OUR MISSION

We believe that all housing should be healthy, sustainable, inspiring and resilient.

We promote the use of natural, non-toxic materials that can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint while achieving high levels of energy efficiency.

We support our community of building professionals and homeowners in the positive transformation of our built environment.

We foster the exchange of ideas, innovation, resources, and social opportunities across Ontario.

Meet the Board of Directors

ADAM MACKENZIE SMITH

board chair

Based in Kingston, Ontario, Adam is a Senior Architect with RAW Design and Julian Smith and Associates Architects, where he bridges the gap between heritage and innovation. Immersed in the practice of architecture from early childhood, he developed an intuitive understanding of construction that drives his tactile application of traditional and natural materials in both restoration and contemporary contexts. His emerging work with RAW is defined by a commitment to community-driven initiatives; he approaches projects as holistic collaborations, seeking to synthesize local talent, existing cultural practices, and site-specific opportunities into socially impactful solutions. Also deeply influenced by his experience practising in tropical environments, Adam’s design ethos strives to dissolve the hard distinctions between the built world and the landscape, creating spaces that foster a sense of integration with nature.

ANA GASCON 

Guided by a vision of healing architecture, Ana followed a path of discovery into ancient healing traditions, allowing this wisdom to inform how spaces are designed, are felt, and are lived in. As an architect and holistic designer, Ana’s work is guided by a deep listening—to people, to place, and to the unseen forces that shape how spaces feel, heal, and sustain life.  Her approach bridges architecture, interior design, and energetic awareness, weaving together science, nature, and intuition to create environments that support well-being at every level. Rooted in the belief that spaces are living systems, Ana works with natural rhythms, and the soul of place to restore harmony between the built environment, the body, and the land.  Ana is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD). A devoted advocate for sustainable and conscious design, she integrates Low Carbon, Net Zero, and Passive House principles with a deep respect for the Earth and all is on it.

AILAN McKENZIE

treasurer

Ailan is a climate-passionate architect, licenced in Ontario for over 10 years, with over 20 years of local, Canadian, and international experience. She continuously strives to do better, learn more, and make change with every project. Her work with Community  Health Centres over the past 16 years has linked peoples' health with building health and links to their environments. As the project architect for the City of Peterborough's first Net-Zero building, she developed a deep understanding of how natural materials and commercial systems work together at a larger scale.

JENI ROBERTSON

Jeni is the Principal Designer and owner of Jenesis Design Studio based out of Cambridge, Ontario. She has been an interior design professional for close to two decades, specializing in large scale renovations and remodel projects with an emphasis on functional space planning, cabinetry/millwork design, project management, and complete decorating services. Jeni is an Interior Design graduate of both St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology and Yorkville University (formerly the International Academy of Design & Technology).

Her love of natural building was ignited back in 2008 after completing a strawbale building course through Kimberly College of the Rockies, in Kimberly, B.C.  She has continued her education in the area of material health (The New School, Parsons School of Design) and is a member of the Build Outside the Box Masterminds Community to further her knowledge in natural building techniques used internationally.

Jeni advocates for sustainable practices in her projects. She brings her expertise to clients through guided material selections, attention to indoor air quality management, and carbon footprint impact. She specializes in thoughtful remodel considerations, and the reuse and repurposing of materials, furnishings, and various items throughout the design/build process. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail and ability to create unique, soulful, and layered spaces from which her clients benefit on all levels.  She is dedicated to bringing creative, economical, and stylish innovations from the alternate and natural building realm into the world of mainstream design and renovations.

EMILINE LAYFIELD

Emiline Layfield is a passionate advocate for sustainable construction practices with over five years in residential real estate and a growing expertise in building biology and environmental consulting. As an observing member of the Ontario Natural Building Coalition, she is focused on learning how natural materials can be used to enhance the energetics, healthfulness, and sustainability of clients’ homes. Emiline collaborates with builders, architects, and homeowners to inspire energy-efficient, durable, and nourishing living spaces. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Ontario's wilderness and spending as much time barefoot in nature as possible.