Rob Avis Bio

Rob Avis brings together mechanical engineering, ecological building, energy, waste-to-resource concepts, water conservation, landscape regeneration and permaculture in all of his designs. Rob believes, demonstrates and teaches that sustainable human habitat is possible.

Offering a wealth of knowledge and experience from around the world, Rob's portfolio includes a three month internship at the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia (working alongside Geoff Lawton), a six month sabbatical learning about renewable energy systems at a Non-Profit in Denmark and off-the-beaten track travels throughout Mexico examining sustainable agriculture practices. He has hands-on experience with numeours concepts including Earthships, wind turbines, living machine waste-water treatment and Keyline design.

His Calgary-based consulting company, RAVIS Sustainable, specializes in whole-systems philosophies and focuses on patterning designs after natural systems. From back-yard to commercial to community endeavors, past projects are vast and varied: waste plant oil engine conversions, food forest installations, grey water systems, composting and solar hot water, super-insulated buildings, passive greenhouse design and community district heating systems ... to name a few!

With a passion for teaching and willingness to share, Rob's mantra is “transformation through inspirational education”.