 EnviroCitizen.org discovered that Miller Hull Partnership was created by founders who have roots in the Peace Corps. After working in other places, the founders created the Seattle-based firm with the principles of building socially responsible and human-oriented architecture from their own life experiences. The company has projects all over the country that show their philosophy in building and design.
The entire history of the firm has been in green architecture. The website of the firm states, "Sustainable development solutions create both economic and environmental value. In this sense we are similar to the ‘total quality' movement which proved that it is possible to improve quality and reduce costs, in other words, achieve the seemingly impossible. Sustainable development solutions extend our definition of quality to include social and environmental value and capitalize on increased efficiency and productivity."
The company doesn't just stop at building things according to LEED standards and such. The company itself operates sustainably. The firm leases only what they need in office space. This is done so that electricity use is watched and electrical use is only done when necessary. Air travel is counted and goals are kept to keep it at a minimum because of the energy it consumes. The company keeps only five cars. These five cars are monitored for their travel in miles to also remain aware of energy use. The firm also entered into a three-year contract with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to purchase Green Tags to support alternative energy initiatives that offset the carbon dioxide emissions produced by their business practices.
In 2008, 2004, 2003, 2000 and 1998 The Miller Hull Partnership received the Environment Top Ten Green Project Award from National American Institute of Architecture/Committee. This honor is of special importance to us as it recognizes the successful blending of both architectural design & sustainable design. The reception of five "Top Ten" awards is evidence of the company's long-term commitment to sustainable design.
David Miller, a founder of the firm, authored "Toward a New Regionalism" (University of Washington Press) which was released in 2005. This book discusses the history of a "green trail" in the work of key Northwest architects of the US. Discussed and illustrated are environmental strategies organized according to nature's most basic elements - earth, air, water and fire and their underlying principles and forces. His approach is very holistic and simple.
The firm continues to receive attention for their designs and the thought that goes behind them. EnviroCitizen.org is always impressed with companies that have strong belief systems that they practice both inside and outside of the office.
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