In your own words, how would you define the term “Norfology”?
Norfology is the spirit of making Norfolk a leader in culture, business, and quality of life through innovation and determination.
In your own words, how would you define the term “Norfologist?”
A Norfologist is a person who personifies and leads the quest for achievement of the above mentioned qualities.
Describe the nature of your business – what does your organization do? What are your goals?
Green Build It is a development/design+build firm. We specialize in small scale residential projects consisting of unique, modern and green living spaces. Our goal is to build well designed, energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes that are affordable to the average person. Our hope is that our work will inspire others to build green and live green.
What makes your organization unique in Norfolk and Hampton Roads?
What makes our organization unique is that we are rethinking the way houses are designed and built here in Hampton Roads. There is a large divide in the local residential market place. You either have exquisite custom homes or standard mass produced tract homes. There is very little in between and nothing in the way of green. Mass produced tract homes are like fast food; cheap and easy but also unsatisfying and boring. Our homes are design focused for individuals wanting to step beyond the world of cookie cutter housing. We were the first to build a LEED certified residence in Hampton Roads and are currently working on our third home designed to meet LEED certification.
Why did you choose Norfolk, VA for your business?
Our projects are best suited for urban infill environments as opposed to suburban neighborhoods. Infill development focuses on the reuse of underutilized buildings and sites in urban areas and is sustainability at its most basic – putting our existing sites to better use rather than consuming limited vacant land. This type of development takes advantage of existing infrastructure and public resources, and generates reinvestment in Norfolk’s urban core.
What incentives, amenities, infrastructure, opportunities, etc. does working in Norfolk offer your business?
Norfolk recently established a green team within city government which is exploring ways for the city to build a sustainable future. It’s really about creating a sustainable Norfolk both economically and environmentally.
A changing shift in demographics, economics, and lifestyles present an opportunity for Norfolk to re-examine the way we think of growth and housing. Our projects are essentially a blueprint for smart growth, designed to ensure downtown and surrounding neighborhoods are vibrant, livable communities with new housing opportunities, amenities and services for citizens of all income levels.
Since working in Norfolk, how have you seen your organization grow?
Green Build It is an up and coming firm which is based here in Norfolk. We see tremendous opportunity for us on the horizon. The support from the local community for our projects has been tremendous. We hope to make a difference in our local community one home at a time and one family at a time.
If you were speaking with a fellow entrepreneur who was looking to relocate their business, what would you tell them about your experiences in Norfolk, VA, to entice them to do business here?
Norfolk is the regions cultural and financial center. Diversity, quality of life, connectivity, and a business friendly culture is why you should do business here.
What do you personally enjoy about living and working in Norfolk, VA? (The environment and atmosphere, personal/family lifestyle, activities you enjoy, etc.)
We have a talented and creative team. We’re young professionals who prefer city life and enjoy the energy and vibrancy of an urban environment. We like to be in the center of what’s going on, close to work, entertainment, restaurants, shopping, transit, etc.
What do you see in Norfolk’s future that excites you?
We’re most excited about light rail and the types of development projects centered around light rail. It provides an opportunity for higher quality and higher function development and redevelopment. The possibility of new walkable neighborhoods linked by rail like those found in cities with established rail systems is exciting. Some of the greatest neighborhoods around New York and Chicago were built around transit.