If you are passionate about creating a better future, Ecosa is the program for you.

The Ecosa Institute for Ecological Design is an educational organization focused on promoting sustainable design practices that integrate environmental responsibility, human well-being, and ecological principles. Founded by architect and designer Tony Brown in 1996 in Prescott, Arizona, Ecosa moved to Denver, Colorado in 2025.

Our programs train students and professionals in regenerative design, ecological thinking, and sustainable architecture. We serve students with open minds, a passion for making a difference, a willingness to work for change, and the discipline to be self-directed. If this is you, welcome to a pioneering new way of learning. Come join us in imagining a new world of possibilities.

Programs & Education

The Ecosa Institute offers a range of educational programs aimed at students, professionals, and anyone interested in ecological design. These programs include:

  • Ecological Design Certificate Program: This immersive, semester-long program focuses on teaching students how to apply principles of ecological design to real-world challenges. It covers topics such as sustainable architecture, regenerative agriculture, urban design, and green infrastructure.

  • Workshops and Continuing Education: The institute provides specialized workshops and short courses for professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, and landscape design. These workshops often focus on green building techniques, water conservation, energy efficiency, and permaculture.

  • Design-Build Projects: Hands-on projects are a core part of Ecosa's education, where students work on real-world projects that incorporate sustainable materials and ecological design principles. These projects allow participants to engage in practical problem-solving and innovation, while also considering the environmental and social impacts of their designs.

“Architecture is only a piece of the puzzle that can start the healing process that this world is in dire need of. Ecosa is the catalyst that gives you the power to put all of the pieces together.”

Mission & Philosophy

The Ecosa Institute’s mission is to advance ecological design—a design philosophy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human activities and the natural environment. The institute seeks to provide an educational framework where design solutions not only meet human needs, but also restore ecosystems, minimize environmental impact, and create regenerative systems.

Key elements of the Ecosa Institute’s philosophy include:

  1. Sustainability: Creating design solutions that can sustain themselves over the long term without depleting natural resources.

  2. Regenerative Design: Moving beyond sustainability to design systems that actively restore and regenerate the environment.

  3. Systems Thinking: Viewing design as part of a larger ecological and social system, where each component influences the whole.

  4. Interdisciplinary Approach: Incorporating architecture, urban planning, landscape design, and environmental science into a holistic approach to design.

Influence & Impact

The Ecosa Institute has played a significant role in advancing ecological design education in the U.S., particularly by promoting a systems-thinking approach to design. It has been a leader in integrating architecture and ecology, helping designers and architects consider not just how buildings are made, but how they affect the ecosystems around them. The institute has influenced a generation of designers to think beyond the traditional limits of architecture and consider the larger environmental context.