivered though the design process with the most possible cohesion and the least possible loss of efficiency.

The traditional full service model breaks down into distinct phases:

I. Pre-design

  • PD: Define scope of work, contract, budget and program.

  • Site Analysis: looks at the constraints and opportunities of the site; solar orientation, soils, views, existing vegetation, utilities, zoning restrictions, etc.

II. Schematic Design

  • SD: This is where the synthesis begins, the program meets the site, the concept tells them how to behave, and a form is born.

  • Special reviews and submittals.

III. Design Development

  • DD: Some would have you believe that this phase can be eliminated or blended into next or previous phases- don’t do it! This is the time when concepts are fleshed out. This is also the time when we work with structural and mechanical engineers to streamline the body of the building into athletic shape.

  • Structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, code, landscape architecture or interior design consultant coordination.

IV. Construction Documents

  • CD: In this phase we draw the instructions that will be used to construct the building. This is where there can be much variation on the level of service. If a building can have proper attention from an architect or dedicated builder or owner, during construction, then a less-thorough set of drawings might be considered.

  • Structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, code, landscape architecture or interior design consultant coordination

  • Special reviews and submittals.

  • Permit submittal.

V. Bidding negotiation

  • BN: I think projects benefit by having a builder selected as early as possible in the design process. If a project is to be taken out for competitive bid, then this is the phase when bids are made based on very detailed drawings and specifications.

VI. Construction Administration

  • CA: Essential to control those finest details- beyond the scope of construction documents. And to insure the construction is executed with the best construction practices.

VII. Supplementary services:

  • SketchUp models & renderings