One of the features that distinguishes Design Collaboration from other design firms is our emphasis on how design, and ultimately construction, affects the natural environment and the user's health. Whether designing a home or developing a master plan, the staff of Design Collaboration can assist clients and contractors in choosing "green" building materials and construction systems that promote proper indoor air quality and energy efficiency. The staff at Design Collaboration is able to take each clientís initial ideas and shape them into a design that blends individual life-styles with the natural environment. The first and most critical stage is the Programming Phase, in which the client becomes part of the design team through specially-tailored workshops. These workshops foster Designer-Client interactions, not commonly found in other design firms, creating a working environment supporting open communication to better define and understand the project goals and objectives. The workshops also assist in identifying the type of design services required to better serve the needs of our clients. Upon completion of the programming phase, Design Collaboration can then move into the design and ultimately the construction phase of a home. Our ability to incorporate universal design into all of our projects ensures living enivironments that are barrier free to all users. We pride ourselves on listening to our clients and turning their ideas into reality.