It seems like an issue of money vs. satisfaction. If money satisfies you, go for the net-zero project. The design-build choice seems like it would be fun and more involved, giving you more concrete experience. You have to consider that you would make more connections in a professional practice so if you have a family, money may come into play to move forward in the system. Do you want to help people or help yourself?

I would say do whatever you feel would make you a more knowledgeable and innovative/ interesting architect that people could come to respect.

Both are good answers, so thank you!

It's not so much about money - it's only one studio project out of four. There are opportunities for other studios after this one, which relieves me some.

I think while I was sleeping last night, I might have come up with an answer finally.

Thanks again.

i feel the same way about picking my non-studio courses. do i take the stuff that interests me (theory, writing, analysis) or the stuff i'm not good at and hate doing but might come in handy (drawing, fabrication)?

should be a passion for sure.... the whole architecture thing (school, professional life, etc) has to be a passion man/girl, if not ur going to have not a good time.

the first one sounds way more interesting to me, and given that you say it's your area of interest I'd say go with the passion

let the passion of inertia take over and just watch some dvd's in your parents basement...