Kate and Sven Thesen
The leaders, financial backers, and coordinators of the project. Kate is originally from Boston, MA., but has aslo lived in Scotland, Michigan, Maine, Munich, Gifu, Japan, Montana, Massachusetts and finally for three years in San Francisco. She is a dermatologist, likes and plays music, is an amateur anthropologist, enjoys art and the great outdoors.
Sven is a Canadian of Norwegian and English parents, but grew up mainly in SE US. Went to high school in Scotland. A chemical engineer by degree, he has spent the majority of his working career as an environmental engineer. More importantly Sven hiked the Appalachian Trail twice and Pacific Crest Trail once (so far). Is a self professed “do-gooder”, volunteers with the Sierra Club taking inner city kids camping, and generally spreads joy. Sven currently works for the venture-backed energy infrastructure company Better Place. They live in Palo Alto.
ARCHITECTS
Arkin Tilt Architects is an award-winning firm specializing in energy and resource efficient design. Our projects embody a marriage of thoughtful design and ecology, creating spaces that are comfortable and lyrical. We pay particular attention to the integration of the built and natural environments—from siting to careful detailing. We have extensive experience with alternative construction systems, including straw-bale and rammed earth, renewable energy systems, greywater, and non-toxic and recycled materials. Our projects include residential and commercial, park buildings, religious facilities, and Eco-Resort planning and design. www.arkintilt.com
Construction Project Manager/Builder/Passive House Consultant & All Round Hero!
Owner of Red Company LLC, Joshua Moore is the Project Manager responsible for the home’s construction. In addition to his Project Management skills, he is both a licensed architect and contractor plus a Passive House Consultant and also brings a wealth of building and design experience to the project. Moore is an advocate for the Design-Build process in that “only through accepting, embracing, and knowing the hard realities of construction will we be able to affordably and practically design our way to a better future.” Tel. 510-812-5688 www.RedBuildings.com
MARKETING
Originally from Northern California, Shannon Springer has worked and lived in Argentina, Spain and the UK. With a background in marketing, sustainability and corporate strategy, she has collaborated with leading multi-national companies across the clean energy and environmental sectors to create game-changing, innovative solutions that generate both economic and social value. Shannon has also led sustainable development initiatives with overseas nonprofits, and is an avid traveler with a passion for any adventure involving the mountains or ocean. She holds a bachelor’s degree cum laude from UC Santa Barbara.
Lawrence Li lives simply in San Francisco, and spends time on city sidewalks and at cafes. He has over 20 years of managing biotech, business services and community service organizations undergoing mergers and rapid growth–plus volunteering with Sven Thesen in various do-gooder ventures. He currently serves as administrative director for San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR).
