A graduate in architecture of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pete has been deeply engaged in the world of design and building for the last twenty-seven years: 4 years as a licensed general building contractor doing hands-on design-build and the last 19 as a licensed architect increasingly immersed in the world of Green Building and natural building.
His firm, Common Sense Design, specializes in “spirited green architecture.” Since 1989, Common Sense Design has designed and consulted on hundreds of residential and commercial projects, exploring a wide range of building systems, energy-efficiency strategies, and other integrated Green Building approaches.
In 2001, Pete co-founded the Redwood Empire Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He has been active in the Chapter for the last eight years, as Board Member, Co-Chair, and Programs Committee Chair, and now as a member of the Advisory Council.
Having successfully co-developed and co-taught Sonoma State University’s Green Building Professional Certificate Program since 2004, Pete is now a principal with Longview Education Associates and is the lead faculty for the Green Building Professional Certificate Program offered through the Redwood Empire Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
In addition to his ongoing responsibilities as a practicing architect, green building consultant, and teacher, Pete has given presentations on topics related to Green Building to a wide variety of audiences including: Bioneers, West Coast Green, Christian Camp and Conference Association, Sol-Fest at Real Goods’ Institute for Solar Living, Herbfest, Agilent Corporation, Redwood Empire Chapter of the AIA, Redwood Empire Chapter of the CSI, Redwood Empire Chapter of ASCE, Gualala Arts Club, Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, City Councils and Chambers of Commerce.
