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
Burt Hill's Internal Grant Program
Our world faces many significant challenges related to the constructed environment: from the ecological repercussions of human activity to the effects of evolving technology, the economic pressure to deliver projects more efficiently and the human pressures of population growth and globalization, our industry works at the core of the great issues of our time. In 2007, Burt Hill re-established our research initiative in the form of an Applied Research initiative to ensure that we lead the world in meeting these challenges.
Throughout our practice, employees working with these issues every day have the innovative ideas for solving problems and improving lives. To tap this rich vein, and as a vehicle for employee opportunity, Burt Hill earmarks funds each year to support applied research projects undertaken by staff. This program offers all employees the opportunity to pursue research topics of personal interest and develop research skills beyond the scope of a billable project.
More Research Highlights
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.
