"We're thrilled," founder Marc Margulies tells GlobeSt.com shortly after hearing of his firm's selection for a venture expected to cost around $90 million. "It's a great project for us." Already known for several high-profile architectural assignments in Boston, and familiar to HBM management through fit out work at the real estate company's abutting Hobbs Brook Office Park, Margulies & Associates beat out a bevy of renowned competitors to get the nod. The difference included "a fresh approach," corporate design expertise and demonstrated knowledge of sustainable development, says HBM first vice president Donald Oldmixon.

"Our intention is to build green," explains Oldmixon, forecasting a facility capable of meeting the LEED standard. Margulies embraces sustainability, having just assisted Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Massachusetts in developing one new sustainable building and renovating another facility. The firm is also designing an eight-story residential/retail building in South Boston under the green mantra.

Margulies expressed surprise that sustainable design hardly registered in a review of top priorities among developers highlighted during the May RealShare Boston conference. "It's here to stay," insists Margulies, who places the upfront premium at about 1% to 2% of project cost. Elements such as waterless toilets can save huge amounts of money, he adds, "and tenants absolutely want it. If they have a choice of going into a green building, they will always go."