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For Karen Morris, construction is not just an industry. It’s part of who she is. Long before she began creating proposals and helping teams pursue projects, Karen was spending summers on job sites surrounded by contractors, equipment, and concrete. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for construction, problem solving, and building relationships that would

Animal sanctuaries and wildlife facilities operate in an increasingly competitive funding environment. Grant programs are more selective, capital campaigns require stronger storytelling, and donors expect clear evidence of impact before committing resources. In this landscape, conceptual design and professional renderings have become essential tools for turning vision into action. When used effectively, they help organizations

Why the future of energy efficiency depends on verifying, not assuming, envelope integrity Energy modeling has long been the backbone of high‑performance building design. Today, however, energy codes and owner standards are increasingly shifting toward measured, verifiable outcomes, making it clear that modeling alone cannot guarantee performance. As requirements under modern energy codes embed air

How Early Energy Modeling Drives Higher Performance, Greater Savings, and Smarter Design Decisions As building performance expectations continue to rise, energy modeling is no longer just a tool for verifying compliance, it is one of the most powerful ways to shape better buildings from the very beginning. When energy modeling is introduced early in design,

Across the built environment, one of the biggest missed opportunities is not design related. It is financial.  Projects are moving forward every day without fully capturing the incentives, rebates, and funding mechanisms available to them. Not because the opportunities are not there, but because they are not identified early enough or integrated into the project strategy.  At Epsten Group,

Every great team has someone whose story reminds us what dedication truly looks like. For Epsten Group’s Jay Nasirifard, that story spans continents, careers, and a steadfast pursuit of excellence. After relocating to the United States in 2001, Jay’s first position was unloading materials at a JCPenney warehouse. His drive to learn and adapt quickly

Zoo and animal sanctuary design is experiencing a clear shift. What was once driven largely by precedent and visual interpretation is increasingly shaped by measurable outcomes and scientific insight. Across the industry, institutions are moving toward evidence-based planning that prioritizes animal welfare, behavioral health, and long term adaptability over design intent alone. This evolution is

2025 was a year of meaningful work, strong partnerships, and community engagement for the Epsten Group Architecture Department. We proudly advanced several high-impact projects, including our continued work with the North American Headquarters for Kingspan, where thoughtful design and sustainability remained at the forefront. We also supported the Salisbury Zoo with design efforts for their

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) officially released LEED v5 on April 28th of this year, representing the most ambitious update yet to the LEED rating system. This new version drives decarbonization, climate resilience, and human health through measurable outcomes, where previous versions focused on design intent. With a heightened emphasis on operational carbon, real-time

As zoos and aquariums evolve, their role extends far beyond conservation and education. Today, these institutions are also leaders in sustainable design, modeling how the built environment can protect ecosystems, reduce resource consumption, and create healthier experiences for both animals and people. By integrating strategies like green infrastructure, energy modeling, and sustainability certifications, zoos and