Sustainability: A Smart Approach to Design

At HHA, we approach incorporating sustainable and energy-efficient elements into our designs by starting with a deep understanding of the project’s environment, climate, regulations and the client’s needs. We assess the existing conditions and look at options for adaptive reuse during the initial pre-design and schematic design phases. We also look to incorporate passive design strategies such as natural light and ventilation to reduce energy consumption. Advanced materials, like high-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing, are integrated to minimize heat transfer.

The selection of sustainable materials—such as recycled, locally sourced, low carbon or rapidly renewable resources— is another crucial aspect. Resource conservation is also and important consideration, which often drives the specification of water-conserving fixtures, for example.

After assessing the sustainable practices and strategies, we recommend those that are compatible with the project’s scope and are aligned with our client’s goals and budget.

We believe in designing spaces that not only meet today’s sustainability standards but are also adaptable to future innovations. Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsibility, and we look to incorporate strategies into every project to create healthier, smarter, and more resilient spaces.

Project Spotlight: Madison Reed

Madison Reed is the design of a new concept prototype consisting of the development of a brick and mortar Color Bar that challenges the typical ‘salon’. The design goals were to translate the success of their online retail shop into a physical space that redefines the salon experience, leading with efficiency and empowerment. This new concept design would then be rolled out across the country in spaces ranging from 1500-3000SF including a color bar, a shampoo room, a self-dry vanity area and retail as part of the program.  

From the moment a client walks through the door, the notion of ‘salon’ has been challenged every step of the way from the no-smell color treatment to the living room-like retail area. The color bar has an open layout, where most vanities do not include a mirror. This allows for more human interaction, attention to products on display and a grand reveal moment at the end of the process. Hair color is mixed directly in front of the client allowing them to experience and understand every part of the process. A floating vanity finished in a soft wood along with individual mirrors provide a semi-private area to dry and style hair before emerging back into the world with freshly colored hair.

Madison Reed is exactly the kind of project we love – partnering with a client who is intentionally trying to disrupt an industry and create something entirely new and ownable. We were able to successfully achieve this new un-salon environment by rethinking what is otherwise a typical layout and floor. Instead of placing hair stations along a wall with a mirror, we faced them towards each other and removed the mirror. Directly behind the bar is a mixing station where the product is mixed right in front of the client. This level of transparency redefines traditional salon coloring and brings the custom product right to the client, allowing them to envision themselves coloring their own hair at home in between Color Bar appointments. This design of the space and flow of the users reinforce this omni-channel approach that is key to Madison Reed.  

HHA Softball

Another great season for the RAMSA HHA softball team! Every year we compete with other architecture firms in a fun but competitive game of softball. Our team was doing great with a big lead over the other firms which lead us to the finals to play against SOM (Skidmore, Owings &Merrill). We headed to the finals starting off with a big win, but unfortunately lost our edge after 3 games. Though we didn’t win the big title we played our hearts out, and worked hard as a team. No matter how far behind we were, we never gave up! Good job Team!