Episode Summary

Architects Michael Proscia and Jake Springer of Jones Architecture join Matt Copeland and Gert Guldentops of CopelandBEC to discuss practical impacts of the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. They cover the code's primary goals, the challenges of implementing it for both new and existing buildings, and how it's shaping the future of building design and technology.

Key Topics Discussed:

• New Code Requirements: The code, based on the 2021 IECC with significant Massachusetts amendments, is intended to encourage more accurate calculation of building heating and cooling loads by accounting for thermal bridging.

• Practical Challenges & Strategies: The group emphasizes that these new requirements should be incorporated early in the design process. A key challenge is educating clients on why new analyses and specialized consultants are necessary. The code can be particularly challenging for smaller projects and historic renovations due to the cost and complexity of the required analysis relative to project size.

• Documentation, Enforcement, and the Future: Architects report they are working to provide the required documentation, but review and enforcement from building officials are still catching up. Recent amendments provide clear guidance on how compliance should be documented. The panel agrees that the code is pushing the industry toward innovation in building products and that ongoing education for designers, builders, and owners is essential for success.

Resources Mentioned

• copelandbec.com/self-help

Guest Bios

Michael Proscia, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC

Mike joined Jones in the fall of 2019 as project manager. With over 10 years of experience, Mike has worked on data center, laboratory, corporate interior, adaptive reuse, and multifamily residential projects in Boston and internationally. He has also been a member of the Swampscott Planning Board, and is passionate about urban planning and active transportation, having previously served on the Cambridge Bicycle Advisory Committee and Swampscott Traffic Advisory Committee. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA.

Jake Springer, AIA

Jake is originally from Salem, MA and joined Jones Architecture in 2018. His work spans higher education, public, and institutional projects, including  projects at UMass Boston, Northeastern, and Harvard, focusing on façade upgrades, facility improvements, and accessibility renovations. Most recent work includes leading the building envelope design for Norwich University’s new Cyber Fusion Center and an accessible addition to The Munroe Center for the Arts. He also assisted on a new call center for the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DCAMM), which features a hybrid structure of CLT, glulam, and steel.

He is especially interested in reimagining existing spaces to serve new purposes, designing for the future, and creating efficient, well-crafted building envelopes. Known for his strong technical and representation skills, Jake values collaboration, inclusive practice, and working closely with clients and end users to deliver thoughtful, flexible design solutions.

He holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology.