--- title: "Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/laurie-e-friedman-aia-architect-leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1099002327 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1099002327.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9f63d8ed09b3695a_6014-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "55 Luzanne Circle, San Anselmo, California 94960, United States" latitude: 37.9846 longitude: -122.5711 phone: "(415) 686-1652" website: http://www.earthlightdwellings.com rating: 5 review_count: 2 followers: 65 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP Original Houzz profile: [Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/laurie-e-friedman-aia-architect-leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1099002327) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Anselmo, CA - **Serves:** Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Tiburon, Kentfield, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Woodacre, Bolinas, Stinson Beach, San Geronimo, Belvedere Tiburon, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (2 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - 500 Ideabook Saves Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect specializes in sustainable, modern, and prefabricated architecture. Laurie also is an instructor of architectural design and (green) technology. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Handicap-Accessible Design ### Areas Served - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Tiburon - Kentfield - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Belvedere - Woodacre - Bolinas - Stinson Beach - San Geronimo - Belvedere Tiburon - Forest Knolls - Greenbrae - Lagunitas ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP | | Address | 55 Luzanne Circle, San Anselmo, California 94960, United States | | Phone | (415) 686-1652 | | Website | http://www.earthlightdwellings.com | | License Number | California C22218 and MA 7799 | | Followers on Houzz | 65 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/laurie-e-friedman-aia-architect-leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1099002327) - **Website:** http://www.earthlightdwellings.com - **Phone:** (415) 686-1652 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed in California and Massachusetts; LEED **Affiliations** - [American Institute of Architects, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-san-francisco-pfvwus-pf~788533068) - [Architecture For Humanity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/architecture-for-humanity-pfvwus-pf~344158813) - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 2 reviews** ### All 2 reviews **★★★★★ — Nicholson Builders Inc., Jan. 2016** > Laurie has a great eye for design. Her renderings always have plenty of details. > She really goes out of her way to make sure every detail has been thought about before a project begins. I look forward to working with her again. **★★★★★ — ckhorowitz, Jan. 2016** > Laurie recently designed a garage with a living roof for our home. The design is truly aesthetically pleasing as strangers in passing often comment on how beautiful our garage looks. She is reliable, honest, and very professional. I would highly recommend her! ## Selected projects - [Sleepy Hollow Sustainable](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sleepy-hollow-sustainable-pj-vj~98220) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: The sculptural, sustainable house blends in with the natural setting: The gently curved roofs mimic the rolling hills, and the colors of the exterior materials (stucco, cedar siding, and cement panels) echo the local seasonal colors. All of the living spaces are directly accessible to the outdoors with windows and glass doors framing the dramatic views of the forest and mountains beyond. - [Martha's Vineyard Vacation Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/martha-s-vineyard-vacation-home-pj-vj~98264) - Location: Vineyard Haven, MA - Photos: 4 - Description: This contemporary 3000 sf vacation home displays the architect's play on and reinterpretation of the traditional shingle-style houses on Martha's Vineyard. The highlight of the open floor plan is the living room with its glass wall opening up to the undisturbed view of the forest preserve and its vaulted ceiling extending up to the second floor hallway. - [August Residence - Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/august-residence-bathroom-pj-vj~1093) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Green Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-residence-pj-vj~98267) - Location: Santa Monica, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Over the years, this house endured a move across town and numerous unpermitted, weekend warrior additions. This extensive remodel and addition included an entirely new master suite (bedroom, bath, and study), the renovation of two upstairs bedrooms and a bathroom, and a complete reconfiguration of the first floor. - [August Residence - Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/august-residence-exterior-pj-vj~1094) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Rose Residence - Master Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rose-residence-master-bathroom-pj-vj~1091) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Electric Car Dwelling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/electric-car-dwelling-pj-vj~6199885) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 7 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/laurie-e-friedman-aia-architect-leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1099002327) ## Ideabooks - [Modern eclectic bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165910228/list/modern-eclectic-bathrooms) — 22 ideas - [Storage above Wall-mounted Toilets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170065011/list/storage-above-wall-mounted-toilets) — 9 ideas - [Bathrooms with floating vanities](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169930378/list/bathrooms-with-floating-vanities) — 16 ideas - [Built-in shower benches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170028013/list/built-in-shower-benches) — 9 ideas - [Kitchens with corner sinks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169516178/list/kitchens-with-corner-sinks) — 12 ideas - [Home Office Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157831502/list/home-office-ideas) — 15 ideas - [Lap Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165881608/list/lap-pools) — 16 ideas - [Modern eclectic kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159252327/list/modern-eclectic-kitchens) — 14 ideas - [O'Neil-Six](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144440843/list/o-neil-six) — 9 ideas - [Martin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80595028/list/martin) — 2 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lefarchitect) ## Community Q&A **Q: Need a House Plan Source** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are looking for a green house plan that has an open floor plan on the inside and has an exterior that will fit in colonial, historic 1700's New England farm town. We are struggling to find anything that will fit. Does anyone have suggestions? A: Alison and Jon - I take it you have a lot already? If so, is it flat? If it's flat, a pre-made "catalog" house plan could work well, provided you find one that meets your functional and aesthetic requirements. Like alwaysdesigning suggested, a company that has catalog designs may be able to adjust the plans as you like. If it can't, you may need to enlist an structural engineer (which you will need anyway to design the footing and foundation) to ensure that the elimination of walls to create an open plan does not compromise the structural integrity. When you say "green," do you mean sustainable? If that's the case, I highly recommend that you hire a trained design professional (LEED AP) who can guide you through the process because there are always trade-offs when trying to achieve optimum sustainability. FYI - I designed a house on Martha's Vineyard that took into consideration the traditional, historic context of the existing architecture, but had an open, contemporary floor plan. I have attached some images. Best of luck to you... **Q: Looking for back splash ideas for our new kitchen!** *(in Design Dilemma)* We just built a new house and still need to do the backsplash in kitchen. We are going to go with stainless steel appliances. We don't want to spend alot of money either. Thanks for any help! A: I think that a pre-patterned mosaic tile combining glass and stone would look amazing and add a lot more "texture" to the space. By choosing one that contains the same type/color of stone that surrounds your fireplace, the tile backsplash will tie together (visually) the the two spaces. Also, a gold/brown tone glass tile will add a lot of warmth to the space. Check out Home Depot for a wide variety of reasonably-priced mosaic tiles. And be sure to purchase at least 10% more than you need, just in case! **Q: Getting ready for kitchen remodel and would like your opinions** *(in Design Dilemma)* OK, We got the draft from contractor. I have a lot of faith in him but also would like your opinions just in case we or he are missing something. There are pictures of my kitchen as t looks now on other posts if you want to compare to these renderings. It's a once in a lifetime remodel and just want to make it right. Thanks to you all. A: Oh, and one more thing: you may want to consider placing the microwave oven in the island, perhaps even facing the refrigerator. I have that arrangement in my kitchen and it functions extremely well! **Q: Would a red kitchen island be too much?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hi, I'm going to be changing the cabinets to a white with light chocolate glaze. I'm adding a new island and was considering going with red cabinets. Would that be too much? Changing door to match white cabinets and adding stainless steel range with cabinet hood. Looking for ideas from all of you. Thanks!! A: I understand that you want to visually connect the existing red furniture pieces with an element in the kitchen ; however, like others have suggested, a red island might be a little too much. Here's what I suggest: go with the same color/stain that you are using on the perimeter cabinets; find a countertop finish like quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone, etc.) that has flecks of red colored glass in it; and find a red glass pendant light or two to hang above the island. Good luck! **Q: Shutter Color-Help!** *(in Design Dilemma)* We have recently changed the exterior color of our house and added stone. Now we are trying to decide on a shutter color. Do you like the black shutter shown in the picture, or do you think a darker gray would look better? Any thoughts are appreciated! A: To mpoulsom - : - ) Yes, I am a green architect and because of that, I concern myself with landscaping that is not necessarily for ornamentation (especially in drought-prone climates) but for helping with passive solar design (deciduous trees in front of south-facing windows, etc.). **Q: Please help me take my kitchen out of the 20's!!** *(in Design Dilemma)* HELP! I need a kitchen redo that won't break my budget. I like the layout, but hate the drop ceiling, the old vinyl tiles and dated, old cabinets. I can basically afford paint and some new hardware. How can I "creatively" bring my kitchen up-to-date?? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated! A: I agree with mpoulsom -- pull up the many layers of vinyl flooring. This is inevitable...and will make the installation of the new flooring all the more easy. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*