Austin Statesman: Hybrid Homes and Design-Build
Sunday, November 9th, 2008 at 1:47 pm 
By Ryan BrownThere are a couple of interesting housing-related articles in the Statesman today. First, an article about how green features are being used to help sell homes in a tough market. Here is a snippet:
Hybrid homes become a selling tool
First came the push for fuel-efficient cars. Are fuel-efficient houses next?
As builders look for ways to move homes in a lousy market, they’re increasingly taking their cue from carmakers and turning toward energy efficiency as a selling tool…
Several Austin projects are mentioned (in addition to other areas). A referenced study suggests that builders feel that ‘green’ homes are easier to market. I’ve talked to a few Austin builders who agree with this sentiment. The bottom line – the market is driving builders to implement energy efficient features. See the full article here: Austin American Statesman – Hybrid homes become a selling tool
The other article (from the Wall Street Journal) talks about the growing popularity of “Design-Build” firms. Rather than hiring Architect A for design and Builder B for construction – more firms are offering both services. Here is a snippet:
When the architect is also the contractor
… This architect-as-contractor model, called design-build, had already been gaining new traction at the highest echelons of the housing market, as clients seek ways to execute cutting-edge designs without the headaches often associated with such construction. Membership in the American Institute of Architects’ design-build community has nearly tripled over the past five years, and teachers at several architecture programs across the Midwest report that enrollment in design-build classes has doubled…
Here is a link to the full text – definitely worth a read: Austin American Statesman – When the architect is also the contractor. The article does a great job of covering the benefits to the client and the firm – as well as several examples. I had no idea the AIA banned this practice until 1979! As far as this trend – Austin has our share of great design-build firms like Cottam-Hargrave, KRDB, Clayton-Levy-Little have built amazing projects around town.
