We had the opportunity to sit down with Trey Farmer, Partner at Forge Craft, and we focused on the relationship between architecture, building science and restoration. Trey shares how his firm designs and constructs custom homes that meet Passive House Standards, prioritizing energy efficiency and indoor air quality to help combat key issues like mold, which are problematic for the Gulf Coast. He also spoke about his personal journey into the “healthy homes” movement and his work with Malachi’s Message. Malachi’s Message is a nonprofit that is dedicated to supporting those who have been affected and impacted by mold exposure. We discussed how restoration professionals can collaborate with architects and builders to help create healthy living environments by bridging knowledge gaps and adopting standard practices across these industries.

Q: How can restoration professionals work with architects and builders to address hidden dangers beyond just mold and fire, such as allergens, biological hazards and chemical hazards?

A: Restoration professionals need to understand the broader building science and material health considerations, not just the visible issues. Things like improper ventilation, use of toxic materials and combustion sources can create hidden health risks even in buildings without obvious mold or fire damage. Collaboration between restoration, construction and design professionals is crucial to identify and address these underlying problems.

Q: What gaps do you see in the knowledge and capabilities of restoration industry professionals when it comes to understanding the built environment and root causes of health issues?

A: Many restoration professionals don't fully grasp building science principles like air sealing, moisture management and material selection. This makes it hard for them to identify and fix the root causes of problems rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. That’s why it is so important for restoration teams to partner with experts who specialize in building science and healthy materials.

Q: How can restoration professionals get more involved and connected with architects, builders, and other experts focused on healthy, high-performance buildings?

A: I suggest leaning on industry groups and conferences like the local Passive House Alliance and the Humid Climate Conference as entry points to connect with the building science community. These forums attract professionals who are passionate about and knowledgeable in designing and constructing healthy, sustainable buildings. Building these relationships can help restoration professionals find the right partners to collaborate with.