David Arkin

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  • David Arkin

Architects

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Arkin Tilt Architects

Services:
  • New Building
  • Remodel
  • Restoration/Preservation
Residential Building Type:
  • Single-family home
  • Multi-family residential
  • ADU
Project size:
  • 2000 sq ft or Less
  • 2001 sq ft to 5000 sq ft

Sustainability Expertise & Credentials

Sustainability Expertise: Yes
Sustainability Expertise & Credentials:

ATA’s Sustainability Expertise covers both zero net operating energy and a keen focus on greatly reducing the embodied carbon impacts of building construction, as well as health. Guideposts of our design process include early identification of climate response strategies and deep understanding of the ecology of the site. Among the founders of the California Straw Building Association (CASBA), ATA has extensive experience in a variety of bio-based building materials and systems. (CASBA is responsible for getting natural building systems in the building codes, as well as publishing ‘Straw Bale Building Details, An Illustrated Guide for Design and Construction.)

Fire Resiliency Experience: Yes
Fire Resiliency Experience Details:

ATA’s Wildfire Resilience Expertise is reflected in the goal of Passive Survivability, which includes not only the ability of a structure to stay comfortable without external inputs, but also feature exterior materials and details appropriate to whatever natural forces it might be exposed to. Several of ATA’s strawbale projects have survived wildfires where many neighboring structures were lost, and both principals have presented widely on building in high risk fire zones, including a keynote address at the Fall 2025 Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference, and a webinar for Fine Homebuilding: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2021/07/29/building-homes-to-survive-wildfires Anni and David recently completed a wildfire rebuild of their own, incorporating many fire resilient techniques including strawbale construction.

Service Distance: 2500 miles
Arkin Tilt Architects is a northern California firm founded in 1997 with a focus on the intersection of design and ecology, with extensive experience with alternative construction systems, including straw-bale and rammed earth, renewable energy systems, greywater, and reused and bio-based materials. Winners of two Acterra Business Awards for the Sustainable Built Environment, two AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Project Awards, Read more...