Ben got into building as a disaster relief volunteer after Hurricane Katrina, an experience he followed with other disaster relief work in Haiti and the northwest US. After taking several natural building workshops, he dug in to making building better homes his career in Denver. He is a Certified Passive House Craftsperson and a NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler. Ben spends his free time biking around Denver and hanging out with his family, including his 2 year old daughter.

Frank started working as a carpenter while in high school. He graduated college with a degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Architectural studies. A Natural Building course at Yestermorrow Design Build School set him up for a move to Colorado and an apprenticeship with Ryan Chivers of Artesano Plasters. Frank is the current president of the Colorado Green Building Guild. When he isn’t building, Frank likes to snuggle cats, spend time by a fire with a game of stump, go camping, hike, and mountain bike.

Cheryl got into the construction industry through an internship with Community Rebuilds, building a straw bale home in Moab. An Earthen Building course in Nicaragua led to some Colorado connections with the natural building community. Being a tradesperson runs in the family: her grandfather designed and built houses in Florida. She is on the board of the Natural Building Alliance. Most weekends, you’ll find Cheryl outside rock climbing, a hobby that has taken her to many beautiful and inspiring places.

Marj comes to building through disaster relief work where she was demolishing and rebuilding damaged homes in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Before joining our crew, she worked in a horse stable, also taking riding lessons. Her dream is to own her own land and stables. She has a well-rounded pet family, including a dog, a rat, some tiger salamanders, and a snake named Rhonda.

Nate joined our team with a keen interest to learn more about construction and how to make a healthier and more efficient home. Most recently, Nate was working in the bike mechanic world. Nate’s hands-on skills are translating well to both carpentry and plaster. Nate has a car-free lifestyle, and we are all impressed by their ability to commute long distances daily on their bike.

Following a few natural building and plastering internships around the US, Jaz relocated to Colorado to join our team. They are putting their skills to work with Living Plasters on our plaster specific jobs, as well as taking on remodel work. When not plastering a wall or building homes, Jaz enjoys building community with humans, trees and mountains.

Sprocket is our part time office/job site dog who spends the rest of his time barking at passersby and napping on the couch. His specialties are really enthusiastic greetings and play fighting.

Lady is still just a pup, but she is currently taking puppy training classes with Frank on her weekends and touring Home Depot to get used to the job site atmosphere. She doesn’t like to take naps, but loves running around and playing with other dogs.