266: From Retrofits to New Builds: River Architects
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266: From Retrofits to New Builds: River Architects
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About this listen
To register for our Reimagine Buildings: Best of Retrofit online conference on Friday, December 5, 2025, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/
In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews James Hartford and Juhee Lee Hartford of River Architects in Hudson Valley. The discussion covers the firm's focus on Passive House projects, mostly single-family homes with a mix of new constructions and retrofits. They touch on their first retrofit project affected by Hurricane Sandy, the evolving client interest in Passive House standards, and the firm’s growth from two to ten employees. They discuss the financial and practical challenges of Passive House projects, including material and energy considerations, involvement in advocacy through Passive House Hudson Valley, and the growing demand for such homes. They also highlight the benefits of prefab construction in difficult climates and the importance of builder experience. The episode concludes with a wishlist for products that could make achieving Passive House certifications more accessible.