Meet the Developers

Village Design & Development

Michael Havelka

Michael is formally trained is as a Biologist, and has over 35 years experience in sustainable agriculture.  After building and living in a straw bale house for fifteen years, powered by the sun and wind, Michael decided to co-found the Abundance EcoVillage project.  His vision was to build a sustainable community that celebrates the abundance of nature, by making wise choices with technologies to reduce the inhabitant’s footprint on the planet, and simultaneously improve quality of life.   Michael has worked for 24 years for a bio-friendly agriculture product company in research and production.  When he’s not hanging around the Eco Village, Michael can be found tending his 12 acre organic farm and experiment station.  Michael has played a key role in the development of the sustainable technologies of the EcoVillage.

Lawrence “Lonnie” Gamble

Lonnie has a degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University and is a registered professional engineer.  In addition to teaching and developing sustainable living curriculum at Maharishi University of Management, he is on the teaching staff for permaculture courses all over the US, including Hawaii and Washington. He regularly speaks at conferences and seminars, and has written several published articles on alternative energy.  Previously, he founded five companies in the areas of telecommunications and renewable energy development. Lonnie is active in community affairs in all areas of sustainable living, and has started the program “Big Green Summer” to encourage others to learn to live more sustainably. Lonnie also serves on the “Go Green Planning Commission,” which has been established under the supervision of Mayor Ed Malloy to develop an achievable plan for creating sustainability in the city of Fairfield.  He has been living for 10 years in a solar and wind powered straw bale home.

Residential Development

Amy Greenfield

For the past ten years, Amy has worked on a diverse scale of design projects, ranging from children’s book illustration to sustainable home design and industrial renovation. Amy is proficient in eco architectural design and the visual arts, and spent several years traveling abroad, studying the fine art of Vastu building design first hand with the renowned spiritual teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Amy is passionate about engaging the senses AND the environment in her designs, creating structures which work with nature, rather than against it. She is the owner of the design/build firms Greenfield Properties and Natural Structures LLC, which emphasizes natural and non-toxic building materials, high performance design, and renewable energy systems. Amy has designed and completed 4 subdivisions in Fairfield, Iowa, and general contracted the development of residential property in each. Amy carries a BFA in Painting, and most recently completed Passive House training at Parson’s School of Constructed Design in New York City.