(PRWEB) August 31, 2006 -- Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects is pleased to announce that it has now surpassed the 50% mark in the number of LEED Professional Accreditations amongst its licensed staff. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System as a national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes individuals with detailed knowledge of project certification requirements and processes and a command of integrated design principles. LEED accreditation is awarded to building industry professionals who successfully demonstrate these proficiencies by passing a comprehensive exam.

Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects began using the LEED Rating System in 1998, in conjunction with several state office building renovation studies, where they demonstrated the viability and long-term cost effectiveness of implementing LEED in public buildings. In 1999 they put together a winning design/build team for the Capitol East End Project, a 375,000 SF headquarters for the Department of Education. This project initially earned a LEED Gold rating and recently received an additional Platinum rating, under the LEED Existing Building program.

By 2006, the State and dozens of local municipalities had formally mandated LEED as their measure of choice for sustainable design. Dreyfuss & Blackford currently has four LEED accredited projects for state and municipal clients on the boards, including a new complex, a comprehensive renovation of the State Capitol building, a corporation yard and a performing arts center.

The LEED AP team at Dreyfuss & Blackford is comprised of: Peter Saucerman, AIA, Planning Director, Gus Fischer, AIA, Associate, Project Director, Tom Heffernan, AIA, Associate, Project Director, Jason Silva, AIA, Associate, Project Director, Keith Demaray, AIA, Medical Studio Director, Courtney McLeod Golden, Project Manager, Kanta Jasmine, Medical Project Manager, and Philip Li, Project Architect.

About Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects
Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects is one of the most respected design and planning firms in Northern California. After more than 50 years of success, they continue to remain on the cutting edge of innovation. They have received over 75 regional and national awards for design excellence in both public and private sector projects.

High resolution photos of the following are available upon request:

     * Peter Saucerman, AIA
     * Gus Fischer, AIA
     * Tom Heffernan, AIA
     * Jason Silva, AIA
     * Keith Demaray, AIA
     * Courtney McLeod Golden
     * Kanta Jasmine
     * Philip Li
     * Dreyfuss & Blackford Building
     * Capitol East End Project