Business Details
46 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Site-Driven Design Solutions
Since 1980, Fernau & Hartman Architects has been dedicated to redefining architectural practice through a commitment to diversity, technical innovation, and sustainability. Our approach prioritizes site-specific solutions, integrating landscape concepts with interior and exterior design across scalesfrom master planning to furniture design. With decades of experience in residential, institutional, and commercial projects, we emphasize collaboration and interdisciplinary methods to address each project's unique challenges. Our work reflects a deep understanding of environmental context, client needs, and the vernacular influences that shape architectural language.Recognized for award-winning designs, we remain pioneers in green architecture, blending modernist principles with practical, context-driven solutions. Our practice spans complex sites nationwide, ensuring every projectfrom urban headquarters to rural residencesembodies functional elegance and ecological responsibility. By rejecting rigid stylistic conventions, we cultivate a design process rooted in adaptability and responsiveness to both physical and cultural environments.
Services
Residential Architecture
Institutional Design
Commercial Projects
Sustainable Planning
Adaptive Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in sustainable architectural design.
- Our collaborative process prioritizes site-specific, client-centered solutions.
- We integrate landscape concepts with interior and exterior design seamlessly.
- Our work combines modernist principles with vernacular architectural influences.
- We maintain a proven track record of award-winning, environmentally responsible projects.
Services
Residential Architecture
We create site-specific residential designs that harmonize with their natural environments. Our approach prioritizes climate-responsive materials and spatial efficiency while maintaining aesthetic innovation. Projects range from coastal retreats to mountain estates, each reflecting the unique interplay between client needs and ecological context.
Institutional Design
Our institutional projects combine functional excellence with architectural significance. We specialize in cultural centers, libraries, and performing arts facilities that enhance community engagement. Each design integrates sustainable systems while creating inspiring spaces for public interaction and educational programming.
Commercial Projects
We develop commercial environments that optimize workflow and employee well-being. Our designs incorporate daylighting strategies, flexible layouts, and sustainable materials. From urban headquarters to mixed-use developments, we create spaces that support business objectives while minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable Planning
Our sustainability expertise spans passive solar design, energy-efficient systems, and regenerative site planning. We implement LEED-certified practices and net-zero strategies tailored to each project's geographic and climatic conditions. This approach ensures long-term environmental and economic benefits for clients.
Adaptive Preservation
We specialize in revitalizing existing structures while maintaining historical integrity. Our adaptive reuse projects incorporate modern functionality with traditional craftsmanship. This practice extends building lifecycles and preserves architectural heritage through innovative technical solutions.
People
Laura Hartman
Principal Architect
Laura Hartman co-founded Fernau & Hartman Architects in 1980. With expertise in sustainable design and interdisciplinary collaboration, she leads projects that integrate environmental responsiveness with architectural innovation. Her work emphasizes contextual sensitivity and technical excellence.
Richard Fernau
Principal Architect
Richard Fernau established Fernau & Hartman Architects with Laura Hartman in 1980. He specializes in site-driven design solutions and has led award-winning projects across residential, institutional, and commercial sectors. His approach combines modernist principles with vernacular architectural influences.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We don't follow specific styles but develop context-driven solutions. Our work incorporates vernacular influences and modernist principles tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in new construction, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation projects across residential, institutional, and commercial sectors.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We implement passive solar strategies, energy-efficient systems, and locally sourced materials. Our approach prioritizes environmental responsiveness from initial concept through project completion.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Berkeley, we work on projects nationwide with completed developments in California, Montana, Massachusetts, and other states.
Can you handle complex site conditions?
Yes, we specialize in challenging sites and have extensive experience creating innovative solutions for difficult terrain and environmental contexts.
