Business Details
23 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Passive House Design Services
Founded in 2003 by Laura Blau and Paul Thompson, BluPath has established itself as a leader in sustainable architecture and low-carbon building design. Our firm specializes in creating simple, elegant spaces that align with clients' environmental values while prioritizing aesthetic beauty as a core component of sustainability. With over 35 years of combined experience, our principals have pioneered passive house standards across diverse projects including new constructions, historic renovations, and mixed-use developments. We serve clients across the Mid-Atlantic region with NCARB certification enabling nationwide licensure. Our comprehensive services span architectural design, passive building consulting, interior design, and construction administration.Our team's expertise is grounded in both formal education and practical application, with our founders holding advanced degrees from institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and University of Virginia. We maintain active involvement in industry education through teaching positions and conference speaking engagements. Our work has received recognition through awards and publications, including the AIA Pennsylvania Merit Award and features in Home Magazine. We remain committed to advancing sustainable design principles through continuous research and innovation in building science.
Services
Architectural Design
Passive House Consulting
Interior Design
Historic Renovations
Construction Administration
Building Science Consulting
Master Planning
Space Planning
Feasibility Studies
Expert Witness Services
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in sustainable architecture and passive house design
- Our team includes NCARB-certified architects with nationwide licensing capabilities
- We hold multiple industry certifications including LEED AP and Certified Passive House Consultant
- Our principals have taught architectural design at Temple University and Philadelphia University
- We provide comprehensive services from initial design through construction administration
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
- PHIUS
- LEED
- AIA
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that integrate sustainable principles. We specialize in new constructions and renovations that meet passive house standards while maintaining historical integrity. Our approach combines technical expertise with artistic sensibility to deliver energy-efficient solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.
Passive House Consulting
As certified passive house consultants, we provide expert guidance on achieving ultra-low energy consumption standards. Our services include building envelope optimization, thermal bridging analysis, and ventilation system design. We help clients navigate certification processes while ensuring comfort and sustainability in both residential and commercial projects.
Historic Renovations
We specialize in preserving historical buildings while modernizing them for contemporary use. Our team has completed numerous projects in Philadelphia's historic districts, balancing preservation requirements with energy efficiency upgrades. Services include structural assessment, material conservation, and code compliance integration while maintaining original architectural character.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating functional, beautiful spaces that reflect clients' lifestyles. We offer custom furniture design, lighting solutions, and material selection with an emphasis on sustainable materials. Our approach ensures seamless integration with architectural elements while optimizing spatial efficiency and comfort.
Building Science Consulting
We provide expert building science analysis to optimize energy performance and durability. Services include thermal modeling, moisture management strategies, and air quality assessments. Our team helps resolve complex building envelope issues while ensuring compliance with the latest sustainability standards and construction codes.
People
Laura Blau
Principal, AIA LEED AP GGP CPHC CPHB
With over 35 years of experience, Laura Blau is a licensed architect and certified passive house consultant. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught at multiple design schools. Her work combines artistic sensibility with technical expertise in sustainable design.
Paul A. Thompson
Principal, AIA LEED BD&C CPHC GGP
Paul Thompson co-founded BluPath in 2003 with expertise in climate-mitigating design. He has over 35 years of architectural experience and holds degrees in mechanical engineering and architecture. He specializes in integrating technical and aesthetic principles in sustainable building design.
Sangeetha Sambandam
CPHC LEED AP BD+C WELL AP LFA
Sangeetha Sambandam brings specialized expertise in sustainable building certifications to BluPath. With multiple professional credentials including Certified Passive House Consultant and LEED Accredited Professional, she contributes technical knowledge to the firm's sustainability-focused projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architectural design including new constructions, historic renovations, interior design, and passive house consulting.
Do you specialize in sustainable design?
Yes, we specialize in low-carbon building design and passive house standards while maintaining aesthetic integrity in all our projects.
Are you certified in green building standards?
Our team holds multiple certifications including LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, and PHIUS+ certifications for energy-efficient design.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region, with projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and surrounding states.
Can you work on historic buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic renovations and preservation projects while integrating modern sustainability standards.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
We work on diverse project types including residential homes, commercial spaces, educational facilities, and community development projects.
