Stephanie Barnes-Castro's interest in sustainability began in her childhood. As a budding naturalist, she developed her passion for nature through hands-on exploration of the natural world. Stephanie continued to pursue In pursuit of her interest in nature and ecology as a young adult, graduating in 1982 Stephanie graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies.

Stephanie's commitment to sustainable design has been a part of her firm's mission since its inception. The first home she designed, in 1985, has been featured on many passive solar home tours, and her latest work on Geoffroy Drive is registered to receive the first Residential Gold LEED* Certification in Santa Cruz County.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has remained committed to preserving natural resources and promoting energy efficiency. From her standpoint, sustainable design is smart design. Sustainable design can be accomplished using any type of architectural style. It does not need to be cumbersome, complex or cost prohibitive. The end result should be both beautiful and livable. All that is needed is an architect versed enough in its principles to provide the drawings, details, and specifications necessary to create an environmentally responsible, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable home. Stephanie Barnes-Castro and her firm are dedicated to doing exactly that.

*Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design