As we begin a new decade and more and more attention is focused on green methods, technologies and products, it is crucial to remember that good design is the foundation for green. If at the beginning of a project the design professional does not pay attention to the four key factors in good design, sun, wind, water and site everything else is a band-aid. As the owner of MMDesigns I begin every project with these considerations as a basis for how to approach the problem for an optimum solution that addresses the client's needs as well as the wider needs of the community to save energy and reduce waste.