About me

About Riley Carter

Architect | Educator | Passive House Advocate

Dr. Riley Carter is an architect, educator, and housing policy researcher with over two decades of experience in high-performance residential design. Her interdisciplinary work bridges architecture, building science, and economics—advancing the case for sustainable housing that is attainable, resilient, and future-ready.

With formal training in architectural engineering and a doctorate in sustainable building systems, Riley’s practice is rooted in both design excellence and systems thinking. She is widely recognized for her leadership in Passive House standards and her deep expertise in the International Residential Code (IRC). Her ability to translate complex regulations into actionable strategies has made her a trusted voice among architects, builders, and policymakers.

Throughout her career, Riley has consulted on projects ranging from certified Passive Houses and deep-energy retrofits to regional policy frameworks aimed at decarbonizing the housing sector. Her work often focuses on aligning performance goals with constructability and affordability—bringing clarity to the intersection of innovation, regulation, and real-world application.

As an educator, Riley has taught architecture and building science at both undergraduate and graduate levels and continues to lead professional development workshops across North America. Her six-volume series, The Passive House Revolution, is used widely by practitioners seeking to integrate energy performance into architectural workflows.

This platform is more than a reference. It’s a living space for collaboration, critical commentary, and shared progress. Through essays, lectures, and open dialogue, Riley offers practical insight for professionals committed to building smarter, healthier, and more sustainable homes.