David Hertz & Studio of Environmental Architecture

SEA is dedicated to the design and construction of sustainable and restorative places. By designing with nature, we create architecture of enduring value for people and the planet. Each project is a unique architectural expression that responds to client needs, site specificities, local climate, and new ideas. The interplay of architecture’s fundamental elements—Light and shadow, form and material, proportion and scale—realize spaces that simultaneously feel timeless and contemporary. The practice of architecture lies at the intersection of many disciplines, and we view design as an opportunity to harmonize many related crafts and sciences. SEA promotes a systems thinking approach to architecture, a way to synthesize diverse perspectives and fields into a cohesive, performance-driven whole. In addition to buildings, we produce industrial design, public sculpture, and materials research within a single versatile design culture. The studio has particular expertise in regenerative design and sustainability in residential and commercial projects. We believe architecture must strive to reverse global climate change and prepare for the environmental volatility of the anthropocene. To that end, a think-tank within the studio—Resilience Lab—develops green technology and provides communities with planning services. We also help families recover from disasters through fire-rebuilds and related projects. Enlightened architecture can heal people and restore ecosystems, ensuring symbiosis between built and natural environments.