In the heart of Highland, a new design destination has opened its doors. Tucked among orchards and just minutes from Route 87, Cathy Hobbs | Highland Passive House is more than architecturally striking, it marks a historic milestone in sustainable building. At 12,500 square feet, it is the first multi-use Passive House–certified warehouse in North America, blending energy-efficient construction with a strong connection to community, sustainability, and creativity.

Cathy Hobbs, an Emmy Award–winning former television journalist and longtime interior designer, is the visionary behind the project. After two decades on air, Hobbs shifted careers and founded Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes in 2004. She says the idea for this building began as something simple.

“I set out to build a warehouse and headquarters for my company,” Hobbs said. “But once I discovered Passive House construction, I knew I had to go in that direction.”

What followed was a series of conversations, partnerships, and a bit of good fortune. Hobbs approached architect Michael Ingui of Ingui Architecture, who is deeply immersed in the sustainable building world. While Ingui typically works on brownstones and townhomes, he connected Hobbs to EcoCor, a Maine-based company that produces prefabricated Passive House panels. They happened to have an unused design that fit Hobbs’ needs almost exactly.

“I flew to Maine in the middle of winter and bought the structure that same day,” she said.

Today, the space functions as more than just a headquarters. It is a design showroom, warehouse, office, and creative gathering place. Constructed using a panelized system with column-free spans and tall trusses, the building meets strict Passive House standards for energy efficiency, air-tightness, and thermal performance. Powered by rooftop solar panels and supported by a grant from New York State’s Carbon Neutral Communities program, it reflects a full commitment to sustainable building from the ground up.

But while the construction methods are high-tech, Hobbs’ goals are deeply personal. A longtime resident of the Hudson Valley, she chose Highland with intention.

“This is the community I raised my daughter in. I’ve spent years here—at the local cafés, churches, and soccer fields,” she said. “I wanted to build something that gives back to the place I call home.”

The location, close to both Albany and Manhattan, is practical too. Hobbs’ team regularly transports furnishings across the region, and being near a major route keeps operations smooth. But Cathy Hobbs | Highland Passive House isn’t just about logistics. As larger home décor retailers began leaving the region, Hobbs saw an opportunity to step in.

She envisioned a place where homeowners, rental hosts, and fellow designers could access furnishings and creative services locally. The center now offers design consultations, home staging support, and an E-design platform that bridges clients from across the country to what’s happening on-site in Highland.

The interior feels personal and considered. A vibrant floral mural by artist Natasha May Platt, who works under the name Surface of Beauty, anchors the space. Inspired by the surrounding orchards and Hobbs’ signature use of orange, the mural brings warmth and energy to the room. Rich wood finishes, soft natural light, and clean, modern lines carry through the rest of the showroom, where European kitchen features and a sun-filled conference area offer both elegance and utility.

“It’s functional, but also beautiful,” Hobbs said. “I wanted people to feel inspired the moment they walk in.”

The space is already creating employment opportunities. The logistics team is fully based in the Hudson Valley, and Hobbs says she is always looking for local talent to join her design staff.
Professionally, the project marks both a milestone and a new beginning. “This is my legacy,” she said. “It’s not just a building. It’s something lasting. I want it to inspire other small business owners to think sustainably.”

Personally, she hopes it encourages young creatives to keep going, even in the face of setbacks.

“Never let anyone tell you that your dream is too big,” she said. “I was told I would never make it in journalism, and I ended up with five Emmys. You just have to keep moving forward.”

Cathy Hobbs is also the author of Home Design Recipes, a design book offering expert insights and approachable strategies for creating stylish, personalized interiors. The book is available now through her online shop.

To learn more or schedule a visit, go to https://highlandpassivehouse.com/