Studio of Environmental Architecture

The work of David Hertz Architects Inc, Studio of Environmental Architecture focuses on the design and construction of environmentally responsible residential and commercial buildings, and engages in multiple facets of design, including product design, furniture design, public sculpture, environmental consulting, as well as the research and development of resource efficient ecologic building products. In 1983 Hertz founded Syndesis Inc, and invented the material manufacturing process of Syndecrete®, the innovative pre-cast lightweight concrete surfacing material. Hertz sold the technology in 2006. Evolving from a generalist nature of practice to a more specified studio has allowed for a comprehensive understanding of creative problem solving and the opportunity to view design challenges from multiple perspectives simultaneously. S.E.A. has been located in Santa Monica for over the last 20 years. It is a small practice dedicated to design and green building, and employs about 10 people. S.E.A. has particular experience in the practice and incorporation of sustainable and resource efficient design principles in its built work. The architecture of David Hertz and S.E.A. is often recognized as incorporating natural ventilation, natural light, and passive solar energy, as well as incorporating pre-fabrication and high performance wall systems. S.E.A. has particular interest and experience in utilizing innovative and unusual materials to create harmonious compositions of texture and form. Juxtaposing materials of concrete, glass and wood maximize the honest expression of structure and materials. Architectural projects have focused primarily on custom residential projects with particular experience in climate responsive buildings in the coastal zone and hillsides of Malibu, Northern California, and the Oregon coast, and tropical climates such as Hawaii and Costa Rica. Space-efficient, budget-conscious projects in the local community of Venice Beach have spawned several notable homes, unique in their use of space and innovative building techniques. Maintaining a strong connection to the exterior, while providing comfortable and energy efficient living spaces, is a determinant in the design of each project. Commercial projects have included master planning for LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) as well as several tenant improvement spaces for entertainment, retail, advertising and technology companies, and free standing commercial projects that include entertainment, housing, and educational facilities. S.E.A., as a company, has become a model for the environmentally conscious enterprise, and won the City of Santa Monica Sustainable Leadership Award as well as the Eco-Home Network’s Sustainable Living Award, both in 2004. David is a LEED accredited professional through the US Green Building Council and is an appointed member of the Santa Monica Environmental Task Force. Recently, S.E.A.’s new studio, a LEED Registered Platinum project, has received a grant from the City of Santa Monica to be the pilot project for their new green building initiative: CEI- Community Energy Independence.