Common Sense Building & Sustainable Design
The built environment has a profound impact on the planet, consuming more than 50 percent of the world’s natural resources and contributing over 40 percent of the solid waste stream. As resources become increasingly limited and environmental priorities continue to shape the way we live and work, thoughtful decisions about how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated matter more than ever.
At Phinney Design Group, sustainability is more than a consideration—it is an opportunity to create better buildings and more meaningful places. Through thoughtful design, responsible material selection, energy-efficient strategies, and an integrated approach to architecture and the environment, PDG helps clients reduce their projects’ environmental impact while balancing performance, functionality, aesthetics, and long-term value. The result is design that responds not only to the needs of today, but also to the communities and environments of tomorrow.
Positive Environmental Impacts:
- Changes to the local natural environment are minimized.
- Materials installed have less of an impact on the environment.
- Less reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy and water resources are more efficiently consumed.
- Healthier and ergonomic indoor environments are created.
- Less waste is generated and more materials are recycled.
- Environmentally friendly procedures in the operations and maintenance of buildings are established.
Green Buildings Can:
- Reduce energy costs.
- Improve the health and attitude of the building occupants.
- Reduce consumption of resources.
- Reduce maintenance and operation costs.
- Increase flexibility and functionality of space.
- Increase productivity and efficiency of the occupants.
We Make it Easy to Be Green
Through the use of LEED and NYSERDA programs, our design team and consultants are leaders in assessing the potential of each project to benefit from green building design and technology. Phinney Design also has Certified Passive House Consultants (CPHCs) on staff, bringing specialized expertise in high-performance, energy-efficient building design and Passive House principles to our projects. Through detailed payback analysis and life-cycle costing of building products and mechanical equipment, we can evaluate opportunities and provide owners with the information needed to make informed decisions. We pride ourselves on keeping owners aware of emerging technologies and how they may reduce operating and maintenance costs while improving occupant comfort, health, and well-being.
Recognizing that each project is unique in its program, site, and budget, we recommend sustainable building features that are both appropriate and cost-effective for the owner. Some projects may utilize a minimum, “common-sense” approach, while others may pursue high-performance and green building strategies to the greatest extent practical. In either case, we work with owners to provide the information necessary to make educated decisions when investing in sustainable building practices at any level.
Detailed analysis and certification through programs such as LEED and Passive House can require a considerable commitment from both the design team and the owner. If desired, our team can evaluate the potential of each project and identify the level of effort required to meet its sustainability, energy-performance, and certification goals.
LEED-Credentialed & Certified Passive House Consultant Staff
Michael R. Phinney
RA AIA NCARB LEED AP
Founding Principal
Michael R. Phinney
Founding Principal | RA AIA NCARB LEED AP
RA AIA NCARB LEED AP
Registered Architect: NY VT MA PA
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Bachelor of Architecture | Bachelor of Building Science
MPhinney@PhinneyDesign.com
Michael Phinney, Principal at Phinney Design Group is a licensed Architect, AIA Member and LEED Accredited Professional with over 25 years of experience in architectural design and construction observation services. As the founder and Principal at Phinney Design Group, Michael has organically grown a niche company that has developed a reputation as a thoughtful, responsive and highly creative design firm balanced with great technical thoroughness. Being a leader and pioneer in the sustainable design movement since the mid 1990’s, Mike has the been the team leader on many environmentally sensitive buildings including the first certified green building in New York State in 2001, the first certified green building in the Adirondack Park in 2008, and the first certified “Healthy House” in the Northeastern United States in 2004.
Having completed a great diversity of work and project types; Michael’s experience includes building design, interior design, landscape design, land use analysis, and urban and rural planning. Having often lectured on the sustainable design movement, he brings a revolutionary way of thinking to the way people build and develop in today’s society.
Being able to work across a diverse array of project types is a skill set very evident in Michael’s work; being an excellent listener while allowing our clients to discover what they didn’t think possible has become a goal for every project the firm is involved with. Having been the Project Designer and lead Project Architect on hundreds of projects over two decades, Michael brings great knowledge, depth, creativity and a passion for design and detailed execution of the project through construction. He has become a mentor and coach for many talented individuals who have added to Phinney Design Group’s reputation and talent over the past fifteen years.
BRENNAN D. DRAKE
RA AIA NCARB LEED GREEN ASSOC.
PRINCIPAL
BRENNAN D. DRAKE
PRINCIPAL | RA AIA NCARB LEED GREEN ASSOC.
RA AIA NCARB LEED GREEN ASSOC.
Registered Architect: NY
State University of New York | Bachelor of Science | Boston Architectural College | Master of Architecture
bdrake@phinneydesign.com
With over 15 years of experience, Brennan Drake is a principal architect renowned for blending high-quality design with sustainability across a diverse array of projects. His portfolio spans luxurious high-end residences, dynamic commercial spaces, inviting hospitality venues, and innovative multifamily developments. Brennan thrives on the opportunity to immerse in different fields, continually expanding his expertise and bringing fresh perspectives to each endeavor.
What excites Brennan most is the chance to delve into new project types, fostering continual learning and growth while delivering exceptional results. Whether exploring the intricacies of residential design or navigating the complexities of commercial development, Brennan relishes the challenge of pushing boundaries and achieving excellence.
In addition to his design work, Brennan is deeply involved in the construction management process, ensuring projects come to life seamlessly from initial concept to final completion. From the very first design meeting to the exhilarating moment of handing over the keys on move-in day, Brennan is there every step of the way, coordinating and overseeing every detail to perfection.
Brennan’s career is a dynamic journey of exploration, creativity, and collaboration, with the privilege of transforming ideas into reality while making a positive impact on the built environment and the communities he serves.
PATRICK W. PIPER
RA LEED AP
SENIOR ASSOCIATE | ARCHITECT
PATRICK W. PIPER
SENIOR ASSOCIATE | ARCHITECT | RA LEED AP
RA LEED AP
Registered Architect: NY
Boston Architectural College | Bachelor of Architecture
PPiper@PhinneyDesign.com
Patrick Piper, Senior Architect at Phinney Design Group is a licensed Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with 35 years of experience in both new construction and renovation projects. Patrick’s portfolio includes a broad range of projects for corporate, government, college and university clients. These projects include office buildings, academic facilities and new embassies for the U.S. Department of State. Patrick is responsible for the technical and production aspects of the project from the design phase through construction.
Tara Borodin-Galarza
RA AIA LEED Green Associate
Senior Associate | Architect
Tara Borodin-Galarza
Senior Associate | Architect | RA AIA LEED Green Associate
RA AIA LEED Green Associate
Registered Architect: NY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Bachelor of Architecture | Bachelor of Building Science
TBorodin@PhinneyDesign.com
Tara Borodin has over 20 years of experience in architectural building design, adaptive reuse and additions, land use analysis and feasibility studies. For over seven years Ms. Borodin has been involved in a wide variety of project types at Phinney Design Group including residential, hospitality and commercial design.
Residential projects include custom homes, multi-family housing, the conversion of historic buildings and single family homes. Hospitality and hotel projects include expansion projects, renovations and new construction while working with both franchises and privately owned boutique hotels. Ms. Borodin has had a wide range of experience with libraries, cultural centers, churches, office buildings, tenant spaces, retail stores and market design.
Alyssa Sgambati
LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Alyssa Sgambati
INTERIOR DESIGNER | LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
Alyssa Sgambati, Interior Designer at Phinney Design Group, is a passionate designer with experience in commercial, hospitality, and residential design. As a sustainability-focused designer, Alyssa aims to redefine spaces with a focus on functionality and inclusivity.
Alyssa is well versed in all phases of the design process from conceptualization, space planning, design documentation, and construction management. While at Phinney Design Group, she has been involved in numerous projects, including commercial office design, hotel renovation, historical theater restoration, speakeasy bar and restaurant design, and multifamily residential design. Alyssa is experienced in adaptive reuse of existing buildings for new purposes, maintaining historic precedence and preservation, as well as designing to reflect the cultural context of a building’s surrounding community.
Alyssa utilizes her advanced spatial awareness to explore how different elements will interact within a space; crafting moments that are both functional and visually captivating. Her positive attitude encourages a collaborative environment, fostering a rewarding team experience that’s committed to taking in client input and feedback while meeting the project goal.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Environmental and Interior Design
Minor in Environment and Society
Syracuse University
Emily MacDougall
LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
PROJECT DESIGNER
Emily MacDougall
PROJECT DESIGNER | LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
Emily MacDougall is a project designer and LEED Green Associate with 4 years of experience. In her time at Phinney Design Group, she has worked on a variety of project types from high-end residential to commercial, encompassing new construction, renovation, and historic preservation.
Through all phases of a project, Emily works closely with the client and team members to produce conceptual designs, renderings and construction documents, and to see the vision of the design brought to life in the construction process.
Outside of work, Emily creates watercolor paintings focusing on architectural subjects, receiving awards at juried art shows and a Saratoga Arts grant. She brings her artistic eye and attention to detail to her work in architecture to help develop creative and functional designs that meet clients’ needs.
Steven J. Dodds
RA AIA LEED AP
Senior Associate | Architect
Steven J. Dodds
Senior Associate | Architect | RA AIA LEED AP
RA AIA LEED AP
Registered Architect: NY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Bachelor of Architecture | Bachelor of Building Science | Minor in Civil Engineering
SDodds@PhinneyDesign.com
Steven Dodds, a Senior Architect at Phinney Design Group, is a licensed architect, AIA member with over 25 years of experience in architectural design and project & construction management. He is accustomed to working on projects with dense and unusual programs, large consultant teams and complex regulatory environments. He has a wealth of experience working closely with clients and team members in schematic programming, design development and construction documentation for a wide variety of project types, including multifamily residential, education & childcare, religious & cultural institutions and craft beverage production.
Always open to a challenge, Steven is no stranger to unconventional programs. He has worked on two new buildings that were to be erected over existing occupied buildings and installed twelve new bells in the tower of a landmark New York City church. He has prepared designs for Jewish ritual baths, a floating boathouse, a new high security home for a world class coin collection and one of the first Passive House multi-family buildings in Manhattan.
Beyond the office, Steven has written two books and several magazine articles focusing on tools and DIY projects. He has also served as president and treasurer of a 100 year old residential coop in New York City, shepherding the building through a major exterior restoration. He currently sits on the Board and the Advocacy Committee of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.
Matt Tangorre
Assoc. AIA, CPHC
Project Designer
Matt Tangorre
Project Designer | Assoc. AIA, CPHC
Assoc. AIA, CPHC
Registered Architect: NY
Rochester Institute of Technology
mtangorre@phinneydesign.com
Matt is a Project Designer at Phinney Design Group with a Master of Architecture from Rochester Institute of Technology and certification as a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). His approach to architecture is shaped by a background in hospitality management, where he developed an appreciation for how people experience spaces and how thoughtful design can support comfort, function, and everyday use.
Sustainable and high-performance design are central to Matt’s architectural interests. His training as a CPHC has strengthened his understanding of energy-efficient building strategies and the role that thoughtful design, detailing, and building systems play in creating comfortable, durable, and environmentally responsible places. His interests also include adaptive reuse and mass timber, with an emphasis on creating work that is both carefully considered and buildable.
At Phinney Design Group, Matt is drawn to work that extends beyond the immediate needs of a program—creating places that strengthen communities, give new life to existing buildings, and serve the people who use them with care and purpose.
Griffin Jones
RA, AIA, CPHC
Architect
Griffin Jones
Architect | RA, AIA, CPHC
RA, AIA, CPHC
Registered Architect: NY, MA
Rochester Institute of Technology
gjones@phinneydesign.com
Griffin joined PDG after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2025 and quickly became a valued member of the team. As a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), he brings specialized knowledge of high-performance, energy-efficient design to his work. With a passion for thoughtful, sustainable design and a strong commitment to technical excellence, Griffin approaches each project with care and intention. His collaborative mindset and attention to detail help create meaningful solutions that make a positive impact for our clients and the communities they serve.
Mike Phinney on Green Architecture
Phinney discusses the evolution of green design and his career in the 21st century, along with future educational strategies and advancements in the field. The positive impact that clean, sustainable architecture can have on the environment is also explored. THE UPSTATE HOUSE article
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