Devi Dutta-Choudhury

User banner image
User avatar

  • Devi Dutta-Choudhury

Architects

NORTHGATE ADU Render sm 768x456

Devi Dutta ARCHITECTURE

Services:
  • New Building
  • Remodel
  • Restoration/Preservation
Residential Building Type:
  • Single-family home
  • Multi-family residential
  • ADU
Project size:
  • 2000 sq ft or Less
  • 2001 sq ft to 5000 sq ft
  • 5001 sq ft or More

Sustainability Expertise & Credentials

Sustainability Expertise: Yes
Sustainability Expertise & Credentials:

We design with sustainability threaded through all phases in design. We have designed LEED Gold and GreenPoint Rated buildings, and incorporate aspects whether required or not. From the beginning of a project, we explore how much you really need to demolish and focus on improvements that are methodical and thoughtful. We make the best use of what already exists. As we move through the process, we consider solar orientation as the genesis of a lifestyle layout, minimizing the need for artificial light and air. Efficient HVAC systems and electrification are largely givens with today’s energy goals, while materials sourcing is as local and toxin-free as possible.

Fire Resiliency Experience: Yes
Fire Resiliency Experience Details:

DDA Principal Devi's own home is in the Wildland-Urban-Interface zone, and was her first project to implement the code-specific requirements of building and maintaining a fire-safe home. Fire ratings of wall and roof assemblies form the core of resilience, but the nuance of how fire travels inform all the details of a home. Eaves and vents are common intrusion points for embers, so these are carefully considered in a WUI zone home. Site planning is also a major part of resiliency, from zone zero limitations on materials, to reducing fuel around dead and dying plants. Eliminating and reducing easy paths for fire to travel along a site are also relatively easy ways to reduce the spread of wildfire. Each home and project will have site-specific ways to reduce the risk of fire.

Service Distance: 250 miles
We design many types of buildings, mostly housing. When we do another type of project, it’s because we feel a connection to the client, the neighborhood, or the mission of the project. We’ve done a few cafes, not because we are experts in coffee, but because we like cafes. When the owner of a bunch of warehouses in West Berkeley Read more...