Calling upon principles of sustainable design, the partially earth-sheltered structure was built into the terrain to create 14 feet of usable space below ground. By placing most of the new space below grade IKM architects and the design team determined that the Conservatory would save as much as 40 to 50 percent in annual energy costs compared to an above grade building.  IKM also selected low or no VOC paints, adhesives, carpet and other materials to help achieve the LEED Silver Rating from the US Green Building Council.

The new Welcome Center at Phipps Conservatory demonstrates that an environmentally friendly, sustainable design can be created in ways sympathetic to an historic setting. Writing in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the architecture critic concluded that “one thing is certain: at last Phipps has the entrance it has so long deserved.”