Who We Are

Artisans for Reciprocal Culture is a collective of natural builders devoted to carrying forward the craft of building in right relationship.

We exist at the intersection of skill, land, and culture — not only to build structures, but to help reweave a way of living where materials are honored, labor is respected, and knowledge is shared in ways that are accessible, embodied, and rooted in reciprocity.

In a time where much of the building world is shaped by extraction — of land, of labor, of resources — we are committed to a different orientation. One that centers respect for the earth, reverence for material, and responsibility in how knowledge is passed on.

We believe that natural building is not simply an alternative construction method. It is a cultural practice. A remembering of how humans can live, build, and create shelter in alignment with place.

As a collective, we are devoted to:

• Preserving and evolving natural building techniques

• Making meaningful, hands-on education accessible to the next generation

• Supporting pathways into the natural building field that are grounded, skill-based, and relational

• Cultivating spaces of learning that honor both the craft and the people learning it

At the heart of our work is a simple principle: what we receive, we are responsible

to pass forward to the next generation of builders.

Our Approach

We offer educational opportunities in Natural Building: Honoring Earth’s wisdom by using sustainable, locally sourced materials.

We Promote Artisan Craftsmanship: Preserving traditional building methods, such as timber framing and earth plasters, through hands-on learning.

Hands-On Learning: Fostering creativity, joy, and community through immersive workshops and apprenticeships.

As such, we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers educational opportunities in natural building and funnels donations into building projects that benefit the community.

Meet the Teachers

  • Josh Burg and Sara Crippen

    Clay Sand Soul Founders - cob building workshops and more!

  • Ashley McDonald

    Leader of Natural building workshops and founder of Root to Rise Design

  • Jirka Vrsek

    Lead Timberframer with a passion for intricate design. Cofounder of Rijka Timberframes.

  • Ryan Kirkby

    Experienced natural builder, timber framer, and founder of ARC11. Cofounder of Rijka timberframes.

  • John Hutton

    Natural building architect with a focus on hemp-lime buildings

  • Lydia Doleman

    Natural builder and carpenter, writer and founder of Earth Dragon Natural Building LLC

  • Kyle Alexander

    Plastering expert and owner of Gold Hill Clay

  • Kyle Holzhäuser

    Master in Japanese Plastering and Natural building techniques

Meet the Support Team

  • Ryan Kirkby

    Experienced natural builder, timber framer, and founder of ARC11

  • Angelica Lemke

    Visionary and Organizational Support and founder of ARC11

  • Jennifer Edson

    Visionary and Organizational Support

Support our Mission