After more than 30 years in corporate engineering, Lou retired and now does independent private consulting and is a builder for Habitat for Humanity. As a part of this he has developed a deep interest in sustainable building, primarily in residential structural strength. The Habitat Strong and IBHS Fortified Homes programs have become the new high bar standard for stronger/better homes. Lou has been the designer and team lead for four homes to meet these new standards while also managing the costs to implement. One home was built to, and earned, the Gold designation and one to the Silver designation. The house in progress for 2020 is to be built to the newest requirements of Gold for high wind (and hail) protections.