I had extreme chemical and mold sensitivities when I first set out to build a chemical-free tiny house.
The research and testing of those materials is what sparked the creation of this blog. I wanted to make that information, which was difficult to find at the time, available online.
Building and Renovating
When I had to choose materials for my tiny house there were few resources to go by. Navigating which products to test was difficult. I would change a lot about that tiny house knowing what I know now!
After the build of my house, I decided to become certified as a Building Biologist (Practitioner/Advocate). My full list of certifications and courses can be found at the end of this post.
Now I help people choose healthy building materials for new builds and renos, for conventional and unconventional building systems. We look at the pros and cons of different options, and what will work best for you.
I work alongside architects and building science experts to make sure your build is mold resistant.
Trailers, Tiny Homes and Shelters
I have owned and lived in three customized trailers, and built 2 custom shelters for chemical and mold avoidance. I now help folks buy or build healthier trailers, tiny homes, and shelters.
Mold Avoidance
When setting out in 2013 to pursue Erik style mold avoidance, I faced some major challenges without the help of Facebook groups, books on this topic, or coaches.
After hitting mold for the second time, I started from scratch again. I had to build small shelters and tent camp for prolonged periods of time in order to significantly bring down my sensitivities and live inside regular housing again.
My current interest in analyzing low toxin, low mold housing reflects this!
For 10 years I have closely followed folks’ journeys with mold avoidance and chemical avoidance to see how people succeeded and why some failed.
This has helped provide a broad picture of the various roads you can take on your journey to getting better.
My Professional Courses & Qualifications:
International Institute of Building Biology Certified Building Biology Practitioner (2016)
Cheryl Ciecko Architect Building a Safe Home (2019)
Building Performance Workshop Crash Course and Tiny Spaces Course (2020)
Maine Indoor Air Quality Council Residential Construction Trainings Foundations, Shell, HVAC, Renos, Wrap and Strap (2020)
Building Science Corp Renovation & Rehabilitation (2020)
InterNATCH Certified Moisture Intrusion Inspector (2020)
Cheryl Ciecko Architect Found Mold? (2020)
Cheryl Ciecko Architect Finding Defects (2020)
Parsons School of Design – The New School Certificate in Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings (2022)
Living Architecture Academy Biophilic Design: Science, Theory, Economics & Practice (2022)