Biography: (oct, 1999)
Gary Duncan, Founder/Director Smart Shelter Network
Email: gd@smartshelter.com
Gary Duncan is a fourth generation native of Western Colorado.
He graduated from Montrose high school in 1964. His academic background is in mathematics, physics, architectural design and creative writing at the University of Colorado/ Boulder, the University of California at Berkeley and UCLA, respectively.
He served as a photographer for the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam conflict and was a photo technician for National Aeronautics and Space Administration
His building career began in Telluride the year before the ski area was built as a construction laborer digging out basements with a pick and shovel. During the next 17 years he progressed through the building trades as a carpenter, contractor, custom interiors specialist, architectural designer and contract manager.
His projects included the restoration of the historic Sheridan Opera house, Design and construction management for the Manitou Riverhouse Complex, and the James Ray Residence--published by Fine Woodworking Magazine and the Denver Post.
He sat for two years as the design consultant for the Telluride Historic and Architectural Review Commission.
In 1987 he joined Fort Hill Construction of Hollywood as a master cabinetmaker. His clients include Madonna, Bruce Springstein, Olivia Newton-John, Rita Moreno, Stephen Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, David Geffen, and the CEO for Time-Warner.
He returned to Montrose in 1993 to be with aging parents. He had acquired an advanced case of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a result of having worked with toxic building products, resulting in a nearly complete disability...from which he has achieved a nearly complete recovery.
He has dedicated the years since to compiling the experiences of several hundred Western Colorado Residents who have built successful homes and workplaces utilizing sustainable/ non-toxic building systems.
The Smart Shelter Network presents that information to the public through project consulting, course series, media awareness and political advocacy in recognition of the fact that these building systems are laying the foundation for the construction industry for the new millennium and provide real methods for lessening the impacts of growth.
Presentations on sustainable building have been made to the Colorado Association of Real Estate Appraisers, the Colorado Association of Certified Closers, Mesa State College, Western Slope Environmental Resource Council, Mountain Building Officials, Tri-County Building Officials, the International Congress of Building Officials...for which Gary serves as teaching faculty for alternative building techniques, Crested Butte Sustainable Communities Symposium, Colorado Natural Building Workshop, Rotary International, and North Western Colorado Home Builder's Association.
Gary is co-host to "Connections" monthly public radio show on the environment, alternative healing and spirituality (KVNF Radio- Paonia). He is a columnist for Whole Life Network's publication "Connections" and sits on the Regional Public Radio Community Advisory Board.
He also teaches people to sail.