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 young daughter.

Frank started working as a carpenter while in high school. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Architectural studies. A Natural Building Intensive course at Yestermorrow Design Build School in Vermont set him up for a move to Colorado and an apprenticeship with Artesano Plasters. Frank is now a guest instructor with Yestermorrow and Community Rebuilds. 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 studied Environmental Science in college and transitioned 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. Most weekends, you’ll find Cheryl outside rock climbing, a hobby that has taken her to many beautiful and inspiring places.

Sam is intrigued by craft in many forms, whether building homes or creating art. Originally from New Mexico, he has lived in all the four corner states. He graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in Civil and Sustainable Engineering. Additionally, he studied sustainable building and design at Yestermorrow School of Design and completed an internship with Community Rebuilds. He strives to make the world a more beautiful place. In his spare time he enjoys skiing, watching soccer and taking naps with his cat.

Marj comes to building through being a regular member and participant at Common Earth events and work parties over the last several years. She also spent a year demolishing and rebuilding damaged homes in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Before joining our crew, she worked in a horse stable, also taking lessons and boarding her own horses there. Her dream is to own her own land and stables. She has a well-rounded pet family, including a dog, several cats, 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 will be putting their skills to work with Living Plasters on our plaster specific jobs. 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.