Reflections on the Green Home Tour and Living Future unConference

Living Shelter Architects participated in both, the Living Future unConference and the  Northwest Green Home Tour, this year and have previously done so in the past. Sitting down with our Founder and Principal Architect Terry Phelan, we took time to reflect on her experiences this year with both events. 

What was the difference (if any) between the experience of last years’ Green Home Tour and this years’? 

Our experience this year was quite different. Last year we had three different projects on the tour and they each saw over 100 visitors. This year we just had one project that only had about 20 visitors. 

What was exciting about the Rainier View Homes being on the Green Home Tour? 

It was great to show the first permitted cottage project in King County to the public and create interest in community based design. We are so proud of this project and we look forward to doing more of this type. I just wish more people had known about it and our involvement!

Why were you looking forward to the Living Future unConference? 

This is always an inspirational gathering and an opportunity to see some colleagues that I don’t often cross paths with. A bonus was meeting two other CVG partners there this year and finding so much in common with them. It was great to connect about business matters as well as the latest in deep green practices that we were all interested in. 

What was a memorable experience of the opening night reception/party? 

The memorial for Patti Southard, who was such a change maker for green building in our area. And finding two new products that I’m excited about - Teknoflor organic sheet flooring and salvaged wood paneling from Sustainable Northwest Wood.

Do you have any takeaways from your experience with the unConference?

It’s hard to go only to the opening and not the entire conference. This is the first time I’ve limited my participation to just the first night, and it left me wanting more. 

Living Shelter Architects supports both the mission of the Living Future unConference and of the  Northwest Green Home Tour. Both are special gatherings for the green building community. We are all on a mission to preserve the natural world to support our children’s children and other living beings, using building and climate science as our guide. Events such as these, allow a space for all of us to meet face-to-face and find inspiration and communion with one another. 

Interested in how your building project can contribute positively to our world? We design multiple project types and scales with sustainable missions. Find out if working with our team is a good fit: https://www.livingshelter.com/working-with-us

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