Why US?

1. We are the leading experts in sustainable zero energy Architecture design & construction in Texas.

2. Our research & development in Zero Energy strategies, solar architecture and water conservation techniques has identified us as the only architectural firm in the state of Texas that can offer passive configured zero energy design for both commercial and residential applications.

3. We are the only sustainable professionals in Texas that have licensed Architects, Engineers, Building Scientist, Builders, and Real-Estate Brokers on staff that are specifically trained in this unique architectural approach.

4. We are the only architectural firm actively developing strategies for the retrofitting of existing buildings to or near net zero energy for both commercial and residential applications.

5. Our staff explains and educates on all possibilities for your project to reach a sustainable goal. Whether you budget is big or small our professionals will help you select the best option for your money and will assist you in the selection and management of subcontractors and installers.

Universal Design Consortium Inc. (UDC) is an Architectural firm owned and operated by Steven Mueller and Melanie Sams, and focuses on advanced zero energy sustainable green homes and commercial buildings. Since its conception in 2002, UDC has pioneered the sustainable building design in Texas. Originally working in a design assistance capacity for local Architects and builders, UDC has grown into a full service registered Architectural firm. UDC provides small to large residential and commercial sustainable architectural design, consulting, graphic art, construction management, real-estate sales and contingency shelter design services for clients located in the state of Texas with an emphasis on LEED certified zero energy design strategies. The typical home offered by UDC is a zero energy or reduced energy home designed for a middle class family between 1,300 SF to 12,000 SF in size. On the commercial side, UDC has worked primarily on retail, restaurant, industrial, office as well as religious facilities in the state of Texas. As evidenced by everyday news headlines, the environment, and environmentally friendly products have become an important part of building industry. Green consumer products now account for 15% of products used in new construction and Real Estate is starting to follow that trend as well. Estimates are that by 2010 the consumer will insist on having the technologies installed either in a new building or retrofitted in an existing one. The federal government is also presently developing checklist and incentive programs to encourage the use of the technologies under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as well as; other government funded programs.UDC is at the forefront of this Green Building Market, and is currently the only architecture firm operating in Texas that has developed an affordable, LEED certified, true net zero energy home (ZEH) specifically marketed for a middle class family and is the first firm to have begun construction on the first net zero energy LEED platinum low income HUD home in Texas, as well as the first architectural firm actively engaging in research and development of energy saving technologies and design & building techniques for introduction in both new and existing commercial buildings to achieve a zero energy stance.