“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

-Buckminster Fuller

Spectrum establishes a standard by which to evaluate performance of design and system components.

As architects and designers of the built environment, it is our duty to place ourselves on the ‘front lines’ of sustainability and responsible design. Guided by strong ethical principles, we take pride in our designs; it is our goal to improve the quality of life, for present and future generations. Responsible design is the key to the future; Spectrum is dedicated to providing our clients with sustainable design solutions.

Spectrum’s design standard is to design buildings that perform 20% better than the current Energy Code standards; sustainability is our passion. For more than 35 years, Spectrum has worked under the belief that sustainable design is smart and responsible design which can be accomplished on any project, budget, location, and building type. We believe sustainability is the foundation of practical, timeless design, which transcends culture and trends.

Spectrum has been designing energy and environmentally conscious buildings since the 1980’s. In 1981, we designed the Mid Rivers Electric Cooperative building, one of the first buildings in Montana to bounce daylight into the depths of the building by the use of light shelves and reflective techniques.  This building is also earth bermed and has a sod roof.  Furthermore, we have designed residences that are totally off  the grid and collect rain water from the roof for domestic use.

Sustainable design does not necessarily equate to more expensive design solutions; it is equivalent to responsible design, and can actually add value as well as savings to any building type.