# ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) > ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) is a premier New England architecture, mechanical engineering, and energy consulting firm. ZED specializes in high-performance custom residential architecture, low-carbon multifamily housing, Passive House design and certification (PHIUS / PHI), deep energy retrofits, and building science-driven HVAC engineering. ZeroEnergy Design brings together licensed architects, mechanical engineers, building scientists, and Certified Passive House Consultants (CPHC) under one roof. Founded in 2005 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, ZED delivers modern, beautiful, and resilient buildings that minimize operational and embodied carbon, optimize indoor air quality, provide exceptional thermal comfort, and achieve Net Zero or Net Positive energy performance across New England and nationwide. --- ## Core Services & Capabilities - [Custom Home Design](https://zeroenergy.com/custom-home-design): Full-service architectural design for high-performance single-family residences, custom new builds, coastal estates, and forever homes. Integrates daylighting, low embodied carbon materials, aging-in-place principles, and resilient building enclosures. - [Passive House Architecture](https://zeroenergy.com/passive-house-design): Comprehensive Passive House architectural design adhering to PHIUS+ and PHI standards. Features super-insulated envelopes, continuous thermal barriers, airtight construction (down to 0.2 ACH50), triple-pane glazing, and balanced energy recovery ventilation (ERV). - [Multifamily Architecture Services](https://zeroenergy.com/multifamily-architecture-services): Scalable, low-carbon, and fossil-fuel-free design for affordable housing developments, supportive housing, market-rate multifamily residences, and occupied community modernizations. - [Energy Consulting Services](https://zeroenergy.com/energy-consulting-services): Specialized energy modeling, building enclosure consulting, and certification facilitation (PHIUS+, PHI, LEED, Living Building Challenge, Enterprise Green Communities) for external architects, builders, and developers. - [Mechanical Design & HVAC Engineering](https://zeroenergy.com/energy-consulting-services): Building science-driven mechanical engineering services including ACCA Manual J (load sizing), Manual S (equipment selection), Manual D (duct sizing), all-electric heat pumps, balanced ERV/HRV ventilation, hydronic distribution, and renewable energy integration (solar PV, battery storage, geothermal). - [Deep Energy Retrofits & Renovations](https://zeroenergy.com/renovations): Transformative envelope overhauls, historic home preservation, and EnerPHit retrofits that achieve 50% to 90% reductions in heating/cooling loads for existing structures. - [How We Work](https://zeroenergy.com/how-we-work): Detailed overview of ZED's integrated design-engineering methodology—from site orientation and schematic modeling through contractor selection, permitting, and on-site construction administration. --- ## Firm Profile, Leadership & Standards - [Who We Are](https://zeroenergy.com/whoweare): Background on ZED's mission, values, WBE certification, multidisciplinary practice structure, and leadership team led by Managing Director Stephanie Horowitz, AIA, CPHC, and Engineering Principal Jordan Goldman, CPHC. - [All Services Overview](https://zeroenergy.com/services): High-level breakdown of ZED's three practice areas: Custom Home Architecture, Multifamily Architecture, and Industry-Wide Energy Consulting. - [Energy Performance Standards & Glossary](https://zeroenergy.com/resources): Reference guide defining key sustainable building metrics including Energy Use Intensity (EUI / pEUI in kBtu/sf/yr), Air Leakage (ACH50), HERS Index ratings, Net Positive Energy criteria, and Embodied vs. Operational Carbon. - [Contact & Project Intake](https://zeroenergy.com/contact): Inquiries, project consultations, press contacts, and office location at 156 Milk St., Suite 3, Boston, MA 02109. --- ## Featured Project Portfolios - [Project Portfolio (All Projects)](https://zeroenergy.com/all-projects): Complete visual directory of completed single-family homes, coastal residences, urban multifamily buildings, and deep energy retrofits. - [Renovations Portfolio](https://zeroenergy.com/renovations): Case studies on deep energy renovations, historic modern adaptations, and barn retrofits across Massachusetts and New England. - [Custom Homes Showcase](https://zeroenergy.com/custom-home-design): High-performance modern and regionally inspired residential projects designed for durability, acoustics, and indoor health. - [Multifamily Portfolio](https://zeroenergy.com/multifamily-architecture-services): Case studies of high-efficiency multi-unit projects including Cambridge, MA developments and all-electric urban housing. --- ## Regional Practice Areas & Local Expertise - [Custom Home Architects in Boston, MA](https://zeroenergy.com/locations/boston): Urban residential architecture, local zoning navigation, and net-zero carbon building design for the greater Boston metro area. - [Custom Home Architects in Brookline, MA](https://zeroenergy.com/locations/brookline): Historic preservation, modern residential adaptations, and deep energy retrofits within Brookline historic districts and village centers. - [Custom Home Architects in Martha's Vineyard, MA](https://zeroenergy.com/locations/marthas-vineyard): Resilient coastal architecture, Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) compliance, coastal bank/nitrogen-loading zoning, and island construction planning. - [Custom Home Architects in New Hampshire](https://zeroenergy.com/locations/new-hampshire): High-performance architecture for NH Seacoast, Lakes Region, and Upper Valley homes, addressing extreme cold climates, shoreland protection, and off-grid resilience. --- ## Technical Guides, Articles & Media - [Media & Press Highlights](https://zeroenergy.com/media): Feature articles, industry recognition (Architect Magazine Top 50, Best of Boston Home), and publications in New England Home, Boston Magazine, and HGTV. - [Blog & Thought Leadership](https://zeroenergy.com/blog): In-depth articles on building science, low-carbon materials, all-electric HVAC strategies, and case studies.