Michael Lucas Monterey
Michael Lucas Monterey, is an ecotect, green designer, multidisciplinary scientist, artist and writer. Monterey's training in the fine arts began in 1952, at age four. Training in architectural drafting and design began in 1964, leading to co-design of hundreds of award winning homes, multi-family residential projects and, later, work on large commercial and institutional projects with several leading architectural and engineering firms.
... In the late '60s, after several nearly near death experiences and transformative shamanic healing crises, Monterey began studying the healing arts, psychology, physics, cosmology, eastern religions and religious history. In 1969 he launched his career as an independent designer and entrepreneur, began training in yoga, meditation, healing and wellness support practice. In the early 1970s, in response to the first financial/energy crisis, Monterey began to research new energy and construction technologies.
... After studying the works of Paolo Soleri in 1975, Monterey began research and development of ecotecture, neo-primitive design-build techniques, sustainable community planning, evolutionary social theory, cultural exorcism, and green psychotherapy. He joined the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism in 1982, which led to study and practice under several great Tibetan teachers. Monterey encountered his first great teacher of real world economics, John Workman, in 1986. Monterey joined the Nyingma sect under H.E. Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche. In the spring of 2011, Monterey was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra, which led directly to the recent blossoming of creativity and the Greenbook project.
... His first green building projects began in New Mexico in 1988 and continued on in spurts, despite recessions. After several mostly successful business ventures, including his first book project, Monterey started experiments with his Ultradobe and Fibercrete building materials in 2003 and then, in 2005, invented a natural, nontoxic foam insulation material. In early 2011 he was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism and his ultimate mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International, which led to the full blossoming of his life's work. In response to the ongoing destruction of the economy, stagnation of the building industry and culture, Monterey began work on his Greenbook, a sustainability resource, green policy directives embodying the essence of his accumulated knowledge and inspiration for greening the world. He is also working to help build new alliances and institutions for implementing a real solution for sustainable culture.
... Michael Monterey lives in Seattle, Washington, providing green design, planning, consulting and innovative solutions for personal and global sustainability.
... Mr. Monterey may be reached by phone at 760 500 6171 or email: michael.monterey@mdcinet.com or via EcotectureNOW.wordpress.com
