Dan Smith
Principal

Dan Smith is the principal of dsa architects in Berkeley, CA, and has several decades of sustainable design experience. The projects of his award-winning firm include net-zero energy homes, LEED Platinum and Gold designs, as well as AIA Sustainability Awards. Dan is a founding member of the California Strawbuilding Association and has completed over 40 projects of this low-carbon building system. He has also been at the forefront of other innovative building systems, such as living roofs and gray water systems. Dan was the architect for a trailblazing net-zero prefab prototype for Zeta-Communities that brought modular construction to net-zero energy levels. His architecture generally seeks a simple elegant form, based on an appreciation for the craft of construction and a deep understanding of structure. While most of Dan's work is custom design, affordability is a key consideration in many project, especially in the context of deep green remodels or small projects like accessory dwelling units, where it is paramount to be able to balance environmental goals with budget constraints and achieve an architecturally integrated solution.  

Dietmar Lorenz
Architect

Dietmar Lorenz has been devoted to green building from the beginning of his career in Germany. Practicing in the Bay Area for 20+ years, his broad experience with environmentally friendly architecture includes several zero-energy buildings, recognized by LEED Gold and Platinum awards. He helped pioneer alternative building materials and methods, such as straw bale construction, living roofs, water conservation, and innovative mechanical systems, always seeking the synthesis into a well-balanced design that achieves all goals on a low-carbon footprint. As an architect, Dietmar works closely with his clients to create site-responsive, beautiful buildings that conserve natural resources and are healthy for the inhabitants.

Sabrina Ali
Designer

Sabrina is passionate about mixing art and engineering in an effort to create environments that are inspiring and sustainable. With a B.A. in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Sabrina is an accomplished architectural designer with work experience in architectural design, construction, lighting design, graphic design, and interior design. When she’s not at the design table, you can find Sabrina studying for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) or rock climbing around the Bay.

Ian Ashenfelter
Designer

Ian holds a Master's Degree in Architecture and an Associate's in Marine Carpentry. His background includes railcar restoration , steel fabrication, as well as tradeshow construction, home remodeling and industrial historic preservation. When he's not helping clients achieve their design visions, he's typically exploring the backroads of the Bay on two wheels.

Tobin Holcomb
Office Manager

Tobin is a recent UC Berkeley graduate. With a degree in computer science you can often find her crunching numbers, troubleshooting technology, or whispering sweet nothings to the more troublesome computers of the office. When she’s not in the office, Tobin is exploring her interests in architecture, environmental science, and conservation.