He’s got a passion for ‘green’ design

Architect Bill Wolpert nurtured a lifelong love of marine biology, but when it came time to select electives in the beginning of his eighth-grade year, his choices were limited and his mother suggested he take a drafting class.

“She knew I liked to draw,” said Wolpert. “I always had a strong interest in science, from grade school on. I signed up for mechanical drafting and stuck with it. It was interesting, but I was always interested because of the creativity of architecture. I was torn between marine biology and architecture, so when it came time to choose a college, my drafting teacher suggested Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo).”

“Architecture school taught me the relevance of proper site design,” Wolpert added. “If you design the house properly, with south-facing windows, you can use that as passive solar design. In the 1990s, you’d hear about reducing waste from construction, reducing energy usage and not using rainforest materials when you design new homes.”

Wolpert took these guiding principles and formed his architectural practice around them. He is the owner of Green Building Architects, which designs new homes and smaller commercial buildings. The firm also does historic rehabilitation and serves as a consultant on green building applications and feasibility.

“I do a lot of upgrades,” said Wolpert. “Most projects involve conventional building materials, but I strive to reduce energy and waste, plus improving the overall air quality.”

His concentration on green building and conservation using environmentally friendly materials led him to be chosen for a seat on Petaluma’s Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee three years ago. The committee was disbanded last year when the City Council created a new Planning Commission to handle the duties of SPARC and the Planning Commission. However, Wolpert, along with Terry Kosewic, comprise the city’s Historical and Cultural Preservation Committee, which sits on the dais with the Planning Commission when it is reviewing any project with historical significance.

“Any home in an historic neighborhood or more than 50 years old could be considered by the committee,” he said. “We just finished rewriting an updated historic preservation chapter of the city building code.”

During the city’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2008, Wolpert was commissioned to design a time capsule to be sealed and re-opened in 2058. Made of mostly recycled wood materials with an 11-inch diameter, stainless-steel cylinder, the time capsule functions as a lectern for guest reception and registration at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum.

Wolpert grew up on a ranch in the Central Valley and his family moved to Fresno. As a child, he had an interest in electrical projects, and so he wanted to study electronics in school.

People might be surprised to know that that when he’s not designing or reviewing projects, Wolpert enjoys an unusual hobby.

“I get a big kick out of introducing people to wild mushroom hunting,” he said. “My wife, Megan, and I started a New Year’s Day tradition where we take people to Salt Point and go mushroom hunting, and then have a feast.”

Wolpert’s greatest challenge? “My architectural practice is called a practice for a reason,” he said. “My challenges are to help homeowners meet the dreams they have been carrying around for 10 to 15 years in an affordable and comfortable manner.”

“Completing the 2001 Markleyville Death Ride” is what Wolpert cited as his greatest accomplishment. “It’s a cycling event where you ride 129 miles and climb 19,000 feet in a day of riding.,” he said.

Regarding his personal philosophy, Wolpert said, “I’m really trying to get through this lifetime without ‘leaving my mark.’ I try to do modest work that leaves the homeowners satisfied. I try to keep things simple.”

Wolpert’s interest in science and marine biology, in particular, is still part and parcel of what he does, although he said, “I don’t get to practice science all the time. However, I was just appointed to the Cordell Bank Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. I accepted the Sonoma County community-at-large seat.” The council provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent on the designation and operation of the Cordell Bank sanctuary.

What’s the craziest thing the notably practical Wolpert has done?

“I jumped out of an airplane with my stepson for his 18th birthday. I had a preconceived notion of how it was going to be and it wasn’t like that at all.”

(Contact Lynn Schnitzer at argus@arguscourier.com)