Nick Moser

Program Manager, Board of Directors

Currently Serving as Research and Development Director

What sustainability means to me

I spent most of my early life in Houston, TX, which is a gigantic, car-oriented metropolis, surrounded by sprawling suburbs. Because of this I know a different model for urban habitats is badly needed. I have also spent a good amount of time in intentional communities that have separated from these cities in order to live in a more rural setting. However, these small communities cannot offer the diversity and cultural exchange of ideas that exist in cities. Through living in many cities and communities throughout the world, I have developed ideas about how to improve each by connecting them in sustainable ways.

Why I am involved with the New SHIRE Institute

As I came to realize the importance of living in the present and fully embrace the transient human condition, I wandered around South America educating myself by choosing the people, places and language that I spoke. I chose to participate in numerous natural building projects, where I forged close bonds with the people who live on the land and cities of South America. Upon returning to the U.S. I developed a resolve to spread the knowledge of natural building as a way of connecting different strata of society and create beauty through the introduction of more nature into cities. 

What I Offer

Throughout my travels in the U.S.A. and South America I have taken part in over 20 natural building projects, where I have learned the use of cob, straw bale, adobe, thatch, rammed earth, poured earth, and living roofs among other, traditional building methods such as framing and masonry. I am currently the owner of LivingRoofers, a Houston-based company specializing in building living roofs in cities around the country and promoting natural materials in rural areas through workshops.

Contact Nick at

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or (503)-490-2325