About Sustainable Building Solutions, Inc.

Sustainable Building Solutions, Inc. is a Texas company that evolved from John and Sue Porretto's efforts to design and construct a high quality home that exceeded code in structural integrity, energy efficiency, safety, and healthfulness.

As they were planning their home, and while on a vacation in Europe, they were struck by the architectural beauty, quality and craftsmanship in the buildings. Many of these buildings had endured centuries of inclement weather and had survived many generations of owners and uses. They were working with Roger Rasbach, who was well known for designing beautiful, energy efficient homes. They spent a lot of time educating themselves about the construction process and the interrelatedness of systems and materials. After discussions with eight residential builders, it became clear to the Porrettos that these builders were competing on price and not on quality. Unwilling to compromise their principles of health, safety, energy-efficiency, and the quality of materials and craftsmanship, they decided to build their home themselves, and later to begin a company based on their principles.

Subsequent experiences in leading a major academic health center in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining sustainable facilities further informed and guided the Sustainable Building Solutions, Inc. methodologies and philosophy. (More on John Porretto)

The designer, Roger Rasbach, completed the drawings shortly before his death. Roger is best known for his timeless designs, sense of scale and place, and for creating homes that are functional, open, and flexible. The architect of record is Fred Pecceni of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, who has designed several homes and buildings on Dewees. Jaime Alvarez, a mechanical engineer and a graduate student of architecture at The University of Houston, worked on the detail design and construction drawings. Joe Colaco of CBM Engineers, Houston, Texas, provided the engineering for the foundation of the structure. Riverbend Timber Framing provided the engineering for the timber framing.

Sustainable Building Solutions, Inc.
Board of Advisors

Jim Houck, trained as an engineer, is a former senior corporate leader with broad strategic and operational planning expertise. Most recently, Jim served as president of a large division within Chevron/Texaco. “I met Jim about two years ago,” says John Porretto, “and found him to be a highly creative, energetic and analytic thinker with a strong sense of ethics. I have also gained respect for his poker acumen.”

Rives Taylor, trained as an architect, has been the UT-Houston campus architect. Rives’ fundamentally understands how the interrelatedness of smart design and construction in the context of nature and natural resources can elevate the healthfulness, usefulness and longevity of buildings. “His broad experience, dependability and strong work ethic and character serve all who are fortunate enough to work with this consummate teacher,” says John. “Rives has been my most patient cycling partner and the best architectural tour guide one could hope for.”

Art Titus brings highly practical experience from the residential building industry, where Art has earned respect from his colleagues and peers. “His straightforward manner and strong convictions allow Art to make things happen in an ethical, responsible manner,” says John. “Furthermore, having known Art for about three years now, I have found him to be a very ethical and competent professional.”

Chip Werlein, CPA and entrepreneur, is continuously seeking new ideas and more efficient and effective ways of working. “He is an ardent student of the green building move me nt and I am convinced he will help make positive contributions to this field,” says John. “My friendship with Chip goes back more years than I care to admit and I have tremendous respect, and confidence in Chip’s character, and business acumen.”

Brian Yeoman, in his former role as vice president for planning and campus development at UT-Houston, lives by the principles that are foundational environmental stewardship. “My 25-year relationship with Brian kept me on my toes, as he is the consummate pioneer,” says John, “always willing to bear the scars of those who stand early and strongly on their convictions. Brian’s knowledge of and experience with sustainability is awesome, and his strong institutional memory was crucial to helping our management team stay on course. Most impressive is Brian’s kindness and his remarkable courage to disagree and remind us of where we are heading and why that destination matters.”