MEET THE ARCHITECT

AN ECO-CONSCIOUS ARCHITECT DREAMS OF CHANGING DESIGN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Your firm specializes in green design. How did this come about? Green design is something I have been interested in since before I even became an architect. Fortunately, it's becoming a buzz phrase these days. People are finally starting to wake up. As the language of eco-consciousness becomes more and more common in households, it's easier for us to help people see the benefits of green design and green concepts. How did you get into architecture? After college, I opened a pottery studio on the West Coast. I began building kilns and even built a solar kiln. From there I started carpentry and crossed paths with an architect whose work I loved. After working with him for some years I had an opportunity to look into architecture school and then, all of a sudden, I was an architect. I really started when I was 30. How did you end up in the Hamptons? I am originally from Massapequa. When I was living on the West Coast I had a son and realized that my family was missing out on seeing him. I was missing them, too, so we moved back. Of course, the Hamptons is really the only place to be; if you are going to be on Long Island you might as well be here. How has the community responded to environmental design initiatives? Getting people to make a commitment to green design is still difficult, especially with residential projects. There is a perception that it costs more and it's difficult for people to think about it because it's uncommon ground. We try to bring them up to speed so they'll realize in the long run that they'll save money and be healthier. What are your favorite green products? I like to use natural fiber carpets—if I use carpeting at all—and woods can be very green when they are renewable. We try to use only sustainable forestry. What are you looking forward to this season? Right now I am excited about architecture. This is the most exciting and important time in history to be an architect because we are literally able to change the way the world designs buildings. We can help people understand more about the way buildings are used, how much energy they use and how they can play a part in helping conserve some of that energy.