Architect, educator, and housing policy researcher with over two decades of experience in high-performance residential design. Her work bridges architectural practice, building science, and economics—focused on making sustainable housing more attainable, resilient, and responsive to climate realities.
With formal training in architecture and a doctorate in sustainable building systems, Riley’s approach is grounded in both design excellence and systems thinking. She is best known for her work on Passive House standards, her deep engagement with the International Residential Code (IRC), and her ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable strategies for professionals and policymakers.
Over her career, Riley has consulted on projects ranging from single-family Passive Houses to regional policy frameworks that aim to decarbonize housing stock at scale. She has collaborated with engineers, builders, and code officials to align energy performance goals with constructability and affordability—often serving as a bridge between innovation and implementation.
Beyond the drafting board, she’s a passionate educator. Riley has taught architecture and building science at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and she regularly leads workshops for industry professionals. Her six-volume series, The Passive House Revolution, is widely used by architects, builders, and energy consultants seeking to integrate performance design into their workflows.
A Space for Professional Growth and Collaboration
Beyond reference materials, the site supports ongoing engagement through lectures, commentary, and community dialogue. It’s a space where ideas are tested, knowledge is shared, and new solutions are cultivated collaboratively.
By connecting rigorous architectural thinking with the urgent demands of sustainability, this platform aims to equip today’s professionals with the clarity and tools needed to design buildings that are not only efficient, but enduring.