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Interview with Tiny House Pioneer: Jay Shafer (2013)


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Since 1997, Jay Shafer has been wowing the world with his incredible tiny house designs. In 2002 he co-founded the Small House Society with Gregory Johnson.

Last year he split with his original company, Tumbleweed, and founded Four Lights Tiny House Company. “I’m always fidgeting with how to make spaces more efficient,” says Jay. Today he’s working on constantly improving ways to make his tiny houses as flexible as possible so you can adjust the homes to your needs as easily as possible.

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Jay shares his latest tiny house design ideas with you

I explained Shafer’s component furniture concept for tiny houses in this post, but he also shows you how it works in the video above.

He’ll also tell you about his ‘trailer park’ tiny house village that he’s working on.

Jay in his Japanese style Micro Soaking Tub

jay-shafer-component-tiny-house-furniture-soki-japanese-tub

Image: Faircompanies/YouTube

“You don’t need a lot of stuff to be happy,” says Jay. And this is what this lifestyle is all about. Removing all the crap that doesn’t serve you anymore so you can put your focus on what matters to you most.

Credits, Resources and Where to Learn More

Read the original article over here at Faircompanies.

Have you read The Small House Book by Jay Shafer yet?

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 5 comments… add one }
  • Maggie
    November 18, 2013, 1:00 pm

    He’s great! Such an inspiration for many. If it wasn’t for Jay Shafer I wouldn’t be living in my own tiny house that I designed and built myself. What an empowering individual. His philosophy is fantastic and his humor is hilarious! Thank you Jay Shafer.

    • Alex Pino
      November 18, 2013, 3:31 pm

      Thanks Maggie! And hey, is there anywhere that we can see your tiny house?

  • November 19, 2013, 2:05 pm

    Love the video and the bathroom! Although Im not quite sure how clean Id deel showering next to my potty LOL!! 😉 (Just a Joke-I do understand)

    I do have an idea for some research suggestions with an idea that would work for ME & my little female family:
    The (preferably 2-bedroom) Tiny house for the Parent with two children family? I have searched & havent really found any I’m quite satisfied or felt in love with so, I thought Id ask the pro’s! Feel free to email me with your reslts or share links in reply section!
    Thanks Guys! 😉

    • Alex Pino
      November 20, 2013, 8:59 am

      Honestly I wouldn’t recommend anyone with kids to go into a tiny house on wheels. The kids will eventually need privacy and so will you so I always suggest shooting for something that will work for you longer than a year or two. You can still go small and live simply in 800 sq. ft. or so.

  • Suzannah Kolbeck
    November 19, 2013, 6:00 pm

    Ummm…how about having your GIRL build her own house, Jay? You had me until that comment, and I love everything about Napoleon Complex!

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