--- title: "Earth and Straw Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/earth-and-straw-design-pfvwus-pf~629889109 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~629889109.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Earth and Straw Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7f33581602790a91_8358-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Franklin, North Carolina 28734, United States" phone: "(615) 416-1908" website: https://www.facebook.com/ResidentialRenovationDesign rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 30 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # Earth and Straw Design Original Houzz profile: [Earth and Straw Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/earth-and-straw-design-pfvwus-pf~629889109) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Franklin, NC - **Serves:** Franklin, Bryson City, Cashiers, Cullowhee, Hayesville, Highlands, Murphy, Sylva - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Earth and Straw Design was formed in 1994 to offer residential design and planning services for practical healthy homes. We are committed to accommodating the home owners needs and desires in our work. We offer advice, suggestions and expertise, but ultimately decisions are the choice of those who will live with them. In our projects, you will find examples of our work in conventional and laternative building methods such as straw bale construction, integrating permaculture design. Earth & Straw Design is comprised of architect, Howard Switzer and permaculture designer, Kate Culver. Howard has been designing passive solar, ecologically-minded homes for over 40 years. His commitment to healthy, low-impact shelter led him to straw bale and cob construction fifteen years ago. With a strong foundation in space planning Howard’s designs help lessen the footprint and honor the art of building. Kate provides design, consultation and training to owner-builders and construction crews in straw bale and earthen building techniques with natural plasters from a permaculture perspective. This holistic design approach allows life in, and around, the created space to be comfortable, efficient and beautiful. Our holistic design philosophy places us within the living world. The way we choose to live not only affects our health but the health of the environment. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Multigenerational Homes - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Home Gym Design & Construction - Construction Drawings - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Franklin - Bryson City - Cashiers - Cullowhee - Hayesville - Highlands - Murphy - Sylva ### Typical Job Cost $3,000 - 50,000 Prices based on requirments and complexity ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Earth and Straw Design | | Address | Franklin, North Carolina 28734, United States | | Phone | (615) 416-1908 | | Website | https://www.facebook.com/ResidentialRenovationDesign | | Followers on Houzz | 30 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Earth-and-Straw-Design-433894840124717/timeline - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecoville-architechs - Blog — http://earthandstraw.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Earth and Straw Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/earth-and-straw-design-pfvwus-pf~629889109) - **Website:** https://www.facebook.com/ResidentialRenovationDesign - **Phone:** (615) 416-1908 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — Bonnie Garner, April 2017** > Howard understood my concerns about house fitting into countryside. He worked great with my builder, made adjustments, explained what and why something would or would not work...I am still in the house, still happy with it. I would recommend Howard Switzer. In fact, I have. **Comment from Earth and Straw Design:** > Hay Bonnie, what a sweet blast from the past. So glad to hear you are still in that lovely contryside. Thanks! **★★★★★ — Albert Bates, April 2017** > Howard and Katey have been doing this for longer than almost anyone else in the business, but they never stop learning, adopting the latest improvements and expanding their repertoire. I have gone to them with challenging jobs from 1996 to 2016. They have never let me down. **Comment from Earth and Straw Design:** > Always an honor and a pleasure to work with you, Albert, thanks for the opportunities. **★★★★★ — conradschuck, June 2016** > The experience we had with Howard's design for the remodeling of a 900 sq. ft. falling down shack built in 1913 was exemplary! Howard came up with a plan to expand the sq. footage to 1200 sq. ft. and to also add two porches. He did this quickly and presented us with a plan that maintained the integrity of the original structure's design. > He was instrumental in getting us approved by the Franklin Historical Society and in getting us started in the search for a general contractor. > We hope that we can find another project to collaborate with Howard. **Comment from Earth and Straw Design:** > It was a great pleasure to work with you and Harrison, and loved the project, thank you. Yes, I look forward to collaborating on another project with you all and look forward to the open house. **★★★★★ — Maria Hanley, Jan. 2016** > The Project: > > Our project was a restoration and remodel of a home in the historic district of downtown Franklin, TN. The team, Lee Restoration, LLC and Earth and Straw Design, restored the original 1870’s Folk Victorian structure, removed a poorly constructed 1970’s 2nd bedroom add-on and replaced it with a sophisticated addition that blended history with modern upgrades. The house was transformed from a 2 bedroom 1 bath, (with an unfinished loft in the carriage house), to a 2 bedroom house with each bedroom having a private bath, plus a powder room, (and a fully finished 1 bedroom/1 bath with kitchenette guest apartment above the carriage house.) > > The Review: > > Howard Switzer at Earth and Straw Design is an undiscovered genius. He was able to take ideas expressed in layman’s terms and, along with somewhat primitive sketches, transform them into three dimensional realities - and then improve on them. > > Michael Lee and The Lee Restoration team is highly knowledgeable in building and construction. They exhibit exceptional workmanship. They are attentive to detail and respectful of our property. > > This talented team is extremely professional and courteous. Both parties gave us ideas that were simply spectacular and had we not used them, those ideas would never have crossed our minds. Their contributions to our desired design were well worth the money spent, because those very same ideas turned our home into an amazing space. > One of the most important aspects of this type of working relationship is listening. For example, when we didn't want something they took it out or if we did want something they added it (if they could). We communicated on a regular basis to ensure everyone was on the same page. For this reason, they are still providing us with remodeling services on a smaller scale (we are adding built-ins, shelving, a rain catchment system, etc.), and we continue to enjoy working with them both. > > We are continually receiving complements about the house. Any contractor who goes into the crawl space raves about how great it is – lighting, water abatement measures, electrical (you know you have a great contractor when the crawl space is pristine!) A cable contractor told us, "You know, we see a lot of homes in Franklin and we always tell the owner they have a beautiful house - because they do. But your house is not only beautiful; it’s like a work of art." In December, 2015, when we attended the 2015 annual Holiday Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting, we received so many kudos about what had done for the house and the neighborhood and everyone agreed what great work this team has done for the City of Franklin. The Historic Zoning Commission even invited us to include the house in their annual tour of homes and it was awarded the “Merit Preservation Award” by The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, TN. > > In short, the house looks beautiful. **Comment from Earth and Straw Design:** > Thank you Maria, it was our great pleasure to work with you and Chris. I can't tell how many times I've heard the phrase around town, "....like that green house on 5th." **★★★★★ — Tim Thomas, Dec. 2015** > We were very lucky to have found Howard to design the renovation of our 1970's ranch in suburban Nashville. I say lucky because he listened and was able to quickly and creatively translate our vision for a Lloyd Wright inspired design while using the bones of the existing structure. As an added bonus, Howard was able to advise on construction methods and materials - particularly when it came to energy efficiency. > He kept our project on time and on budget and delivered very detailed plans that helped the complete renovation go much smoother. **Comment from Earth and Straw Design:** > Thank you, Tim, I thoroughly enjoyed working with you on your project. **★★★★★ — chiefswitzer, Dec. 2015** > Designed my 2000 square foot passive solar, super insulated home. I have lived in this home for 23 years and am very pleased with the design and function of this house. The plans were done promptly and satisfied all reviews for permits could not ask for a better architect. **★★★★★ — djburt61, Dec. 2015** > Howard was absolutely the person for our project. We bought and renovated a huge, old, dilapidated apartment building into four modern, energy efficient town homes, each designed specifically with and for the respective future owner. We incorporated features such as solar water heaters and found that Howard has a vast knowledge of all things green - we really wanted to insulate with strawbale, and he helped us work out a beautiful plan for many other sustainable features that we really wanted to build, but also worked with us to build within our budget. His network of engineers and contractors also was extremely helpful during our build. > > On top of all this, I can say that I absolutely trust Howard. He was fair, patient with us (as it took us THREE YEARS to come up with funding, and had to change our plans a ridiculous number of times), and a real joy to work with the entire time. > > Absolutely recommend, especially for those interested in green/natural building/sustainable technology. **Comment from Earth and Straw Design:** > Thank you for the review, Daniel and Amanda, yours was the most exciting project I had been involved in for years. I am so glad that it all worked out for you and your community and look forward to watching your project continue to blossom. So happy you were able to save these old bones. ## Selected projects - [Noll St. Straw bale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/noll-st-straw-bale-pj-vj~1451953) - Location: Chattanooga, TN - Photos: 18 - Description: Artist's straw bale home and studio - [Southern GA Charm Straw bale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southern-ga-charm-straw-bale-pj-vj~1454507) - Location: Farmington, GA - Photos: 7 - [Santa's Workshop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-s-workshop-pj-vj~1508273) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 12 - [Lieper's Fork Straw bale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lieper-s-fork-straw-bale-pj-vj~1454613) - Location: Primm Springs, TN - Photos: 13 - Description: 3200 sq. ft. straw bale house - [Miscellaneous projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miscellaneous-projects-pj-vj~1454737) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Blue Heron Straw bale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-heron-straw-bale-pj-vj~1457789) - Location: Pittsboro, NC - Photos: 14 - Description: 2 straw bale cabin pods - one for bedroom and bath, one for kitchen, dining and living room - [5th St](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5th-st-pj-vj~1450449) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 17 - Description: Renovation of 1870s historic home. This home was invited onto the Annual Historic Homes Tour in Franklin and received a 'Merit Preservation Award' from the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee. Lee Restoration was the builder. - [Breezeway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/breezeway-pj-vj~1454330) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 45 - Description: 1840s log cabin restored from near loss - [5th & Church renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5th-and-church-renovation-pj-vj~1454660) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 7 - Description: Renovation and addition to historic home - [Thomas renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thomas-renovation-pj-vj~1454535) - Location: Brentwood, TN - Photos: 24 - Description: Renovation of ranch house into Wright influenced Prairie Style - [Joan's cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/joan-s-cabin-pj-vj~1454453) - Location: Sewanee, TN - Photos: 6 - Description: Reconstructed log cabin with stone veneered bedroom, kitchen/dining & bath addition. - [Carriage Houses](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carriage-houses-pj-vj~1454217) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [The Sugar Shack](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-sugar-shack-pj-vj~2202497) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 18 - [Ingram Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ingram-cabin-pj-vj~1875000) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Mary Jane's House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mary-jane-s-house-pj-vj~7643276) - Location: Gallatin, TN - Photos: 6 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/earth-and-straw-design-pfvwus-pf~629889109) ## Ideabooks - [Holley House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77550461/list/holley-house) — 9 ideas - [Alley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111044075/list/alley-residence) — 26 ideas - [Sherling Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103499714/list/sherling-residence) — 20 ideas - [Last Chance - Ann & Roby](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59420713/list/last-chance-ann-roby) — 14 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/howardswitzer) ## Community Q&A **Q: Living room help** *(in Design Dilemma)* I need help with my living room... Area rug, accents, etc.. I know a lot of you guys are amazing and gifted w/ the knack for design and arrangement. Will add additional pictures of the room. A: I think lighting the painting above the fireplace would help bring some focus, maybe even some color, and agree about moving the bench closer to the conversation and something nice over the couch on that blank wall. The plant in the corner looks lonely, might give it some company, and a larger more colorful rug might help. **Q: Livingroom Arangment needs ideas** *(in Design Dilemma)* We have recently moved and remodeled a 1950's ranch. It is now time to start the decorating process. I am starting with one of my favorite rooms in this house, the living room and I am quickly discovering I am at a loss for what and how to decorate. Style wise I am wanting to go with modern furniture that has a mid century feel but I want it to be elegant and not on the "kitchy" side that sometimes mid century lean towards. I am having a very tough time with deciding what type of furniture to buy and the furniture arrangement. Attached you will find the floor plan, the large rectangle is the fireplace, as well as very bad photos of the room and furniture pieces that I have considered for the room. (I apoligize for both the quality of the photos and the unpacking that still needs to be done). There are two pieces that must stay in the room, and will not be restrained or painted, the desk and grandfather clock. I really love the glass top coffee table however if something better comes along its out. As for painting or staining the side tables, I wouldn't have it any other way. Also I am not interested in painting woodwork or brick. Thanks so much for your suggestions! A: Nice desk! Not sure I understand the floor plan, its incomplete. The fireplace style doesn't work very well with your furniture style ...old Hacienda meets Frank Loyd Wright, so I would want to do a more contemporary furniture/decor or change the fireplace. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*