Nearly half of all energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the U.S. can be attributed to building construction and operation. A profoundly different and better way of designing and building is imperative. My initial understanding of this imperative led me to design more responsibly, with an ecological focus, as a response to my growing awareness of climate change, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the contribution of the building industry to all of the above.
Since I first became self-employed in 1996, I’ve honed my practice of passive solar design, energy modeling, sustainable building methods, and design in general. I have designed beautiful, comfortable houses in frigid climates that cost the occupants less than $300 a year to heat, and some that produce as much energy as they consume in a year. I put my energy into learning not only how to design more sustainably, but also into understanding more about the interactions between human activities and the ecology of our planet.
As I learned more and more about ecologically responsible building practices, and implemented them in my work, I became part of a small, dedicated community of like-minded designers around the country. We have been each other’s teachers, students, champions, and support group. Our work leads by example, and we teach and inspire others to change the way they design and build.
More recently, my growing awareness of the structural inequality of our social construct led me to recognize the many ways the issues of environment and justice are intertwined. Our most vulnerable citizens rarely live homes as healthy and as efficient as the homes I have designed, most of which were built for people who could afford to pay for a customized sustainable home, and just about anything else they need. Furthermore, those who suffer the consequences of inequity experience it disproportionately in virtually every aspect of their communities, including housing, education, health care, and food.
Not coincidentally, others in my small community of specialists have noticed this and express similar concerns. Many of us used to believe that our brand of design would be “the norm” by now. Unfortunately, it is anything but. And the environmental, social, and economic consequences of climate change and institutionalized injustice are bearing down faster than ever.
In the wake of reality and urgency, I decided to shift and expand my focus in favor of positive change, and to do it the way I know best: through design.
I hope you’ll peruse my new website, and imagine the possibilities of what we can address and accomplish together … through design.