Tim Watson, Eco-Restorative Architect

His Journey towards eco-restorative design thinking

Since obtaining his license to practice architecture in 1980, Tim Watson has maintained a solo practice specializing in residential and light commercial buildings. His design work evolved as he became better acquainted with the nature-based architectural accomplishments of indigenous peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere. He was further influenced by Thomas Berry's writings, principally Fr. Berry's book published in 1988,The Dream of the Earth. This book dramatically shifted his attention towards working in concert with nature's ecosystems.

In 1993 while attending a symposium at Ball State University, sustainable building design concepts first drew his attention. Drawing upon his Native American heritage, Tim then sought to combine Thomas Berry's ecospiritual thinking with connections between nature and buildings espoused by architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Fay Jones, and sustainable design. Since that time an evolution of thought finds his work drawing upon agrarian earth sciences such as "Permaculture" technology introduced by Bill Mollison in Australia. The vision of architect William McDonough further deepened Tim's convictions by pointing out that sustaining contemporary ecological systems can no longer suffice, and that the establishment of "regenerative" systems within the built environment is now necessary. Thus Tim sees the need to move beyond building design patterns destructive to natural processes. Rather he sees it is time to reverse this pattern by designing buildings which help restore natural ecosystems.

For the past several years three concepts involving spiritual connection with the Earth, agrarian Earth technology, and use of indigenous/contemporary building technologies have led him to characterize his work as "Eco-restorative Design". He defines Eco-Restorative Design as a process whereby the design of buildings and their environs help replenish Earth's ecosystems. This is a form of architecture that intentionally engages in the macrobiotic dynamics of a building site, and sets the stage for affirming the spiritual connection that exists between humans and the natural world.

Tim L. Watson is presently engaged in developing designs for "Caravan Village" a multi-generational community pilot project in North Carolina. His use of modular "Whole Garden Home" designs in this advanced technology project promises to create a housing medium that is ideally suited to retiring generations of Americans.

In his article written for "Ecozoic" magazine, Tim states:

"The time of anthropologically focused buildings must come to an end. In our immediate future we must envision buildings and homes that directly serve both humankind, and the communities of life forms they impact."