Bob Theis

A designer and architect, Bob Theis’ professional credentials include a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute, a License in Architecture in New York State, a Masters in Architecture from UC Berkeley and a California State License in 1990.

In 1993 he designed his first straw bale building, only the second in the state to receive a building permit, and the subsequent popularity of straw bale construction has permitted Bob to focus on ecological design of new buildings and renovations of existing ones.

In 2001, Bob returned to individual practice, in part to expand the scale of his work to include helping groups such as intentional communities, monasteries, and retreat centers create better neighborhoods with their facilities.

In addition to his design and planning work, Bob lectures and leads workshops on design, neighborhood planning and natural building several times a year, at Permaculture Certificate courses, conferences of retreat center directors, and gatherings of natural builders.