Kipnis Architecture + Planning

07/16/2026

As smoke from the Canadian wildfires impacts air quality across the Chicago area, it's a reminder that the air inside our homes matters just as much as the air outside.

Passive House design helps maintain cleaner indoor air through an airtight building envelope, continuous fresh-air ventilation, and high-performance filtration that reduces smoke, dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants.

As wildfire smoke becomes more common, resilience isn't just about energy efficiency; it's about creating healthier homes.

07/10/2026

In this joint partnership between the Building Performance Knowledge Community (BPKC) and the Resilience and Disaster Response Community (RADR), Jessica Saravia, AIA and I will review historic cooling, heating, and resilience strategies and discuss how they can be used to amplify and expand the effectiveness of emerging technology for passive survivability and energy efficiency. By designing for aesthetics first, and then using modern HVAC and other solutions to overcome any inefficiencies second, we are doing ourselves, our clients, and our communities a grave disservice.

https://lnkd.in/gQN8iiVw

04/03/2026

I’m honored to be named one of Make It Better’s 2026 Eco Warriors by Better Magazine. To be recognized alongside environmental leaders like Jane Goodall and Bill Kurtis is truly humbling, and it’s especially meaningful to be included on the same list as former clients Doro Bush Koch and Tricia Reily Koch!

Grateful for the company, and for the continued momentum as we work toward a more resilient future. Take a look at the full list below:

https://better.net/philanthropy/environment/make-it-betters-2026-eco-warriors/

These eco warriors are making the world a better place with support from Make It Better Foundation.

01/15/2026

AI, schmAI. Real drawing is still a lot of fun!

12/23/2025

This was one of our favorite home designs! An amazing home right off Lake Michigan in Highland Park. Sustainable, resilient and a great design - who says who can’t have it all!

At NextHaus Alliance, we unite the beauty of timeless design with conscious materials, intelligent systems, and innovative thinking to craft sustainable and resilient homes that last for generations.

12/22/2025

We’re so thrilled to have our 1st certified Passive House featured in Great Lakes Design Magazine! This is the design that recently won one of the national Passive House (PHIUS) awards.

11/21/2025

It was great podcast discussion I recently had with Dijana and Marc from Maredi Design! It was fun to do a deeper dive into a lot of my favorite topics on sustainability, resilient design and wellness in the built environment.

https://www.maredi-design.com

Episode 20 - Out Now

10/30/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17ZroCU95V/. From our award winning Passive House in Evanston. The kitchen is located right in the center of the home and is very visible from everywhere. The Valcuccine cabinets were really the perfect piece of functional art for this!

09/09/2025

Going back to classic architecture for federal buildings makes no sense at all. https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/aia-rejects-white-house-over-classical-only-architecture-mandate-as-restrictive-and-outdated?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AN_090925&

07/25/2025

From last nights French Heritage Society event at Studio Gang's roof top space. From l to r, Fran, Ann Stolar (my very first client 32 years ago, me (getting better from the bike accident) and architectural colleague Mary Brush! The views from the deck at sunset were amazing!