Pictured left to right:
Nicole Schafer, Collin Pahl, Thom Phillips and Casey Ray
Michigan's Habitat for Humanity affiliates have pledged to adopt sustainable and energy efficient construction methods. The Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Green Team is dedicated to assisting affiliates to meet and exceed these standards. The initiative is lead by Thom Phillips and supported by three AmeriCorps/VISTA members.
Thom Phillips - Sustainable Building Specialist
Thom Phillips received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Western Michigan University in 1979. After traveling Europe he taught homesteading skills on an organic farm in Bangor, Michigan. In 1988 he started Cascade Building & Design, a design-build firm that specialized in energy and resource efficient construction as well as Frank Lloyd Wright home restorations. In 2003 he joined Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity as Construction Manager where he incorporated Energy Star® and sustainable building measures into affordable homes. In 2008 he joined Habitat for Humanity of Michigan as Sustainable Building Specialist. Since joining HFHM, he has organized a Sustainable Building Department, consulted with affiliates and reworked the house plans for Habitat Michigan affiliates to include accessibility and energy efficiency.
His duties include assisting the State’s 79 affiliates building over 200 homes each year achieve Energy Star® 5-Star ratings on their homes as well as helping them along the path of green building programs. His hobbies are numerous and include guitar, bass, drums, biking, hiking, homebrewing, winemaking, and maple sugaring.
Nicole Schaefer - AmeriCorps member
Nicole Schafer graduated from Michigan State University in 2009 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. While in college, she was given the opportunity to study abroad in Italy in a program focusing on preservation management. Because being abroad proved to be such a valuable experience, Nicole decided to pursue a design internship in Singapore where she was able to learn not only about their traditions and culture, but their design principles, as well. She joined the Habitat for Humanity of Michigan team as an AmeriCorps member in January, 2009, as a Sustainable Building Associate supporting Thom Phillips.
Nicole works closely with the sustainability section of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s website, provides design assistance for house plans to meet efficiency and accessibility, and helps affiliates to achieve their goals in sustainable construction. Her hobbies include traveling, athletics, and spending time with family and friends.
Casey Ray - AmeriCorps member
Casey Owen Ray is a graduate of the Construction Management program at Michigan State University. He is also a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). Casey says he is excited to be part of the HFHM Sustainable Building team and to help affiliates with all facets of sustainable building.
Colin Pahl - AmeriCorps member
Colin Pahl graduated in 2009 from Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Environmental Studies. Colin has promoted sustainability through service trips to Costa Rica on two occasions. He has continued the mission of promoting sustainability when signing on with the Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Sustainability Program through AmeriCorps in May of 2009 as a Sustainable Rehab Associate. His duties included supporting the work of Thom Phillips, developing a manual on sustainable home rehabilitation and working with affiliates directly to build sustainable and efficient homes. His hobbies include camping, hiking, traveling and playing rugby.
