““The key is to create a 5-star resort setting and usable outdoor spaces,” says architect David Hovey Jr., vice president of Optima, Inc., attributing part of his projects’ success to residents being able to use their outdoor space as another room. “Shading devices and vertical landscaping creates shade and lowers the ambient temperature, and creates privacy for residents.” Hovey has been involved in Scottsdale’s adoption of the International Green Construction Code instead of LEED, which, he explains, “allows cities to pick the specifics that make the most sense and provide the most benefit.” Plus, the cities can then use their own inspectors, thus making the process more efficient.”

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