What does it take to build a DIY dream home from natural materials? Susan Michael and Lindsey  share the story of passion projects and the motivated owner-builders who embark on the DIY journey. 

Susan Klinker is a passionate advocate for regenerative building systems and their potential to impact climate change. Susan holds a masters degree in international development studies, focusing on issues of shelter. As a partner with Architecture Design Alliance in Philadelphia, for more than 10 years, Susan was the head of interiors and managed large scale commercial projects, supervising the design team, and interfacing with all trades onsite. She continues her passion for natural building through work with Builders Without Borders and Strawtegi (strawtegi.org), a company she co-founded to help advance natural building work. Susan recently built a net zero carbon footprint accessory dwelling unit in Salt Lake City. The structure demonstrates how natural materials like straw, hemp and wood can create durable, high-performance structures while helping to draw down and store atmospheric carbon. The ADU is the first permitted structure of its kind in the US insulated with chopped straw and has been featured in several publications, including The Salt Lake Tribune, American Institute of Architects Utah Chapter, Reflexions Magazine and HomebuildersCAN. She is a contributing author in books Building Without Borders and The Art of Natural Building. In addition, Susan helped to establish the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, in West Valley City, where she has worked in collaboration with diverse, grassroots arts and cultural organizations to host public programs that promote cross cultural experience and understanding. 

Lindsey Love, AIA, has been working in the trades for over 20 years.  Her architectural expertise is enhanced by her certification as a passive house tradesperson, her living future accreditation, and the certificate she holds in utilizing healthy materials.  Her background in identifying emerging sustainable pathways and her understanding of the economic benefits, as well as challenges to these practices, qualifies her as the consultant you have been seeking.

Her passion is working with natural materials like straw, clay, hemp and lime. these less processed materials are what drew her to architecture and building. Not only are they sustainable, but they are biophilic – they automatically create connection with nature.

Michael Netzer is  an ecologist by training with a professional background in forestry and carbon accounting. His interest in building with local lodgepole pine began years ago, recognizing it as an abundant and affordable resource. Integrating strawbale and natural plaster was a natural evolution—offering excellent insulation and complementing the rustic character of unmilled lodgepole. He began constructing Trail Creek Cottage in 2021 and completed it in 2025. The experience has motivated him to refine the process and advocate for sustainable, low-cost housing solutions.