E+AH launches as MA-based green architectural consulting firm

Boston, MA Sustainable design consultants Brian Salazar and Tyrone Yang have launched Entegra + Architectural Health (E+AH), a Massachusetts-based green architectural consulting firm. The founders have merged their practices, Entegra and Architectural Health, the former focusing on sustainable design and LEED certification and the latter specializing in healthy, human-centered design and WELL/Fitwel building standards. 

Organized around three pillars -- healthy buildings, environment, and people -- E+AH helps architects, corporations, and developers implement these building standards to create resource-efficient solutions, human-centered spaces, and healthier communities. E+AH also conducts "Lunch+Learn" information sessions to guide the restructuring and design of healthy workspaces following the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees can also earn credits for AIA (American Institute of Architects) CE (continuing education).

Recently, E+AH completed projects for Hobbs Brook Real Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts, at Wyman St. and Winter St. It assisted with sustainability analyses and LEED documentation for these projects, collaborating with Margulies Perruzzi Architects, Gensler, Vision3 Architects, Maugel Destefano Architects, Cosentini Engineers, and RFS Engineering. These projects have received accolades, including LEED for Core & Shell Platinum and Gold Certifications. 

E+AH has also worked with Brookline Schools Staff Children's Center, a nature-based early education programdaycare. It provided health-focused architectural consulting services, including assistance with site selection and evaluation to support physical activity and contact with nature, natural ventilation planning, and code research on daycare fire protection and egress requirements. The firm also provided recommendations for stand-alone air purifiers, healthy cleaning products, and additional child-height classroom sinks for hygiene. E+AH has also expanded its education projects to the Midwest. Schorr Architects of Dublin, Ohio, brought on E+AH to coordinate LEED tasks with design and construction teams for K-12 schools in Ohio, ranging in scope from building renovation to new construction and managing certification through USGBC's LEED for Schools program.

"As perceptions of a space affect wellness and performance, marrying psychology with design helps us create safer, welcoming spaces that drive productivity among inhabitants," Yang said. "This merger creates a space for us to combine these strengths with sustainable solutions and help businesses navigate through COVID-19 pandemic guidelines around building health and safety." 

"As an organization moves into a new space, it is immensely important to connect with its surroundings and build climate-resilient infrastructure," said Salazar. "We believe in the importance of connecting the building and its surrounding community, giving way to a symbiotic relationship within this environment. E+AH is a remarkable platform giving both our entities the opportunity to use our expertise in healthy and sustainable design and enhance buildings with a more connected approach."

Currently, E+AH is working with legacy Italian shoemaker Vibram Corporation, which aims to renovate and expand its existing facilities in North Brookfield, MA. In collaboration with Thomas Douglas Architects, Tighe & Bond, Wang Commissioning, and Walker Development, E+AH will provide LEED expertise.