Kraus Fitch Architects, Inc.

My interest in architecture originally stemmed from my concern for environmental issues and alternative energy. Working on the construction of a solar house during my first year in college, I was inspired to pursue architecture as a positive way to address these issues.

Over time, I came to recognize that the community scale offered a greater range of environmental strategies than single houses and buildings. My interest quickly expanded to include the design of sustainable communities.

In 1990, after a variety of design experiences, I began working with my first cohousing project, Pioneer Valley Cohousing, first as a professional and later as a member. My understanding of community design expanded from ecological concerns to social aspects. I came to value both the design of supportive neighborhoods and a design process that brings people closer together.

Whether the client is a large cohousing group, a municipality, an individual or a family, I bring to all my work many of the facilitation and consensus-building skills I have learned living in and working with cohousing communities. In so doing, I have helped my clients create spaces that are nurturing, uplifting, and inspiring.

My design tendency is towards warmth, texture, elegant simplicity and human scale. I enjoy the challenge of combining the goals of ecological sustainability, healthful indoor environments, and affordability.

I value the richness of living in cohousing: knowing my neighbors well, being surrounded by friends of all ages, offering and receiving support from people nearby. And living in my own work surrounds me with a first-hand example of how community design can support human comfort and express delight.