Business Details
14 Years
experience
Building Envelope Experts in Cambridge
3IVE delivers an unconventional mix of services embracing large-scale building envelopes and architectural design for residences and workplaces. Our firm has developed industry-leading building envelope commissioning (BECx) methodologies adopted by the BECx community. With over 12 years of experience as exterior specialists, we work closely with institutional clients like Harvard, MIT, and Massachusetts public agencies to minimize risks of costly envelope issues. Our approach combines technical expertise with collaborative team-building, ensuring robust craftsmanship and energy-efficient results. Founder David de Sola personally oversees each BECx project, leveraging 30 years of design and construction experience.We specialize in LEED-compliant commissioning, infrared thermography diagnostics, and exterior consulting for projects ranging from schools to museums. Our systematic QA/QC inspections and field testing protocols ensure constructed exteriors match design intent while maintaining budgetary constraints. We provide maintenance protocols and O&M manuals to ensure long-term building performance. Our thermographic investigations identify hidden issues like air leakage and moisture intrusion, paired with resolution strategies. We serve institutional clients across the Northeast with new construction and retrofit projects.
Services
Building Envelope Commissioning
Infrared Thermography
Architectural Design
Exterior Consulting
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have 12+ years of experience with institutional building envelopes
- Our team includes LEED BD+C credentialed professionals
- We pioneered BECx methodologies adopted industry-wide
- We offer certified infrared thermography diagnostics
- Our founder personally oversees every commissioning project
Associations and certifications
- LEED
Services
Building Envelope Commissioning
Our building envelope commissioning ensures high-performance exteriors through systematic QA/QC protocols. We develop LEED-compliant commissioning plans, conduct field testing, and provide detailed reporting to verify construction meets design intent. With 12+ years of experience, we minimize risks of air leakage, water intrusion, and thermal inefficiencies for institutional clients.
Infrared Thermography
Certified thermography services identify hidden building performance issues through surface temperature analysis. We detect air leaks, moisture intrusion, and insulation gaps using specialized equipment. Our reports include actionable recommendations for remediation, often paired with whole-building air testing for comprehensive diagnostics.
Architectural Design
We provide exterior design solutions balancing aesthetic goals with technical performance. Our 30-year expertise covers material compatibility, construction sequencing, and code compliance. Services include detail development, specification writing, and shop drawing reviews to ensure constructability and durability.
LEED Certification
LEED BD+C credentialed professionals guide clients through sustainable building certification. We develop commissioning plans aligning with LEED v4 requirements, review warranties, and help achieve energy efficiency targets. Our process integrates with design teams to meet sustainability benchmarks.
Exterior Consulting
Comprehensive exterior consulting covers design development, construction monitoring, and maintenance protocols. We review specifications, conduct site observations, and develop testing protocols to ensure durable, energy-efficient building envelopes tailored to client needs.
People
David de Sola
Founding Principal
David de Sola founded 3IVE with 30 years of architectural and construction experience. He personally oversees all BECx projects, combining technical expertise with collaborative problem-solving. His leadership has developed industry-standard commissioning methodologies used across institutional projects.
Questions
What building types do you specialize in?
We focus on institutional buildings including schools, universities, hospitals, and cultural facilities across the Northeast.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we provide services for new buildings and retrofit projects to improve energy efficiency and envelope performance.
How does your commissioning process work?
Our systematic approach includes design reviews, field testing, QA/QC inspections, and thermographic analysis throughout all construction phases.
Are you LEED-certified?
Yes, our team includes LEED BD+C professionals who help clients achieve sustainability goals and certification requirements.
Can you diagnose existing building issues?
We use infrared thermography and air leakage testing to identify hidden problems like moisture intrusion and thermal inefficiencies.
How do you ensure construction quality?
We conduct regular site visits, review contractor QA protocols, and maintain detailed issue logs with resolution tracking throughout projects.
