Dan Smith is the principal of dsa architects in Berkeley, CA, and has several decades of sustainable design experience. The projects of his award-winning firm include net-zero energy homes, LEED Platinum and AIA sustainability award designs. Dan is a founding member of the California Strawbuilding Association and has completed over 40 projects of this low-carbon building system. He has also been at the forefront of other innovative building systems, such as living roofs and gray water systems. Dan was the architect for a trailblazing net-zero prefab prototype for Zeta-Communities that brought modular construction to net-zero energy levels. His architecture generally seeks a simple elegant form based on an appreciation for the craft of construction and a deep understanding of structure. While most of Dan’s work is custom design, affordability is a key consideration in many projects. With small projects like accessory dwelling units it is paramount to be able to balance environmental goals with budget constraints and achieve an architecturally integrated solution.
