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The Figure Ground Studio provides architecture, landscape architecture, and creative sustainability consulting services in the Hudson Valley, New York and beyond. Client consultation combined with careful observation of natural systems and cultural context inform beautiful, innovative, and integrally restorative designs, which incorporate the skills of local artisans, craftsmen, and tradespeople.
Services Provided:
Commercial & Residential Design
New Construction & Historic Renovation
Adaptive Reuse
Master Planning & Schematic Design
Construction Administration
Planning & Zoning Permitting
Alternative Building Systems
Sustainability Consulting
Garden Design & Planting Plans
Pollinator & Habitat Gardens
Ecological Preservation and/or Restoration
Construction documentation and observation
Permit and regulatory preparation
Permaculture guided design
Feasibility Studies
Land Use Visioning
Site Selection & Analysis
Site & Landscape Design
Ethan L Timm
Architect (NY)
NCARB, LEED AP
Ethan L Timm, co-founder of The Figure Ground Studio (TFG), is committed to the ancient Vitruvian principles of Firmness, Commodity, and Delight.
Expanding the definition of the practice of architecture, Ethan has a passion for making spaces and has explored many facets of building – including self-directed full-scale renovations, energy-upgrade retrofits, sculpture, and furniture-making. This hands on experience informs all of his design and consulting work.
Ethan is passionate about exploring – with each client – the opportunities presented by site, context, and urban and regulatory frameworks.
Ethan’s calm demeanor, resourcefulness, attention to detail and visceral care for both people and the natural environment make him invaluable as an architect – always seeking to find novel, innovative, and efficient design solutions.
From studying architecture in Rome, to working on Living Machines and Earthships in Taos, New Mexico to assimilating sustainable urban practices in Portland, Oregon, Ethan brings a deep understanding of both cultural context and architectural fitness to all of his work.
Ethan now enjoys bringing his experience and enthusiasm to his hometown of Cold Spring, NY and its environs.
Education
PHIUS Certified Builders Training
Passive House Institute US
Master’s Degree in Architecture (M.Arch)
Columbia University in the City of New York
Bachelor of Arts, Art History and Public Policy
Duke University
Landscape Architecture
University of California, Berkeley
Ecological Design
The San Francisco Institute of Architects & Taliesin West Studio
Erin J Muir
Landscape Architect (NY)
CLARB
Erin J Muir is an artist, a space holder and a facilitator. She focuses on identifying and understanding the culturally dominant story of separation and working to replace that story with a story of connection and Interbeing. Through a practice which combines Earth-based spirituality, ritual, and The Work That Reconnects, Erin explores and cultivates ways to replace the stories of dominion-over with stories of interconnection – centering awe and gratitude for the sacredness of all life.
Co-founder of The Figure Ground Studio (TFG), Erin has had the opportunity – over the past 20 years – to work extensively with and learn from plants, water, soil, wood, and stone. She has collaborated with countless artisans to co-create inspiring landscapes that honor water, soil, pollinators and native flora and fauna, providing a local environment within which humans can reconnect with the land and nature that surrounds them. When working with clients to re-imagine the landscapes that they inhabit, Erin combines a love of plants, an artist’s sense of beauty and proportion, well-honed technical expertise, and a respect for ecological systems.
Erin previously worked with Tupelo Design Studio designing formal estate gardens, where she gained perspective on creating gardens that respond to the historical and cultural context of architecture and place. A love of the outdoors and a need for innovation brought Erin to Portland, Oregon, where she was steeped in a culture pushing the boundaries of regenerative design. She now resides and works in the Hudson Valley of New York.
Erin is passionate about continually participating in The Great Turning!
Education
The Work that Reconnects Facilitator Training
School for The Great Turning
Natural Design
New Directions for the American Landscape
Permaculture Design
Pattern Literacy with Toby Hemenway, Portland, OR
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
University of Rhode Island
Fine art study and training
Boston University College of Fine Art
Certifications
NOFA Certified Organic Landcare Professional
CTNOFA
Affiliations
NOFA Organic Land Care
Ecological Landscape Alliance
Passive House Alliance US (Hudson Valley Chapter)
