In a city like Boston, where historic streets meet modern challenges like traffic congestion and rising emissions, the bicycle has become more than just a recreational option, it’s a vehicle for environmental change. As architects, we actively design for bikes, too. In cities like Somerville, there are requirements for dedicated bicycle parking in new residential projects, but even in areas without formal regulations, we at ZED often incorporate thoughtful bike storage solutions. Whether it’s a secure garage, dedicated indoor area, or weather-protected exterior space, designing with bikes in mind reflects a commitment to healthier, more resilient communities.

Zero Emissions, Maximum Impact. Whether you're coasting down the streets of Belmont or navigating the protected lanes on Mass Ave, each trip made by bike is a small but meaningful act of climate action. Bicycles produce no emissions, making them one of the cleanest modes of transport available. In Boston, where the average car commuter spends hours stuck in traffic each week, switching to a bike even a few days a week can drastically reduce your carbon footprint. According to MassBike, trips under 3 miles — perfect for biking — make up a significant portion of daily travel. Choosing bikes over gas powered vehicles helps reduce greenhouse gases, air pollution, and our dependence on fossil fuels.

Stephanie Horowitz was recently interviewed by Bluedot’s Britt Bowker to talk about Columbia Street Residences, ZED’s affordable housing project in Cambridge, MA. The article, titled, ‘How a Cambridge Triple-Decker Became a Model for Affordable, Sustainable Living,’ details this extensive interior renovation that resulted in an all-electric, super insulated building providing three apartments for low-income residents.

The Hingham Power Hour, a new video series focused on sustainability and electrification, aired its first episode, “Welcome to the Power Hour! Let’s Electrify.”

ZED’s Managing Director Stephanie Horowitz sat down in one of ZED’s net zero homes, Hingham Marshfront, for an interview about the home’s unique features and following the path to zero during the design process.

Video Link Included.

Senior Project Manager John Mucciarone, seen above in his natural habitat sketching on a napkin over a beer in Portland, ME. On this particular occasion, John was part of a gathering of architects and designers for a 'Drink + Sketch,' covered in Maine Home Design magazine. Local architects from the Portland area were invited to gather at Novare Res Bier Café in Portland for a drink and to celebrate the hand-drawn in an increasingly digital world.

The evolution of the workplace, particularly with the rise of remote work, has brought about a renewed focus on the aesthetics of our work environments, extending beyond the physical office to include the digital realm. Having a beautiful office is no longer just about creating a pleasing physical space for productivity and creativity; it's equally important to consider the visual backdrop that represents us in virtual meetings. This dual focus ensures that our professionalism and attention to detail are evident, not just in our work, but also in the environments we choose to display during video calls.