In an era where the nexus between design and environmental safety is becoming increasingly intersected, architects must develop a keen awareness of the legal protections that may directly or indirectly affect their projects – including creative designs. A growing challenge to maintain that awareness is the appearance of “forever chemicals” such as pfas law firms in materials vital to many contemporary building processes. The list of products that often contain PFAS includes wiring, wire insulation, lubricants, furnishings, paints, cleaning products, and more – a reality which can make dealing with contaminated materials a daunting prospect. Thankfully, awareness of potential sources of contamination before the design phase can go far in helping architects protect their projects as well as their interests from the damaging effects of these troublesome chemicals. By working with environmental lawyers, architects can more confidently address likely risks, design defensible solutions, and avoid costly pitfalls down the road.

Michael Fitzpatrick Architects, whose projects emphasize energy conservation, modern materials, and creation of unique spaces, has perhaps already engaged in proactive legal measures without real consideration of their impact on the design process. In many ways, their design intent embodies a synergy for integrating architectural aesthetics and environmental compliance in a harmonious manner. With a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved in new construction and renovations, architects can fulfill their goals without risking present and future liabilities. For instance, whether designing a new structure or a renovation, it is of utmost importance to verify that materials used in construction processes do not contain substances that may cause contamination. Additionally, architects must consider the implications of disposal, including during renovation or deconstruction processes, to ensure that all materials are disposed of properly. This aspect is especially important for materials that have historically proven difficult to safely dispose of, since their long-term presence in the environment can prove difficult to remediate. Furthermore, in considering the possible impacts of environmental elements on a site where a structure will be built, one of the most crucial aspects architects must consider is the possibility of soil and water contamination on a given site. For sites that contain or previously contained business, particular attention should be given to storage tanks, as well as potential runoff sources on the site or adjacent properties. Of course, regulators at the local, state and federal level are not the only groups to keep track of which materials are being utilized on construction projects. For example, third-party activists often conduct extensive research into the suppliers and producers of materials planned for use on fresh projects to ascertain whether any of those entities are responsible for environmental contamination.

More than ever before, architects are obligated by law to be aware of the legal protections that could potentially affect their designs and interests. One such established expectation is the realization that chemical pollutants such as PFAS pose a serious risk for contamination of construction sites, complicating remediation efforts and opening the door to numerous liabilities. Not only is the risk of exposure posed by PFAS contamination a valid concern, but also the potential ramifications associated with remediation of affected sites. PFAS, which can take the form of solid, liquid, aerosol, or vapor particles, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals. As more states adopt stricter regulations on the use and disposal of these chemicals, architects (who play one of the pivotal roles in construction) are increasingly becoming responsible for the use of materials that may endanger public health and the environment.

For more information on the regulations surrounding PFAS, you can visit the EPA’s official page on PFAS.