As a LEED credential holder I have a deep understanding of the most current green building principles and practices, and a clear commitment to professional growth in the field.

As a LEED Green Associate I can demonstrate a solid, current understanding of green building principles and practices.

Cardboard Chair Project

 " We can't solve problems by using the

 same kind of thinking we used when we 

created them." - Albert Einstein.

Methodology:

In addressing climate change and other challenges in the environment, we must learn from the workings of nature to affect positive change through the built environment. In nature, systems are in balance. When leaves fall, the soil absorbs the nutrients. The waste from one function is seen as food for another.  The question then is how do we create & build environments that respect this basic law of nature? Building a cardboard chair is one approach. The aim was to develop a design solution that respects the laws of nature and that affect positive change in the environment.

"Snaps" The Cardboard Chair:

Creating the cardboard chair presented an opportunity to manipulate trash into a usable seat. The opportunity to create a new piece of furniture also meant that I was going to be responsible for bringing something new into this world. This made me take a cradle to cradle analysis, which lead to three laws that would govern the development of the project.  One, the chair needed to be light enough for one person to carry it for a distance. Two, the chair needs to fit inside a typical car. Three, the chair needs to be durable to withstand the test of time. The final decision was to have the chair made up of a set of puzzle pieces that would come together.

In conclusion I learned that a cradle to cradle analysis is an important part of life. 

Passive House Design

My life's goal is to create efficiency in all aspects in life. This is why I have a passion for sustainable design. I am equipped for the social and environmental challenges of current domestic and global energy systems, and I understand the solutions and regulatory reforms needed to create a sustainable energy future. 

Qualifications:

 I know how to apply ecological design strategies using both mind and hands,
and develop comprehensive understanding of energy use and the pathways to a clean energy future. 

I am equipped to implement ecological design strategies & analyze renewable energy opportunities. I also have the skills to realize appropriate and meaningful solutions, apply ecological design principles to the built environment, through both conceptual exercises and applied applications. 

I am able to analyze sustainable design and energy challenges within a broad interdisciplinary context and I am prepared for further study and careers in the renewable energy and sustainable design fields. 


The tiny house design: 

The below images represent a theoretical concept that was drawn to help formulate further ideas projects and was not drawn for actual implementation.  

This house is designed to be used with little to no mechanical needs to heat and cool the structure. To heat the house there is an angled 60-degree window to capture the winter sun that hits against a thermal capturing surface. In order to cool the house there are movable channel ways that are designed to allow the cool air pressure to force hot air up and out. This is done by the symbiotic relationship that is created by two opposing windows.

The roof can fit five 435 watt solar panels, to supply electricity to the chest fridge and freezer both of which were designed by nasa in order to require only 75 watts of electricity.  The panels rest against a slanted roof for the purpose to catch the falling rain water. The water is then stored in a black thermal tank above the sink and shower. This creates the appropriate water pressure and helps control temperature. The toilet is designed by Natures Head and requires no water. The grey water from the sink and shower is used to water the out side gardens. The insulation of the house is 6 inches with an R-value of 6 to 6.5 for every inch. 

            

Timber Frame (Carpentry Intensive)

Timber-framing, structures that last. 

I made this video to remember the amazing accomplishment that can be done with in a short amount of time when people work together as a group. With the help of the following readings: Timber Frame Construction by Jack Sobon and Roger Schroeder (1984), and Building the Timber Frame House by Ted Benson with James Grauber (1980) and with the help of my classmates and our professor Robin Chesnut-Tangerman we built the timber frame structure with a few days time. I hope you enjoy the video.

Wood Turning, Wood Carving, and Wood Work.

I have been working with wood since I was thirteen years old. My friend mark and I once  built a tree house with bamboo flooring, a fire place, crown molding, glass windows and a functioning fireplace. From that point on I have been involved in a variety of projects.

Below: 

A countertop holding a CSA and table made out of scrape wood

A hammer and bowl made on a lathe

A spoon carved out of a block of wood.

A mobile chicken coop

A water well I made on my spare time while working at champlain native plant nursery.

Garden Management

I love to landscape and to be outside.
 For more then ten years I have worked on farms and have been gardening.  
My style of planting is to work with nature not against it. 


Plant care and techniques:
grafting, pruning, and cloning, 
companion planting, permaculture design, organic farming practices,
 composting practices, landscape maintenance.
identification of trees, herbs, fruits, and vegetables

Hard scape:
Creative and Artistic 
natural rock walls, grading, stairs.

The Garden:
These garden pictures are from a class project from 2011, we were given 
a limit of time, supplies and funding, creating a lack in ascetic appeal. 
What is important to take away here is the healthy state the plants are in. 

Lake Champlain Restoration Nursery Education Program

Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management and conservation principles
Skill in developing and presenting accurate and creative guided tours, educational, and interpretive programs to various age groups.

The Lake Champlain Restoration Nursery Education Program:

The goal of this project was to provide an opportunity for landowners, youth, families and general residents of the watershed to learn about the need for propagation of native seed stock and the concerns about non-native invasive species; the value of tree and shrub plantings in erosion and pollution control; and especially the effect that individuals can have by participating in restoration practices. While working at Lake champlain Restoration Nursery all the plants we watered were done so by catching rain water. One of the projects that we did was to help find the cure of the dutch elm disease. In addition during my off time instead of sitting around I built a water well.