
As a sustainable design firm, we understand that sustainability is more than environmental impact. Benefit to people's experience and successful, long-lasting design are also crucial factors. After all, the most sustainable building is often the one that's used and maintained over many years.
Every project is a chance to weave efficient design, sustainability, and wellness together. When we create places that serve communities for generations, it’s a win for people, profit, and the planet.
Firmwide Focus, Dedicated Team
WE DON'T BELIEVE IN AN ALL-OR-NOTHING APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY. WE'D RATHER TACKLE BIG CHALLENGES, COLLECTIVELY.
The most sustainable design solution varies widely from project to project, but there are always opportunities to reduce impact in a meaningful way. No matter your scope or budget, we address impact at each step, to benefit both people and planet.
Our in-house experts make up Dekker's Sustainability Team: a dedicated group who collaborates with design leaders across the firm. This approach enables a firmwide focus on sustainability that's standardized, but adaptable to many project types.
The team ensures design solutions for environmental sustainability, efficient buildings, and occupant wellbeing are built into our work—whether or not a project is seeking official certifications like LEED.

Director of Sustainability — Aaron Ketner
As the Director of Sustainability and Building Performance Specialist at Dekker, Aaron's passion is finding sustainable design solutions for every project. His work focuses on Building Performance Analysis, Green Building Features, BIM technology, smart building solutions, and Digital Twin asset management.
He leads the sustainability team to always consider how sustainability contributes to health and wellness in the built environment.
GPCP | LEED AP BD + C | WELL AP
Have a sustainability project in mind? Contact us
Our robust set of standards guide project decisions, repeatedly asking:
WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE DO TO CREATE HEALTHY, RESILIENT, SUSTAINABLE SPACES THAT RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT?
Ongoing Progress
88 LEED Certified Buildings
309.5 M Gallons Water Saved
44% Energy Reduction Since 2016
Leveraging Sunlight for Savings
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: NMERB NEW OFFICE BUILDING
Sustainable design with surprising results
510 solar panels transform this project from net-zero into net-positive. The highly efficient PV panels generate 154% of the building's power. Placed strategically for the local sun, the PV system maximizes occupant comfort within existing space constraints on the site. While initial costs with tax incentives came to $475K, the building will sell excess energy back to the grid, generating high future profits.
Holistic energy analysis
To make the most of the solar power gains, sustainable design strategies are used throughout the building. High quality insulation seals the exterior to maintain energy, and careful placement of windows and shade elements prevent temperature spikes. Outside the building, the landscape features drought-tolerant plants to reduce water and energy use.
More Sustainability @ Dekker

Lukachukai Community School
On this 44-acre site in Lukachukai, AZ, the new education and housing facilities serves Native American students and faculty with…

Sustainable Building Materials
By Justin Smith, Structural Engineer As an industry of designers and builders, we are nowhere near achieving a steady level…

Kirtland Resiliency Project
Well-designed spaces rely on the strength of their interconnected systems. Partnerships can sustain current systems, while building a pathway to…

Railyard Flats
Railyard Flats is the first multifamily apartment project in the Santa Fe Railyard District, a hub for entertainment, shopping, food,…

Sterling | Downtown
Sterling | Downtown is a LEED Certified Platinum, affordable, multifamily housing community in Downtown Albuquerque, developed by Sol Housing. Located…