We admire Eric Corey Freed for his beautiful design—and because he doesn't even question the fact that it's best to use natural materials in his architecture projects. He's been a trailblazer in green architecture and sustainable design for ten years, as the founder of organicARCHITECT. What are some of your favorite local green businesses?

There’s Valencia Green Finance, a green mortgage company. We refer a lot of business to one another and we’re friends. Ryan Hamilton has got this vision of only working with green clients—it’s impressive. Green Key Real Estate is another. They're always dedicated to green. I ended up designing a house for owner Chris Bartle.

What is your favorite local green restaurant?

I like Mixt Greens for the food and décor. It’s beautifully designed and great for people watching.

Where do you shop for organic groceries?

Trader Joe’s, which is walking distance from my house, and Whole Foods.

Do you do anything to lighten your carbon footprint? What do you do to help make the world a little bit greener?

I drive a carbon neutral car and buy carbon offsets for my air travel. My home is low energy and I use green household cleaners—the works.

What’s the best part about your job?

I like solving problems in creative ways.

Is there a particular non-profit you support?

I’m on the board of several. Re:vision.com is one I’m passionate about now. They’ve launched a series of design competitions fostering sustainability and innovation, proving to be a catalyst for creating change. Also, Architects, Designers, Planners for Social Change (ADPSR-NORCAL) and the Natural World Museum, which has environmental art exhibits around the world.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the San Francisco Bay Area?

So much. I like the people, the weather, and the views. I like the general attitude and I feel like we’re living in the future in San Francisco.

What would you say is the city’s undiscovered or underrated jewel?

The first one is the Frank Lloyd Wright gift shop on Maiden Lane. He designed it in the '40s and it’s now called Xanadu Gallery. Then there’s the roof of the art institute in North Beach. There’s a great view and it’s always open. Also, the small park at the end of Francisco in Russian Hill.

Where do you like to take out-of-town visitors?

For food I like to go to Mitchell’s Ice Cream in the outer Mission. They have wild flavors. I love AsiaSF for great dining and a show on top of it. Site-wise, I like the Sutro Baths in the Outer Sunset.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

Somewhere new. I like an adventurous vacation. I’m not good at sitting still.

What’s your favorite weekend outdoor activity?

Taking the dogs to Chrissy Field, between the Presidio and Marina.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

The nerdy answer is one in a protected forest. The funny answer is a chocolate tree.

Describe your path to green—how and when you became eco-conscious.

It was a very logical decision. It was something I did back in school. It just didn’t make sense to build anything with toxic materials. I’d hear what was in materials and ask these questions that no one wanted to ask, like isn’t that a carcinogen and bad for the environment? That didn't jibe with me.