Michael G. Smith with Emerald Earth, an intentional community in Mendocino County (California), is experienced in many aspects of natural building, including cob, straw bale, straw-clay, natural plasters, earthen floors, and alternative foundations. He helped found the Cob Cottage Company in 1993 and has been teaching workshops all over North America ever since. He wrote The Cobber's Companion, co-authored The Hand-Sculpted House, and co-edited The Art of Natural Building.