Business Details
35 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Green Building Solutions
Founded in 1991, Leger Wanaselja Architecture has established itself as a pioneering force in green design and sustainable architecture. With decades of combined experience, our firm specializes in creating environmentally conscious buildings that prioritize energy efficiency, resource conservation, and innovative use of salvaged materials like reclaimed wood, auto parts, and industrial waste. Our expertise spans residential, commercial, and institutional projects, including award-winning designs like the McGee Salvage House and Powerlight Inc. headquarters. Recognized by the AIA for green design excellence, we integrate local materials and passive solar strategies to minimize ecological footprints while maximizing functionality.Our team of architects and builders brings hands-on construction knowledge to every project, ensuring designs balance aesthetic appeal with practical performance. We emphasize transparency through material disclosures and lifecycle assessments, supporting clients in achieving LEED certification and net-zero energy goals. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in projects that combine ecological responsibility with cutting-edge architectural solutions. As educators and innovators, we continually explore new methods to reduce construction waste and improve building performance. Our work demonstrates that sustainable architecture can achieve both artistic expression and measurable environmental impact reduction.
Services
Green architecture
Sustainable design
Home remodeling
Net-zero construction
Commercial retrofitting
Strawbale building
Shipping container conversion
Energy auditing
Material salvage
Green certifications
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We pioneered green architecture in California with 30+ years of specialized expertise
- Our designs integrate 100% salvaged car parts and post-industrial waste materials
- We implement passive solar strategies that reduce energy use by up to 90%
- Award-winning firm recognized by AIA for innovative sustainable design
- Our buildings achieve zero net energy through photovoltaic systems and smart design
Associations and certifications
- AIA
Services
Green Architecture
Our green architecture approach creates buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing functionality. We specialize in passive solar design, energy modeling, and material sustainability analysis. Projects incorporate natural ventilation systems, daylight optimization, and renewable energy integration to achieve LEED certification and net-zero energy goals.
Salvaged Material Construction
We transform discarded materials into functional architecture through innovative salvage strategies. Our projects feature repurposed car parts, industrial remnants, and reclaimed wood in structural and decorative applications. This approach reduces waste while creating unique aesthetic elements that tell the material's history through visible reuse.
Net-Zero Building
Our net-zero construction creates buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. We combine super-insulated envelopes, passive solar orientation, and photovoltaic systems with energy-efficient appliances. These designs achieve energy independence while maintaining modern comfort standards through careful systems integration.
Strawbale Building
We specialize in strawbale construction for its superior insulation and low environmental impact. Our designs use locally sourced agricultural waste for wall systems that provide thermal mass and natural breathability. These structures integrate with site-specific passive solar principles to create energy-efficient, healthy living environments.
Shipping Container Conversion
We transform industrial shipping containers into sustainable living spaces through strategic insulation and design. Our conversions maintain structural integrity while adding thermal performance through cellulose insulation and radiant barriers. These projects demonstrate how industrial waste can become modern, energy-efficient buildings.
People
Karl Wanaselja
Co-Founder & Architect
Licensed architect and contractor with 30+ years of green building experience. Developed award-winning designs using salvaged materials and net-zero strategies. Holds master's degree from UC Berkeley and contractor's license since 1992. Expert in strawbale, adobe, and metal construction systems.
Cate Leger
Co-Founder & Architect
LEED-accredited architect specializing in sustainable materials and environmental policy. Former EPA advisor with expertise in lifecycle assessments and green certifications. Holds master's degree from UC Berkeley and has lectured extensively on sustainable design practices and material selection.
Questions
What makes Leger Wanaselja Architecture different from other firms?
We combine architecture and hands-on building expertise with specialized knowledge of salvaged materials. Our award-winning projects demonstrate innovative reuse of industrial waste while achieving energy efficiency.
Do you specialize in specific building materials?
We prioritize salvaged and renewable materials in all projects. This includes reclaimed wood, auto parts, strawbales, and shipping containers, which we repurpose into structurally sound and aesthetically unique building elements.
Can you help achieve net-zero energy goals for residential projects?
Yes, we design buildings that produce as much energy as they consume through passive solar strategies, super-insulated envelopes, and photovoltaic integration tailored to each site's specific conditions.
Do you work outside the Bay Area?
While based in Berkeley, we've completed projects across Northern California including Marin County, Livermore, and Southern Oregon. We collaborate with local contractors for out-of-area developments.
What certifications can you help achieve?
We support LEED certification, net-zero energy goals, and energy code compliance. Our designs incorporate materials that contribute to green building standards through reclaimed content and local sourcing.
Can you incorporate accessible design features?
Yes, we integrate universal design principles and ADA-compliant features into new construction and renovations. Recent projects include zero-step entries and accessible bathroom layouts.
