Paula Baker-Laporte, FAIA, BBP. As an architect, Paula is intimately familiar with the materials and methods of standard construction. As a Bau-Biologist, she also knows where these practices are in conflict with human health. Having designed and supervised the construction of many healthy homes both for the well and for those with multiple chemical sensitivity, she is well-versed in the available alternatives for healthier construction and in the challenges presented when one deviates from accepted construction practices. It was her vision to bring diverse information together into a practical reference book. Her collaboration with Erica and John has enabled this vision to become a reality. Paula is also the coauthor of EcoNest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2005). Robert Laporte introduced light straw clay construction to North America, combining it with a family of other hand-crafted techniques including traditional timber framing, earthen floors, and natural plasters to create a holistic natural building system. He is the co-author of Econest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw and Timber.