Erik Brakstad

Erik is a Pacific Northwest native and has been a licensed contractor since 1998. Waste reduction, incorporating reclaimed materials, and thoughtful use of resources have always been central to his approach, informing his work on both renovation and new construction.

A graduate of Reed College, Erik believes everyone can benefit from increasing their understanding of the physical world, and that construction provides a rich range of opportunities for practical problem solving, coupled with tangible results that can engage participants on many levels.

Erik has also seen the power of experiential learning in the context of summer language camps, where he has been active for many years, serving as a staff member and director in Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Norway, and Switzerland. Erik’s strong connection to his own Norwegian heritage makes it easy for him to appreciate the cultural focus of Tivnu.

He lives in Portland with his wife Catherine, daughter Siri and son Sten.