NYC Passive House Architects

Widely Recognized Hudson Valley Architects Specializing in Sustainable, Luxury Design Creating Inspired Homes and Commercial Spaces That Elevate Lifestyles and Honor the Environment

Sustainable Design. Resilient Performance. NYC-Ready Expertise.

At Wright Architects, we believe that high-performance design isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about creating homes and buildings that work better, feel better, and last longer. As one of the top NYC Passive House architects, we design spaces that align beauty with durability and comfort with code, bringing the rigor of Passive House to the unique demands of urban life.

We understand what it takes to deliver Passive House–level architecture in one of the world’s most complex cities. From tight site conditions and historic building envelopes to zoning constraints and energy code compliance, we navigate every layer of the NYC building environment with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re:

Retrofitting a century-old Brooklyn brownstone,
Constructing a new Passive House in Manhattan,
Integrating energy upgrades into a pre-war co-op,
Or leading a multi-unit or mixed-use development focused on resilience,

We bring together advanced building science, thoughtful design, and two decades of experience working with New York City agencies, boards, and building types. The result? Architecture that looks stunning, performs flawlessly, and meets tomorrow’s standards, today.

We don’t just design to meet the Passive House standard, we design to elevate your quality of life. With healthier indoor air, consistent indoor temperatures, dramatically reduced energy bills, and quieter interiors, our passive buildings feel as good as they perform.

Let us help you create a home, business, or community space that reflects your values and future-proofs your investment, right here in the heart of New York City.

What Is Passive House, And Why It Works in NYC

Passive House is more than a trend, it’s the most rigorous building energy standard in the world. Originally developed in Germany, Passive House (or Passivhaus) sets ambitious targets for airtightness, thermal performance, and ventilation, resulting in buildings that require 80–90% less energy for heating and cooling. That makes it especially relevant in New York City, where energy costs are high, infrastructure is aging, and climate resilience is no longer optional.

At Wright Architects, we apply Passive House principles across a wide range of urban projects, not just new construction. Our design approach makes Passive performance attainable, even in challenging or landmarked buildings.

Full-Service Passive Architecture in NYC

At Wright Architects, we offer a comprehensive suite of Passive House architecture services designed specifically for the complexities of New York City. Whether you’re developing a new Passive House-certified building or retrofitting an existing brownstone, we guide you through every stage with clarity, technical rigor, and full regulatory support.

We work with:

Private homeowners seeking long-term comfort and low energy bills
Developers investing in sustainable, future-ready multi-family buildings
Mission-driven institutions prioritizing wellness, resiliency, and environmental responsibility

What Our Passive Architecture Services Include:

Site Feasibility, Solar Orientation & Zoning Analysis

We evaluate your property for its passive potential, including solar exposure, shading, local microclimate, and NYC zoning code limitations. Our team provides early-phase insight that sets your project on the right path from day one.

Architectural Design + Passive House Integration

Our architects design high-performance homes and buildings that marry Passive House detailing with thoughtful spatial planning, materiality, and aesthetics. We integrate:

Airtight assemblies
Thermal-bridge-free construction
Window and shading optimization
Passive ventilation pathways

Whether you’re going for full PHI/PHIUS certification or a “passive-inspired” retrofit, your project will reflect both form and function.

Energy Modeling with PHPP & WUFI

Forecast energy usage
Optimize insulation, glazing, and HVAC systems
Right-size your mechanical equipment
Ensure compliance with PHI, PHIUS, and NYC Energy Code requirements

Our in-house CPHCs (Certified Passive House Consultants) collaborate closely with engineers to maintain performance integrity throughout the design and build process.

NYC DOB, LPC & Incentive Filing

We navigate the complexity of New York City’s approval landscape, including:

DOB eFiling and Alt-1/Alt-2 permits
LPC approvals for landmarked properties
Energy code compliance reports
Documentation for NYSERDA, IRA, and Con Edison incentives

Our expertise helps you avoid delays, maximize rebates, and gain approvals with confidence.

Builder Coordination, Construction Oversight & Blower Door Testing

We collaborate with Passive House–trained contractors and stay involved on-site through:

Submittal reviews
Pre-construction detailing sessions
Construction walkthroughs and checklists
Blower door testing and air sealing verification

We make sure your building performs as designed, not just on paper, but in real life.

Post-Occupancy Performance Review

Our support doesn’t stop at project handoff. We offer:

Occupant comfort evaluation
Energy performance tracking
Recommendations for seasonal adjustments and system optimization
Maintenance guidance for long-term efficiency

In a city like NYC, with its hot summers, frigid winters, high energy costs, and strict regulations, Passive House isn’t just a standard. It’s a strategy. Our full-service model ensures that your project is not only designed beautifully but also built to exceed expectations in comfort, resilience, and energy performance.

At Wright Architects, Passive House design isn’t an add-on, it’s a core part of how we approach architecture in New York City. With decades of experience navigating dense urban environments, landmarked districts, and aggressive energy goals, we deliver Passive House projects that are as practical as they are powerful.

Ready to Build Passive in NYC?

Let’s Design Something Smarter, Healthier, and Built to Last.

Because a Passive House isn’t complete until it performs, and we stand behind that performance every step of the way.

Whether you’re building new or reimagining an existing structure, Wright Architects delivers Passive House expertise tailored to New York’s challenges, and opportunities. We align design, performance, and compliance from day one.

WRIGHT ARCHITECTS

Words We Live By

We believe a company is only as good as its last project. Our clients’ satisfaction speaks for the quality of our work, and we’re proud to offer references upon request.

The design and construction process is a journey of discovery, allowing you to express your inner voice through thoughtfully crafted spaces and meaningful use of color.

The best designs evolve through multiple iterations, ultimately becoming a thoughtful blend of ideas refined along the way.

Anything is possible with design—it's simply a matter of time, resources, and thoughtful planning.

We design architecture that enriches everyday life, blending functionality with meaningful experience.

Sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s integrated into every aspect of our design and decision-making process.

Sustainability exists on many levels, each with its own impact on quality of life and cost. We help our clients find the right balance for their goals and budget.

A project's cost is influenced not just by its size, but also by the level of detail and complexity involved in its design and execution.

We design with sustainable principles at the core, without compromising the beauty of the structure or the quality of the spaces within.

Even in the Northeast, the sun can generate a significant amount of electricity during the winter months. The most effective approach is to first reduce a building's energy load through proper insulation and strategic orientation. Solar power, combined with battery backup, then becomes the icing on the cake—enhancing efficiency and resilience.

Our Promise to You

At WRIGHT ARCHITECTS, we’re not interested in cookie-cutter designs or short-term solutions. Our mission is to create spaces that last, architecturally, functionally, and emotionally. We are passionate about sustainability, but we’re also passionate about the people who live, work, and gather in the spaces we design.

When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you:

Explore the possibilities of your property
Design something unique, thoughtful, and efficient
Navigate regulatory and logistical hurdles with ease
Achieve a final product that’s as inspiring as your initial vision

Whether you’re at the dreaming stage or ready to build tomorrow, let’s talk. Let us show you why so many clients across Ulster County, the Hudson Valley, and NYC trust WRIGHT ARCHITECTS to bring their vision to life with creativity, integrity, and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are you licensed and certified to design energy-efficient buildings?

Absolutely. Our firm is fully licensed in New York State, and our architects carry certifications in Passive House design, LEED accreditation, and various NYSERDA Clean Energy initiatives. We continue to pursue advanced education in building science, energy modeling, and emerging technologies to stay on the cutting edge of performance architecture.

Q: Do you only serve Ulster County?

No. While we are proudly headquartered in Ulster County, we serve clients across the entire Hudson Valley, including Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, and Westchester counties, as well as select projects in New York City. Our regional expertise ensures familiarity with various building departments, zoning requirements, and community design boards.

Q: Can you help with permitting and contractor selection?

Yes. We assist with every administrative and logistical step of your project. This includes:
- Preparing and submitting permit drawings
- Zoning variance and planning board presentations
- Bidding packages and contractor interviews
- Project scheduling and construction administration
We have strong working relationships with reliable builders, engineers, and local consultants, and we advocate for our clients at every stage of construction.

Q: How do you ensure energy efficiency in your designs?

We take a multi-pronged approach:
1. Site and climate analysis to optimize orientation and shading.
2. Building envelope design focused on insulation, airtightness, and ventilation.
3. Mechanical system selection for optimal heating, cooling, and ventilation.
4. Energy modeling to simulate and optimize building performance.
5. Material selection based on environmental impact and durability.
Whether it’s Passive House, Net-Zero, or simply high-efficiency design, we help clients achieve exceptional performance.

Q: What kinds of projects do you specialize in?

Our core specialties include:
- Custom homes and estates
- Passive House and Net-Zero buildings
- Energy-efficient commercial developments
- Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
- Sustainable renovations and additions
We welcome projects of all sizes that align with our mission of thoughtful, environmentally responsible design.