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Connective Thinking

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I spent this past weekend with my tribe, as one of 90+ members of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild who gathered at Pilgrim Firs Retreat Center in Port Orchard, WA. This annual event is our venue to share stories, ideas, and camaraderie – and I’m still buzzing with the higher vibration created by our time together.

Made up mostly of very small business owners in the sustainable design and construction industry, this group’s kinship is rare and necessary. In clear contrast with the typical gathering of industry professionals, where competition and veiling of secret formulas for success is the norm, we seem to thrive on collaboration and inspiration. Numerous new alliances and several viable business ideas were cultivated over the weekend, and I’m excited to see how they blossom and grow over the next year.

The shared passion of this group is to advance a 200 year perspective for the residential built environment. Each of us is in some way pushing the envelope toward a vision of sustainability, yet much of our time is spent in isolation at our work. Because our means and methods are often not main stream, support from each other is essential for survival. And by collaborating with each other this vision can become reality much faster.

This is an excellent lesson in the power of numbers. A group of focused individuals can make exponential change in a short time where separately they might toil for years. We may crave seclusion from noise and activity, yet our lives are much richer when shared with others – balance is the key. Humans are tribal creatures, and in the tribe your unique knowledge can be woven into the collective fabric to create a whole that resonates out into the world.

Whatever work you do, consider how you might accomplish more through collaborating with others. It will be good practice – leaning on people in our own communities for food, services, and security may soon be just as important to us as it was for our ancestors. Together we’ll not only stand, but may just move forward making positive change that is tangible during our own lifetimes.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”

—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven

“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”

—Michele Scaglia, Client

“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”

—Mary Huycke, Client

“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”

—Kim Gilmer, Client

“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”

—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design

“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”

—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works

“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”

—Judi and Scott Nicolai

“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”

—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker