Meet Sigi
I design natural buildings & empower people to build them
My passion for and commitment to eco-sensible design comes from a very practical outlook.
Why wouldn't we design buildings that use the least energy possible?
Why wouldn't we build using non-toxic materials?
Why not mimic nature instead of trying to overcome its power?
These things just make sense to me.
I started my design business in 1998 to provide exactly this type of pragmatic sustainable design to the Mid-Atlantic region. Since then, I've designed over 3 dozen, code-compliant, natural buildings.
I operate on both sides of my brain, thriving equally on analytical problem-solving and creative tactile expression. I structured my business to allow me to engage both sides...every day.
What Inspires Me
I pursued architecture thanks to a photo I saw as a child.
The photo showed a building designed by Antoni Gaudi. I saw such beauty in that tower, it brought me to tears. Tears!! That was my first experience that a building could evoke emotion...and I was hooked.
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I love both creative expression and analytical problem-solving. These dual passions led me to an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Math. From there I pursued a Masters in Architecture from The University of Texas in Austin. And I find that I apply everything I studied...from sociology to sculpture to structural design.
After graduate school, I built houses for two years...and I mean, full on hammer-and-nails construction. I wanted to understand what it takes to build a house. That experience now helps me communicate effectively with contractors.
I finally got to visit the buildings that lit my passion for architecture!
Why I Teach
I love teaching one-on-one...working with each person til they really get it!
I believe education is the key to positive change.
Knowledge empowers us. Deep understanding helps us make informed decisions and explore new skills. That's why I continue my own education and it's why I teach.
I educate my clients on how to be super-savvy consumers for everything from sustainable flooring to energy efficient appliances. And I teach empowering hands-on workshops on many natural building techniques, using my design projects as a living classroom.
As M. Gandhi said, "be the change you wish to see in the world..."
My Company Mission
I started my design firm to help people fulfill their vision of living in a durable, natural home.
When it comes right down to it, I'm super practical. And building with natural, local, non-toxic materials to create super energy efficient homes is super logical to me. That's why I exclusively design natural homes. That use at least 40% less energy. That promote healthy spaces. And that are compliant with all building codes.
I work with people that want to hire a contractor to build their home. I also work with people who dream of building their own home. Either way, the building crew is likely to be handling natural materials for the first time. I make it my mission to offer support throughout construction so no one is left reinventing the wheel. That means phone & email, as well as offering hands-on workshops. My goal is to reduce stress, increase empowerment, and make sure everything is constructed so it will last.
sometimes the best meetings happen right where we intend to build
And I really really love getting in to my work!!
Resume Highlights
Sigi Koko is the principal designer of Down to Earth Design, which she founded in 1998 to help her clients manifest their dreams of living in a natural, healthy home. She works exclusively on projects that are natural, energy-efficient buildings, on the forefront of sustainable design. Every project functions in synchronicity with its environment, relating to seasonal cycles of sun, wind, and rain to provide natural heating and cooling primarily from passive (free!) sources. Her clients enjoy an average 50% reduction in total energy usage compared to conventional buildings. She uses a palette of building materials that ensure healthy indoor space and minimal environmental impact.
Sigi translates each client's vision into a unique design that reflects their personality and lifestyle, while responding to the surrounding landscape and climate. Sigi's uniquely collaborate design process provides a high level of information and support that encourages her clients to engage fully throughout design and construction. She also teaches natural building workshops that empower her clients to contribute creatively during the construction of their own home.
Sigi Koko holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she learned fundamental design skills. After earning her degree, she spent two years building homes to learn the practical side of how buildings are constructed. This in-the-field experience helps her communicate well with builders. She spent two years completing her architectural internship for HOK (Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum) in Washington, DC, where she provided "green building" expertise on many projects. She also created their Healthy & Sustainable Product Database" and contributed to several HOK publications, including the document now published as The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design (published by Wiley & Sons). Her experience at HOK gave her the opportunity to explore extensive green building research and taught her how to create highly detailed drawings and documentation.
Sigi has designed over three dozen strawbale buildings in the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. All projects have received standard building permits. She has worked with building officials statewide in Maryland to gain approval for strawbale construction and rubble trench foundations. Her projects have been mentioned in the New York Times, featured on HGTV, and she has been featured in numerous print articles, including the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, and Progressive Engineer.
Sigi Koko is nationally known for her expertise in sustainable design and natural building, she has lectured extensively on these topics, and has written articles for numerous publications. Publications include Interior Graphic Standards Chapter on Green Building Materials, "Five Steps to Keeping Strawbale Walls Dry" article in The Last Straw Journal, and "Rubble Trench Foundations - a Brief Overview" article in Building Safety Journal magazine.