According to Michelle Kaufmann blog, her design company is receiving the 2008 Top Firm award from ‘Residential Architect Magazine‘.

Some information about mkDesigns  from the company’s website:

‘Michelle Kaufmann Designs is a full service architectural design firm that specializes in sustainable, innovative, high quality design.

Michelle Kaufmann relies on her 5 Eco Principles to inform every aspect of her work: smart design, eco-materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, and a healthy environment. Every mkDesigns home includes the following essential, sustainable design elements:
• Thoughtfully placed windows, glass doors, and skylights that allow for an abundance of natural light and ventilation and a reduction in energy usage and costs
• Spray-in foam insulation, caulked wood-to-wood framing joints, and dual or triple-pane windows with low-E glazing that create a tightly sealed, energy-efficient envelope
• Efficient hi-velocity/mini-duct and radiant floor heating systems that warm interiors many times faster than traditional forced air systems
• Ceiling fans, house fans, cool roof systems, and strategically placed sun shading that provide energy efficient cooling
• Exterior finish options that all use long-lasting, low maintenance materials and require fewer material inputs for upkeep and replacement
• Interior finish options that come in a variety of sustainable, eco-friendly materials including FSC-certified woods, recycled content concrete, and recycled glass tile
Interiors that use only no or low-VOC materials and hard floor surfaces that protect indoor air quality
• Water saving features that include low-fl ow plumbing fixtures and on-demand, tankless water heaters as well as optional water catchment and greywater systems’

Read the full article about Michell Kaufmann’s winning firm: www.residentialarchitect.com