Description

Join BKSK for an in-depth look at the principles and practice of Passive House design through three case studies: Charlotte of the Upper West Side, 79 King Street in Northampton, MA, and a Private Residence in Ulster County. Charlotte is Manhattan’s first residential condominium in a landmark district to earn Passive House International Low Energy Building certification, setting a new standard for sustainable urban living. 79 King Street and the Ulster County residence, both designed to Passive House standards, demonstrate how these principles can be adapted to different regional contexts.

Speakers:

David Kubik, AIA, Partner 

David Kubik joined BKSK Architects in 2003 and was named Partner in 2018. He plays a strong role in the design of both institutional and development projects. For David, a successful building is both an expression of and an enhancement of its community. The variety of projects he leads span the open visual design of the Maimonides Medical Center Lobby, Affordable Housing in Greenwich, CT, West Village multifamily buildings The Keller and 111 Charles Street, and a single-family passive house home in the Hudson Valley.

David also led the design of two commercial projects that reinvented existing 19th century buildings in the Gansevoort Market Historic District: the block-long Gansevoort Row Redevelopment and 405 West 13th Street.

David has served as Adjunct Assistant Professor at City Tech’s program for Architectural Technology. David holds both a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland. When not in the office, you’ll find David competitively sailboat racing in the Long Island Sound 52 weeks a year.

William Russell, AIA, LEED AP, CPHD, Principal 

William Russell joined BKSK in 2015, was promoted to Associate in 2019, and became a Principal in 2025. Will has contributed to several of BKSK’s most ambitious hospitality, commercial, and multi-family residential projects. His deep expertise in sustainable design is especially valuable on projects requiring innovative, performance-driven strategies. A recent project — 470 Columbus Avenue, achieved Passive House Low Energy certification, with exceptional energy efficiency and low energy use requirements. Beyond his sustainability credentials, Will brings thoughtful design thinking and a holistic approach to every project.

Driven by a curiosity for both the art and science of the built environment, Will earned a degree in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design and is a certified Passive House Designer.

Sponsored by:

Charlotte of the Upper West Side:

 Photo Credits: Chris Payne / ESTO

Continued Education:

• AIA Credits: 1 LU - TBD
• PHI Credits: 1 LU - TBD
• PHIUS Credits: 1 LU - TBD

Learning Objectives:

• Understand core principles and performance criteria of Passive House design.
• Examine real-world applications through urban and rural case studies.
• Identify key design and construction challenges in achieving certification.
• Evaluate Passive House’s impact on comfort, energy use, and carbon reduction.