Tierra Pacific Project Management Team
Our mantra is Costa Rica sustainable development
Unlike most green developments in Costa Rica, we have assembled a team with decades of experience in successful real estate development, construction and organic farming. Once you visit the project this becomes evident in the well thought out professional design as well as the high caliber, attention to detail construction. Our team is on site and intimately involved in the project. We challenge you to find a more successful green community in Costa Rica.
Matthew Hayden – General Partner
Matt has enjoyed traveling to Costa Rica for over 12 years and has grown to love its geographic diversity, excellent waves and food, and kind residents. Having built a national investor relations firm in the United States www.hcinternational.net, Matt has come to appreciate how precious a sunset over the Pacific Ocean on a tranquil evening can really be. His goal is to play a significant role in building a community which answers the question of how can people live in harmony with nature while enjoying the benefits of spending time with close friends and family.
Will Raap – Managing Partner
Will (www.willraap.org) has been visiting Costa Rica for 30 years with his wife whose family has been growing the best coffee in Costa Rica since the 19th century. He founded Gardener’s Supply Company in 1983 (www.gardeners.com), and the Intervale Foundation, a 20 year old non profit organization and national leader in sustainable agriculture and community renewal (www.intervale.org). In 2003 Raap was the winner of the first annual Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility award for excellence in socially responsible business and in 2004 he was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the US Small Business Administration.
Douglas Stern – Project Manager
After receiving his degree in Business/Economics at UC Santa Barbara, Doug traveled throughout Latin America for five years before choosing Guanacaste as the ideal spot to call home. Having run a successful home renovation company in Santa Barbara, he naturally gravitated to helping new residents fulfill their dream of a home in the tropics. With over 20 years local experience and more than 50 projects under his belt ranging from small wooden bungalows to oceanfront resorts, all in the Junquillal area, Mr. Stern has spearheaded the planning and build-out of Tierra Pacifica. As part owner and on site builder, Doug is available for both informal consultations and turn-key projects.
Green Community Project Consultants
Ben Morris – Landscape Architect
Ben received his BS from University of Cal Poly at Pomona in Landscape Architecture. Now, with over 10 years of experience in large scale and residential design-building, he brings a creative touch to Tierra Pacifica mixing nature and classic architecture. Through his love of plants he has grown knowledgeable of the Costa Rican flora and has combined traditonal and modern techniques.
Tom Peifer – Applied Ecology Consultant
Mr. Peifer received his MS from University of California at Davis in International Agricultural Development. He has been developing and applying permaculture and sustainable agriculture solutions in the Rio Andamojo region of Costa Rica for over a decade as founder and Director of El Centro Verde Agroecology Institute (www.elcentroverde.org). He writes articles on various environmental topics, several which are directly related to the infrastructure in Tierra Pacifica.
Michael Ogden – Civil Engineering Consultant
Throughout the United States, there are about 600 manmade wetlands actively treating wastewater generated by farms, cities, industries and storm run-off, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. One company, Santa Fe-based Natural Systems International, founded by Michael Ogden, has designed more than 350 wetlands to treat wastewater and storm water for small communities, businesses and schools in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Odgen and co-author Craig Campbell, authored Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape, a crucial guide for environmental engineers, planners, developers, and others responsible for the design and management of our built environment.