Business Details
50 Years
experience
Sustainable Solar Architecture in Nevada City, CA
David Wright Associates has been pioneering sustainable design solutions since 1976. Our firm specializes in creating custom residential and commercial structures that harmonize with their environment through passive solar principles and cutting-edge green technologies. With over 400 completed projects across six states, we bring decades of expertise in energy-efficient construction methods including structural insulated panels (SIPs), fire-resistant materials, and solar-integrated systems. Our team combines artistic vision with technical precision, maintaining NCARB certification and adherence to the strictest building codes.Recognized through multiple design awards and featured in prominent publications, we prioritize client collaboration to deliver spaces that balance aesthetic beauty with functional performance. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in every project, from modern mountain lodges to off-grid retreats, ensuring buildings that naturally regulate temperature while minimizing ecological impact.
Services
Custom Home Design
Passive Solar Architecture
Energy-Efficient Building
Fire-Resistant Construction
Structural Insulated Panels
Remodeling Services
Predesigned Plans
Construction Documentation
Sustainable Design
Site-Specific Planning
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 30+ years pioneering passive solar architecture with 400+ completed projects
- NCARB-certified architect with multi-state licensing expertise
- Specialized in fire-resistant construction for wildfire-prone regions
- Proven track record with Dwell Magazine-featured and award-winning designs
- Comprehensive 3D modeling for precise climate-adaptive building orientation
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
What people say
Attention to details
Energy efficient designs
Outstanding work
Perfect home configuration
Exceeded expectations
Services
Custom Home Design
Creating bespoke residential spaces tailored to client needs and environmental conditions. Our approach combines passive solar principles with modern aesthetics to produce energy-efficient homes that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings. Each design undergoes rigorous climate analysis to optimize natural heating, cooling, and daylighting while maintaining structural integrity in wildfire-prone areas.
Passive Solar Architecture
Specialized climate-responsive building solutions that minimize energy consumption. This approach utilizes strategic orientation, thermal mass materials, and calculated roof overhangs to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without mechanical systems. Our expertise includes adapting these principles to diverse climate zones while maintaining architectural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Fire-Resistant Construction
Advanced building techniques for high-risk wildfire areas. We implement non-combustible materials like metal roofing, cementitious siding, and structural insulated panels combined with defensible space planning. These systems have been proven in actual wildfire events, with multiple homes surviving major fires while neighboring structures were destroyed.
Structural Insulated Panels
High-performance building envelope solutions using factory-manufactured panels with superior insulation properties. This system provides exceptional energy efficiency, structural strength, and construction speed while reducing thermal bridging. Ideal for both residential and commercial applications in extreme climate conditions.
Remodeling Services
Transforming existing structures into modern, energy-efficient spaces while preserving architectural character. Our approach focuses on enhancing functionality, improving energy performance, and integrating sustainable materials. Specializing in historic renovations that maintain original charm while meeting contemporary living standards and building codes.
People
David Wright
Senior Architect
Architect with 40+ years of experience in passive solar design, licensed in six states, NCARB-certified, and published author of four books on sustainable architecture. Pioneer in climate-responsive building techniques with over 400 completed projects.
Catherine Wright
Office Manager
Business manager with 35+ years of experience overseeing financial operations, billing, and administrative decisions for the architectural firm, ensuring smooth day-to-day business operations while supporting client needs.
Megan Wright Matthews
Structural Engineer
Licensed structural engineer with expertise in green building technology, 3D modeling, and architectural design, combining technical precision with aesthetic sensibilities to create sustainable, structurally sound buildings.
Heather Wright Foye
Licensed Architect
Architect with specialization in practical design solutions, budget management, and timely project delivery, bringing human-centered design approach to residential and commercial projects while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in passive solar and sustainable designs across various styles including modern mountain, contemporary southwest, and eco-friendly traditional architecture adapted to local climates.
How do you incorporate energy efficiency into designs?
Through strategic orientation, super-insulation, thermal mass materials, solar panel integration, and natural ventilation systems tailored to each site's specific climate conditions.
Can you work with existing home designs?
Yes, we offer remodeling services that transform existing structures into energy-efficient spaces while maintaining architectural integrity and improving functionality.
What building materials do you recommend?
We prioritize fire-resistant, sustainable materials like structural insulated panels, metal roofing, cementitious siding, and locally sourced natural materials suited to each project's environmental needs.
Do you work outside California?
We have completed projects across six states including Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, and Wisconsin, with experience adapting designs to diverse climate zones.
Reviews (1)
Doug Fee
Dec 21, 2020
Report
My wife and I went to David with a rough outline of the house that we wanted to build. A smaller retirement house in an older neighborhood. We wanted it to be of a style that would fit the older homes around it, but we wanted something that was very energy efficient and modern in it's engineering design. In essence, a new home that looked like an old one. He listened to what we wanted, asked appropriate questions, made some very good suggestions, and came up with plans that fit us to a tee. He did a very good job for us, and we found him pleasant to work with. I recommend him highly.