There’s a counter-narrative-- a stereotype of sorts--that goes something like this: “natural buildings are made by unlicensed, inexperienced builders under the “radar” of building code officials, using inferior materials and techniques that compromise the structure’s longevity and the occupant’s health and safety.” Some might go further and say that natural building is a “throw-back” of the ‘60s and ‘70s Hippie culture.

Bunk.

Every year hundreds and thousands of permitted “natural” buildings are constructed in the United States and Canada by licensed, dedicated craftsmen and women, and many of these buildings exceed construction, safety, and energy performance requirements in nearly every way. They're healthy, beautiful, and inspiring to live in, too.

For me, addressing this counter-narrative meant having a seat at the table with mainstream builders, suppliers, and code officials, and being licensed was part of that. Although I retired from active construction work at the end of 2022, I believe that building code-level structures mostly from locally abundant, natural materials that out-perform other construction methods shines a light along a viable path for local economic and environmental health. I continue to teach, design, and consult on both rainwater catchment systems and straw bale buildings.

California Straw Building Association (CASBA). This non-profit organization’s purpose is “…to further the practice of straw building by exchanging current information and practical experience, promoting and conducting research and testing, and making that body of knowledge available to working professionals and the public at large.” To that end we raise funds through educational straw building and plastering workshops and book sales, and hold an annual conference to share the latest in straw building. I joined CASBA in 2003, have been on their Advisory Board since 2006, play a role in CASBA’s workshop program, and was a principal contributor and managing editor of their book “Straw Bale Building Details: An illustrated Guide for Design and Construction,” available through CASBA, local booksellers, or on-line. Visit www.strawbuilding.org for more information.

American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA). This non-profit organization’s purpose “is to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, non-potable, storm water and energy challenges throughout the world.” ARCSA offers an education and certification program that helps maintain high performance standards of installed rainwater harvesting systems. I was an ARCSA member from 2011 to 2022, and completed the course of study required to become an ARCSA Accredited Professional in 2012. Visit www.arcsa.org for more information.