Research

From climate change to population growth, the design of the built environment connects many of the ecological and human challenges facing the world.  In 2007, Burt Hill established an Applied Research Group (ARG) to ensure we lead the world in meeting these challenges.  With the mission to responsibly transform the built environment for the future while integrating curiosities, systematic inquiry, and innovation into the firm's design culture, the ARG bears primary responsibility for setting goals, benchmarking, and administering the various research programs within the firm.  Currently, the group works in four main areas:  Externally Funded Research, Industry and Academic Partnerships, our Internal Grant Program, and as a clearinghouse and resource for project-integrated research.

Practice Highlights

Our Research Legacy

In 2006, a new applied research initiative was implemented at Burt Hill – ‘new’ is a critical distinction, as this was not the first time our firm chose to make research a priority.  In 1972, Dick Rittelmann convinced the firm to form its first applied research group. 

Burt Hill’s history of using or inventing appropriate tools to test the feasibility of our energy conservation approaches has been a hallmark of our approach to finding cost-effective solutions for our clients.

Our commitment to research gave us a competitive edge over our peers, and we quickly developed a reputation for expertise in passive and active solar systems and photovoltaics for buildings, as well as innovative and appropriate energy conservation strategies.  Building off of our rich legacy, we are leading the industry through our pursuit of practice-based research.

More Research Highlights

The Case for Architectural Research

Burt Hill's Internal Grant Program

Our Practice Experts

Dick Rittelmann

Dick has been the driving force behind research at Burt Hill. He has served as principal-in-charge for more than 70 feasibility studies for energy conservation / solar energy and 50 demonstration projects for various federal agencies. Internationally recognized as an expert in the field of energy conservation and solar energy, Dick has published a number of papers and articles, and has served as a guest lecturer at universities on energy efficient design and state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. He has been particularly active with the U.S. Government and various national laboratories in the development of national programs for research in energy. He has served as one of the U.S. Representatives to the International Energy Agency associated with research in low-energy buildings and alternate energy systems, and has served on the NASA/NSF Solar Energy Panel.

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