Biography

In the modern construction landscape, "environmental services" is no longer just a checkbox for regulatory compliance—it is the backbone of viable, long-term development. For A. Alberto Lugo, this sector represents the critical intersection where architectural vision meets ecological reality.

As the principal of A. Alberto Lugo Environmental Services, a specialized division of his broader architectural practice, Lugo offers high-level consulting for developers, municipalities, and private homeowners in Eastchester and Westchester County.

"We are seeing a paradigm shift in New York," Lugo explains. "Zoning laws are tightening around environmental impact. Flood maps are being redrawn. Energy codes are becoming stricter. My role is to navigate these complexities, ensuring that a project isn't just 'green' in name, but performative in function."

With a background that includes a Master of Architecture from Cornell University and specialized training in environmentally conscious building, Alberto brings a rigor to environmental consulting that few in the region can match.

Our Expertise: Managing the Westchester Landscape

Eastchester and the surrounding towns (Scarsdale, Bronxville, Tuckahoe) face unique environmental challenges. From the rocky, impermeable soil typical of the Hudson Valley to the aging stormwater infrastructure, building here requires local knowledge.

A. Alberto Lugo Environmental Services provides a suite of targeted solutions:

1. Site Feasibility & Impact Analysis

Before a single shovel hits the ground, you need to understand the land.

• Service: We conduct comprehensive site audits that go beyond standard surveying. We analyze solar orientation, wind patterns, and soil permeability.

• The "Lugo" Difference: Alberto uses drone technology and 3D terrain mapping to identify potential drainage issues or solar maximization opportunities that traditional surveys miss.

• Application: Ideal for developers looking to subdivide lots in Eastchester without running afoul of the Planning Board.

2. Stormwater Management Solutions

"Water is the enemy of the building, but the friend of the earth. We have to reconcile that," Lugo says.

• The Challenge: Eastchester’s increasing paving density has led to runoff issues.

• The Solution: We design and consult on Green Infrastructure:

  • Bioswales & Rain Gardens: Engineered planting areas that absorb runoff.

  • Permeable Pavement Systems: Driveways and parking lots that allow water to filter through rather than flood the street.

  • Underground Detention: Smart-tech cisterns that hold storm surges and release water slowly.

3. Energy Audits & Retrofitting Consulting

Existing buildings are the biggest carbon emitters.

• Service: A. Alberto Lugo consults for commercial and residential property owners to identify energy "bleed."

• Technology: Using thermal imaging and blower-door testing, we pinpoint insulation failures.

• Strategy: We provide a roadmap for retrofitting—recommending specific HVAC upgrades (like heat pumps), window replacements, or envelope sealing that qualify for NY State rebates and tax incentives.

4. LEED & Green Certification Guidance

For commercial developers in White Plains and Greenwich, a LEED certification translates to higher rents and property value.

• Service: We manage the documentation and design process to ensure your project hits the Gold or Platinum standard.

• Holistic Approach: We ensure compliance not just in the final build, but in the construction process itself (waste management, material sourcing).

(Image Suggestion 2: A clean, technical diagram showing a "Net-Zero" house cross-section. Arrows indicate "Geothermal Heating," "Solar Gain," "Rainwater Harvesting," and "Superior Insulation." The caption reads: "The Blueprint for Efficiency.")

The Intersection of Policy and Practice

A. Alberto Lugo isn't just a service provider; he is an advocate. Through his Architecture and Earth Awareness Foundation, he helps shape the very conversations that lead to better environmental policy.

This advocacy gives his consulting clients a competitive edge. Because Alberto is deeply involved in the "green conversation" at a foundational level, he often anticipates regulatory changes before they become law.

"I tell my clients: Don't build for the code of today. Build for the code of 2030," Alberto advises. "If you barely meet the energy standards now, your building will be obsolete in ten years. We design for future-proofing."

Case Study: The "Green" Subdivision

Project: A proposed 4-lot subdivision in Westchester. Challenge: The site had significant wetlands and a steep grade, making traditional septic and drainage impossible. The Lugo Solution: Instead of fighting the terrain, Alberto’s team proposed a "Cluster Development." They grouped the houses on the flattest, most stable part of the land, leaving 60% of the site as a dedicated conservation easement.

• Result: The town approved the project because it preserved green space. The developer saved money on excavation. The homeowners got a private nature reserve in their backyard.

• Takeaway: Smart environmental planning is profitable planning.

Why Choose A. Alberto Lugo?

• Integrated Knowledge: As a licensed architect and CEO of Framing Futures Architectural Firm (FFAF), he understands how environmental systems impact the aesthetics and structure of a building. He won't recommend a solution that makes your building look ugly or compromise its integrity.

• Local Roots: He lives here. He plays pickleball here. He walks his Alaskan Malamutes here. He cares about the Eastchester environment personally.

• Proven Track Record: From supervising multi-story sustainable structures in NYC to consulting on single-family eco-renovations, his portfolio speaks for itself.

Consult with Us

The environment is your project’s most permanent partner. Make sure you’re working with it.

Contact A. Alberto Lugo Environmental Services today to schedule a site evaluation or energy consultation.