My name is Skander Spies and I want to change the way people think about and use energy. I like things that are built to last and seeing pieces of a project fit together like the legos I assembled as a kid.

I started with a mechanical engineering degree and a deep love for wilderness. I’ve dedicated my career to creating sustainable buildings. Over time, it has become clear that sustainable client relationships and motivating community are just as important as the math and science. I’m fascinated by how we share information through story-telling, and create trust through delivering on the promises we make. Real sustainability will require fundamental changes to our cultural values, our appreciation for simplicity, and our willingness to care for one another.

I am a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the States of Washington and Montana and a Certified Passive House Consultant with PHIUS. I am proud to work as a Senior Mechanical Engineer for McKinstry & Co from our Missoula, Montana office. Our robust engineering group is growing steadily and I am always interested in talking to motivated professionals interested in new opportunities.  Please feel free to email me regarding job opportunities or requests for professional services.

You can check out more of my ideas on the web:

• read a short piece that I wrote and aired on Montana Public Radio in the fall of 2013.
• check out the video of a presentation I gave for the Sustainable Business Council of Missoula in the spring of 2013.
• learn about the importance of performance based building standards in this piece on the McKinstry blog.

Thoughts on active followership, attending conferences, and public speaking. Enjoy!

Speaking at the North American Passive House Conference, September 2014.