News (Spring 2007):
Black Rock Engineering attended West Coast Green in San Francisco in October of 2006. What an historic event! Extraordinary speakers included Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Gavin Newsome, Author Sarah Susanka and the like. We were introduced to the 2030 Challenge (see icon on homepage for more information), attended a variety of technical and philosophical workshops promoting energy efficiency and green building.
We discovered the work of Architecture for Humanity. Cameron Sinclair, (founder, Architecture for Humanity, author: Design Like You Give A Damn, Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises) gave an extraordinary presentation about his inspiration, process and vision. Subsequently, Roger presented his vitae for some engineering they needed for a Katrina Relief effort in Biloxi, Mississippi. One month later, Roger had signed contracts for four unique, architecturally designed homes (all on 12' stilts) for their organization. After an enlightening visit to the devastated area last December, Roger decided he wanted to volunteer his engineering efforts for the project (see www.architectureforhumanity.org and the link to the project.) He returned amazed at the devastation and inspired by the efforts of non-profits/faith-based organizations that are really making a difference there. Sinclair received the TED award (honoring visionaries from any field who have shown they can 'positively impact life on this planet,') to include funding from Bono. Oprah has funded one of the homes Roger is engineering! We are hoping to again work for this inspirational organization in some exotic locale.
Black Rock Engineering has begun an interesting feasibility study for a project with the City of Fernley. Here we are working to help convert a 12,000 SF steel building once used as a riding arena into a multi-use assembly area. This is a great example of 'regenerating' an existing building to a new use versus a tear down/replacement option.
New goals for the business: Next month we are beginning to research making Black Rock Engineering carbon neutral. Our biggest challenge may be to obtain carbon offsets that are truly such as they claim. Any information, knowledge, expertise you may have in this area would be appreciated.