ABOUT

Earthwise Design Consulting is a green design firm based in Alexandria, VA.  We create designs that speak to your senses. The same feeling you get when you walk next to a river or deep in the forest, we want you to get in your indoor space. Whether it is residential or commercial we revel in finding solutions that create an all around sense of well-being.
Earthwise creates healing spaces that integrate the smartest sustainable alternatives available on the market today. We work with a network of professionals to get any size project done.

 Our principal designer, Erin Alexander is a design consultant with over 15 years experience and a specialty in green design (LEED accredited professional).

In 1992 Erin Alexander trained with His Holiness Grandmaster Professor Thomas Lin-Yun, world-renowned Feng Shui master. After years of consulting with clients on Feng Shui, she has created her own system, which she lovingly calls Funki Shui.

Funki Shui is the soulful blending of Feng Shui and the earth traditions of African, Native American, and European traditions..

She came into this field 20 years ago when her oldest daughter became sick from remodeling going on at her school. Her commitment to creating a sustainable world is not a fad, it is the guiding force for her life.

Erin has managed environmental companies such as European Sleep works, Earthsake, Smith and Hawken, Ecology Center Store and Eco-Green Living.  Her years of experience working with retail clients has made Erin very versatile in her approach to design, considering many budgets and styles in her strategy for creating sustainable spaces.

Most recently she has created a partnership with Kenergy Solar to provide solar systems for clients in the DC metro area.

Originally from San Francisco Bay Area, Erin has a BA in Humanities/Leadership from New College of California. She studied Interior Architectural Design and Environmental Chemistry at UC Berkeley Extension;has a certificate from Women’s Initiative’s 16 week business management program and  an Indigenous Permaculture Design certificate.

Selected Residential Projects:

Saile Residence, Condominium, Washington, DC
Kitchen design remodel using green building products.

Katzenbarger Residence, Condominium, Washington, DC
Complete Condo Renovation Design using green building products and methods.

Troche Residence, Private Home, San Carlos, CA
Feng Shui and Green Materials Specification

Carson Residence, Oakland, CA
Feng Shui and Color Consultation

Lincoln Residence, Walnut Creek, CA
Green Material Outline Specifications and Feng Shui

Selected Retail Commercial Projects:

Belleza di Terra Organic and Natural Spa, Bethesda, Md
Funki Shui and green material selection

Nashoba Retreat Center, Sebastopol, CA
Funki Shui Consultation

Eco-Green Living, Green Building Supply Store, Washington, DC
Renovation of  warehouse space using green products and reused products.

Chabot College Childcare Center, Hayward, CA
Green specification and color consultation.

Ecology Center, Environmental Center and Store, Berkeley, CA
Renovation and remodel using Feng Shui and green materials selection.

Workshops and lectures

Presentation, “Funki Shui:Living in Harmony with Nature” . ULM Spring 4wrd Equinox Celebration, Washington, DC

Workshop, “Implications of Feng Shui in a Mediation Setting. Maryland Mediator’s Convention, Baltimore, Md

Workshop, “Creating Peace in the Chaos of the City.” Black Women’s Health and Healing Conference, Oakland, CA 

Workshop, “Balancing Act: Using Feng Shui to make Changes in your life.” Changemakers Bookstore, Berkeley, CA

Workshop, “Green Design For Everyday People, “ Ecology Center, Berkeley, CA

Lecture, “Green Material Selection”, Merritt Community College, Oakland, CA

Workshop” Creating Healing Spaces: A workshop for Healers “, Upaya Healing Center, Oakland, CA

Speaker, “Using Color to Create Healing,” African-American Women’s Healing Circle.

Awards and Affiliations

Empowerment Award for National Excellence and Service, Pan-Hellenic Council Inc.
Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce
LEED AP [B,D,+C] Professional Accreditation, GBCI
ADPSR- Architects, Designers,Planners for Social Responsibility
Permaculture Design Certificate-Indigenous Permaculture Association
Small Business Management Certificate, Women’s Initiative