Emily is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, a boutique practice specializing in new homes and renovations that are beautiful, functional, comfortable, healthy, and durable.
Emily received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Penn State University and is a Registered Architect in Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Utah. Emily is a HERS Rater, a Certified Passive House Consultant, and an avid building science enthusiast.
An educator at heart, Emily also teaches building science and sustainable design at a local community college and has served as a consultant for projects in secondary school trade programs. She is the co-author of “Pretty Good House, A Guide To Creating Better Homes”, hosts the monthly podcast E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily and co-hosts the live-streamed BS* + Beer Show, a monthly building science show for professionals and “civilians” alike.
Courses
Architectural Detailing for High Performance and Healthy Buildings
Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 2:00-3:00pm EST
Join Emily Mottram, known for her work on the "Pretty Good House" concept, for a session exploring the proper detailing and installation for air, water, and insulation layers within a building. Emily will demonstrate how to begin the design process with the specific climate zone, and then reverse engineer decisions from there. Participants will learn to identify risks associated with poorly executed detailing and explore strategies to enhance air quality and building durability through careful material selection and detailing control layers. By viewing the structure as a whole-building integrated system, this approach highlights a practical framework for designing custom residential homes that prioritizes occupant health, safety, and welfare.