Elegant Simplicity changes the cycle of "bigger" to "better." By providing an opportunity to change the "thinking" that got us where we are today, this work transforms our perception, allowing us to realize, on a highly personal level, that the environment is the loving source of all life. Our attempts to incorporate “green” into our building industry are largely an inaccessible Band-Aid solution; yet this purposeful global initiative reflects that we are, without a doubt, poised for a profound shift in our thinking. We have become intrinsically aware that in comparison to our ancestors’ naturally sustainable, environmentally conscious habitats, we are today alarmingly disconnected from the environment, from each other and from the Earth. Elegant Simplicity relies on many centuries of human thought, closely following man's awareness of nature and his place in context to the environment. Keen awareness of proportions, natural resources, light, air, fuels, and the equinoxes were all considered and used in balance with nature. If these elements were not considered, as history plainly illustrates, the individual and community did not survive. This view of holding nature in the highest esteem was once an integral part of a much larger “system boundary" than is practiced today. The goal of Elegant Simplicity is to help every person return to a more appropriate human scale in thought processes, belief systems, industry practices, commercial buildings and family homes. It is only by addressing a common geometry of patterns and proportions that we can understand our visual palette of interconnection and sustainability. Through this learned methodology of building in accordance with harmonic scale, we can begin to wholly reconnect with nature, nourish our spirits, and, above all, collectively heal our earth.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

25 years as a design/build professional afforded me an extensive and personal view of what consumers wanted most from their homes. A universal voice began to emerge, one that asked for sustainable, healthy, elegantly simple homes. But without readily available or affordable solutions, choices were few.

I then embarked on an eight year journey of intense study and reflection to search for answers. The result is a multi-disciplinary approach to design and building based on an interdependence philosophy. This new approach is two-fold: first, it targets the building industry to enforce policy regulations to provide sustainable-only building options. Second, it targets consumers to reconsider their homes in relation to their personal, wellness and spatial needs, while encouraging minimization of their consumption impact and carbon footprint.

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To illustrate this new design rubric, I produced the treatment for a film in 2007. Using a home I designed and built as the backdrop, I asked questions about architecture in today’s world, and about an industry that lacks consideration for the health of the environment. The blatant disconnection from what was once our ancestors’ innate sensibility was shocking to admit. People responded so passionately to this film that a second film, Elegant Simplicity was born. I interviewed people from all walks of life. What I learned is that people are craving a change in their approach to health and wellness within their homes and their environment and, above all, they are ready to make it.

To effect this change, the film must be funded via state and federal grants, submitted to film festivals and independent theaters; a grass-roots effort will be needed via the establishment of a non-profit viral marketing campaign, peer-to-peer networks, article-writing, cross-linked websites and blogging.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

In just 50 years, the average home size in this country has increased 2.5 times. Urban sprawl has devastated our agriculture and alienated our communities. The projected rates of consumption based on our population doubling in the next forty years are astounding. Our future is in peril. We must change now.

Elegant Simplicity offers an ecologically responsible solution through a new building model. An integrated strategy, this model is based on ancient wisdom and harmonic architecture that can sustain us. By regulating new building policies and actively educating consumers, appropriately-scaled, sustainable buildings will become the new standard.

We already possess the design, technology and tools to replicate this on a large scale. As consumers quickly become educated, Elegant Simplicity has the power to become a global movement, imposing a striking departure from vast consumption and whereby consumers demand homes that are healthy for themselves and the earth.

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

Carol McKain Gregor, in collaboration with her partner, Richard Gregor, focuses her work on a whole systems approach to architectural design from a scientific, ecological, historical and human perspective. After 25 years of experience as a builder and entrepreneur, Ms. Gregor was fortunate to begin a reflective phase eight years ago, studying with Thomas Moore, Frithof Capra, and Stephan Harding, among others. Her research into architecture, sacred geometry, sustainability, philosophy, history, mathematics and science are the foundation of this new work culminating in Elegant Simplicity.

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Ms. Gregor’s partner, Richard Gregor has 40 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience as an engineer, and currently consults with commercial builders on LEED certification. Mr. Gregor recently worked with the Hickory Consortium, bringing sustainable methods to production homebuilding and multi-unit residential buildings, using the systems engineering principles of W. Edward Deming.

“The Lost Language of Architecture,” a short film completed in 2007, is Ms. Gregor’s first production. Many hours were contributed, largely at no cost, by authors, architects, engineers, developers, homeowners, creative production technicians, and writers. To continue the work, a production studio in Rhode Island has been secured, and Ben Houssman of the Seattle Symphony will provide original musical composition for Elegant Simplicity.

Click here for Richard's resume