by Ross Cann AIA RA | Feb 25, 2026 | Architectural Design, Articles, Climate Change, Sustainable Design
House with a Whole-House generator in a neighborhood with an outage This past week, many New England communities were struck by a winter Nor’easter, bringing record amounts of snow and electrical outages. We were among those affected, receiving a stark reminder of how...
by Ross Cann AIA RA | Feb 18, 2026 | Architectural Design, Articles, Climate Change, Sustainable Design
Banff National Park Wildlife Overpass, Canada (2006) Architecture has two components: the building and the setting. As responsible citizens, A4 Architecture and the Newport Architectural Forum are both strong supporters of initiatives that lead to greater...
by Ross Cann AIA RA | Jan 7, 2026 | Architectural Design, Articles, Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Technology
As the effects of global climate change are accelerating, the need to convert away from the fuels that scientists have identified as the cause of these changes becomes ever more essential. The conversion of energy production from hydrocarbon-based fuels to more...
by Ross Cann AIA RA | Dec 1, 2025 | Architectural Design, Articles, Climate Change, Guide, Sustainable Design
Solar energy, thanks to technologic and manufacturing innovations, is now the least expensive way to produce energy. However there has been opposition to the installation of solar panels not just from the hydrocarbon industry, but for from those who see the panels as...
by Ross Cann AIA RA | Apr 2, 2025 | Articles, Climate Change, Health and Wellness, Historical, Professional, Sustainable Design, Technology
The global climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality, marked by extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems. In this context, seemingly mundane practices like recycling and composting become crucial tools in our...
by Ross Cann AIA RA | Mar 20, 2025 | Articles, Climate Change, Health and Wellness, Historical, Professional, Sustainable Design, Technology
Chateau-sur-Mer (Newport, RI) Photo Credits: PSNC The Preservation Society of Newport County has embarked on a significant initiative to modernize the climate control systems within its historic properties, with a focus on achieving both sustainability and material...
