Fast forward six years!
I’ve left this blog behind, but occasionally I still get
people contacting me for information or advice.
After spending hundreds of hours researching and thinking
about environmentally sensitive design, construction and fit-out for our house,
once we were moved in and relatively settled, I felt lost without a building
project. While I was undoubtedly doing good and worthwhile work as a writer, I
felt despondent at the idea of continuing along that path for several more
decades. I wanted to use a different part of my brain and to think in different
ways. Moreover, after decades of social change activism and environmentalism, I
wanted to learn about, explore and contribute to new ways to design, construct,
live in and interact with the built environment generally – and housing
specifically.
And so it was that, at age 43, I enrolled in a building design
course, to train for a totally new career. I how have a new skill set, an Advanced
Diploma in Building Design (Architectural) and a whole lot of knowledge and ideas!
I’m increasingly specialising in more-sustainable building materials and
products, but designing is still a joy and an inspiration.
Today I’m launching Future Focused: a new business that
brings together my research skills and my passion for design and environmental
and social justice. I have experienced the joy of achieving a high quality,
environmentally responsible home after lots of hard work; but I’ve also spoken
with many people who feel absolutely daunted by the whole shebang. From hereon,
I’ll be helping those people, by selecting, shopping for and advising on
building products that don’t cost the earth.
Please pop over to check out my new website at www.futurefocusedbuildings.com