OUR TEAM
PHIL BASEHART | ECOHAB FOUNDER & CREATOR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | BUILD TEAM LEADER
On completing a Bachelors of Environmental Design at Miami University in 1992 Phil moved to New Mexico, where he embarked on building his own self sufficient house (with little to no experience). This project was completed out of pocket while camping (for 5 years) at the Greater World Earthship Community at the tender age of 24. The experience inspired him to became a Licensed Contractor (1999) in order to enable others to build their own self sufficient housing. Creating adaptive build designs that nurtures humans as well as the planet has become his life goal.
In 1992 he became a team leader and builder for Earthship Biotecture. Over the years Phil has worked on over 150 sustainable homes. He has also been the Contractor on Record for 20+ Taos County Earthship permits all of which obtained a Certificate of Occupancy.
The Earthship Academy was set up in 2011 in order to teach others how to build autonomous homes. Phil has been a principal teacher in the classroom and in the field with the Academy for 11 years. Classes have included: Building with Natural and repurposed Materials, Passive Heating and Cooling, How to Read Construction Drawings, History & Types of Earthships, Water Catchment, Waste Water Treatment, Basics of Solar Electric, and Intentional Community.
In 2003 Biotecture Planet Earth Non Profit was founded. Phil has been a project coordinator, supervisor of construction and fundraiser for the nonprofit for 20 years.
Post disaster nonprofit work:
Aguada, Puerto Rico, 2017-ongoing, Hurricane Maria.
Port au Prince, Haiti 2010, Earthquake.
Philippines, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda.
Little Andaman island, India, 2004, Earthquake and Tsunami.
Matamoros, Mexico, 2005, Hurricane Katrina
Other nonprofit work:
La gonave, Haiti, 2020-ongoing, Elementary School.
La Gonave, Haiti, 2022-ongoing, Housing Initiative.
Comolapa, Guatemala, 2013-2015, Housing Initiative.
Sierra Leon, Africa, 2013, Waldorf School.
Malawi, Africa, 2014, Community Center.
Taos, New Mexico, 2010-2013, Bilal Family House
Zuni, New Mexico, 2017-2022, Veterinary Clinic.
Phil in 1993 constructing his own home.
Private builds:
United States:
Washington, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, New York, Georgia, Vermont, Hawaii.
Canada
Europe:
England, Scotland, France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria.
Central America:
Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatamala.
South America:
Rapa Nui (Chile), Gallapagos (Ecuador), Argentina, Uruguay.
Caribbean:
Jamaica, Bonaire.
JESSIE SMITH | BUILDER
Upon graduating with a first class honors degree in Interior Architecture Jessie worked as a project designer for an architectural firm in New York City for 4 years. On her return to Ireland she realised how disillusioned with the industry she had become.
Sustainable architecture was out of reach for the minorities and waste was being created everywhere. Not only were the earth’s finite resources being diminished but human beings were also. Having written her dissertation on circularity and the importance of using the principles of circular economy in building design she began to search for alternative building methods. She completed the Earthship Academy, an exploration into these alternative methods in 2019.
Her passion for using these build principles in a humanitarian context was ignited and she has been working on projects all over the world ever since. Her greatest joy is watching what happens to human relationships and our relationship to the natural world when we co-create together in this way.
The more time she spends in disadvantaged localities and in the communities within them, the more her passion for creating equilibrium in the world with viable employment, education and housing for all, in a sustainable context, grows. She sees this building model as a key resource in creating this. These buildings act as a mediator between the built and natural world. We can only move from scarcity into creativity when our basic needs are met in reciprocity with nature.
LOU MAIOLICA | LICENSED PLUMBER | BUILDER
Lou was born and raised in New York City, where he worked as a union plumber for ten years. This city taught him about diversity, compassion, culture and respect.
In 2010 he discovered Earthship Biotecture and signed up to volunteer with the crew in Baja, Mexico. Working alongside the crew and other volunteers from many different countries he found a shared love and compassion for humanity and mother earth.
This was the beginning of a new career with Earthship Biotecture where he has worked for the past 13 years as a licensed plumber, journeyman, field instructor and academy teacher. He has installed rain water catchment, grey water and black water systems in over 30 different countries.
Through this journey he has found a love for teaching and spreading knowledge of self sustainable plumbing systems to students all over the world. In 2022 Lou set up his own plumbing company, Taos Eco Plumbing LLC.
“Taos Eco Plumbing has gone above and beyond for my project.Lou has provided quality craftsmanship and in a timely fashion. He is truly an expert in his trade. He is the only plumber I recommend for off grid plumbing and also for conventional structures as well.” -Lauren Anderson
“I recently hired Lou for a complicated plumbing job and he went above and beyond my expectations. His outstanding service and expertise resolved all issues completely and the resulted in a far better system.I highly recommend Lou for his exceptional workmanship, professionalism, and work ethic” -Julie B.
MICHELLE FAULKNER | FINANCIAL DIRECTOR | BUILDER
Upon pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Michelle quickly learned how exceedingly problematic conventional Western ways of living and building are to every being on this planet. Alternative ways of encountering the Earth became tangible when she attended the Earthship Academy in 2018. Her mind was changed on the ways of traveling when she participated in a humanitarian build in Puerto Rico with Biotecture Planet Earth in 2019. She gained immense experience managing the Earthship Visitor Center for three years from 2019 to 2022. This experience included everything from educating the public on sustainable building principles to learning the ways of managing a small business. Michelle has recently graduated with a master’s degree in Ecopsychology, studying the relationship between humanity and the Earth which seeks pathways of reconnection. Helping people reconnect to the non-human (natural) world is her passion.
Many methods of natural building are knowledge that humans have known for centuries, yet we seem to have forgotten about them. Michelle is eager to help provide opportunities for all people to embrace old and new technologies of sustainable building that uniquely suit each community’s needs.
As the Financial Director, Michelle can be found behind the scenes taking care of administrative work of ECOHAB and jumps in to construction when the opportunity presents itself. She believes in Phil’s vision and wants to help in ECOHAB’s nourishment of communities near and far.
KRISTA PRUSKE | EDUCATION DIRECTOR | WORKSHOP COORDINATOR
Following her graduation from Texas State with her Master’s degree in Elementary Education, Krista hit the ground running with implementing a fair, accessible and fun learning experience to all of her students. Her passion was soon met with the red tape and a big push for standardized testing. The choice to leave the classroom doubled as a disheartening encounter and a driving force to find her true place in the education system. Being a huge advocate for continued education in life, she found herself in Taos, NM in 2023 for the Earthship Academy. The pull of the mountain and opportunity for a fresh start led her to a team of individuals who shared the same excitement for a new way of life. Since her arrival in the world of alternative building, she has brainstormed all sorts of different ways to educate others on the incredible movement.
“I don’t need you to produce a perfect score, I just want to make sure you leave loving what you did!” - Krista Pruske
AKEEM GONZALES | MEDIA TEAM
With a background in controlled environmental agriculture and a passion for community development, Akeem is driven to share stories that inspire change and promote sustainable practices.
In 2015, he founded Real Life Stories Media, a media company dedicated to sharing meaningful stories through various forms of media. His team has captured stories from around the world, working with companies and organizations such as The LA Zoo, Target, Nike, Adidas, NFL, Zapier, IMG Academy, and Earthship Planet Earth. Through his work, he has inspired countless individuals to take action towards a more sustainable future.
In addition to his work in media, Akeem founded a non-profit organization in Pasadena, CA, where he educates young adults on the importance of fitness, health, nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability. His passion for community development and sustainability is evident in all that he does. Akeem leads the charge in spreading our message through media.
PAOLA GARCIA I FUNDRAISER l ORGANIZER l BUILDER
Raised between North & South America, and with family in Australia, Paola grew up feeling a connection to the greater world. Her curiosity about cultures & facility with languages grew & her passions led her to refine & apply her linguistic skills at the highest levels. She’s taught Spanish at the Harvard Business School, been the Assistant Director at the Berlitz Language Center in Boston, been a Simultaneous Interpreter at the UN & interned at the Peace Corps office.
For over 20 years, Paola has curated high-level events, assembled volunteer teams & managed projects dedicated to earth & human stewardship. Creating multilingual programming & curriculums around climate science education & cultural literacy, Paola continues to round out her legacy, committed to place-making & people growing. Having completed an Earthship internship in NM in 2014, a Global Academy in Patagonia in 2015, & participating in builds in Puerto Rico, Taos, & the East Coast, Paola is a proud builder & researcher, exploring the intersections of the built-environment, STEM, biomimicry & autonomy. Each build experience has enhanced her perspective & galvanized her to weave together environmental design & the cultural diaspora.
With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts @ Amherst, a Masters from Milano The New School of Public Engagement, & being an accredited GRP, Green Roof Professional, Paola remains committed to pedagogy & design. She taught Sustainable Systems at the School of Parson Design, organized Youth Assemblies with the International Youth Council at the UN, & paved a career fusing her interests & spearheading projects across disciplines.
ROY SANCHEZ -VAHAMODNDE l BUILDER l FUNDRAISER l MEDIA
A versatile multidisciplinary artist with a profound passion for humanitarian causes. From fostering the birth of theatrical ensembles and music bands to establishing entertainment ventures, Roy has consistently woven creativity and artistry into every endeavor. Since 2020, he has embarked on an inspiring journey, delving into the realm of sustainable building.
“I’m a firm believer that, like laughter, humanitarian work has the ability to spread and uplift”
An artist at heart, Zófía Sóldís believes compassionate authenticity & collaborative solutions allow for a harmonious society.
Through her studies abroad & various certifications that span from EFL Teacher to a 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training, Zófía has explored an eclectic array of interests alongside her endeavors of conscious- writing & singing. Raised by two educators, she began tutoring her peers in the waiting room of her parent’s office when she was 10 years old. Since then, she has evolved alongside various teaching positions & mentorship programs in Spain & the US, as well as progressive & upper management positions in international hospitality companies for over a combined 20 years of experience.
Since she was a child, Zófía has lived through the disruptive effects of housing instability. Her excitement & commitment to create an affordable home environment for everyone is more than just a passion, it’s her life’s mission. Determined to discover alternative lifestyle opportunities, she left LA in 2021 & trekked through the US in a travel trailer until she discovered Earthships. Inspired by autonomous architecture, she moved to Taos to learn & work for Earthship Biotecture.
Zófía completed the Field Study & Academy with Earthship in March & April of 2023, respectively. Her work with the company began at the Visitor Center & on their Media Team, then later as their Public Relations & Media Manager. There she deepened her understanding of the imminent need for healthier housing solutions, which must begin with a comprehensive foundation. She’s compelled to expand upon her experience & looks forward to seeing the community come together to build a brighter future.
“If home is where the heart is, home is where the start is.”