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Jay Shafer Interview: Tumbleweed Tiny Houses Founder Discusses Design Philosophy and Future Plans

on May 2, 2011

This two-part video interview with Jay Shafer, founder of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, explores his design philosophy, personal story, and upcoming tiny house designs. Shafer pioneered the modern tiny house movement with his small house plans and has influenced countless builders seeking alternatives to conventional housing.

Interview Details

  • Guest: Jay Shafer
  • Company: Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
  • Format: Two-part video interview
  • Topics: Design philosophy, upcoming designs, personal story
  • Role: Founder and tiny house movement pioneer

Part One: Design Philosophy


Part Two: Future Designs

Interview Topics Covered

  • Personal Background: How Shafer came to tiny house living
  • Design Principles: What makes Tumbleweed designs effective
  • Upcoming Plans: New designs that differ from previous work
  • Movement Growth: The expanding interest in tiny houses

Lessons from Jay Shafer

  • Pioneers Shape Movements: Shafer’s early work established the tiny house aesthetic and approach
  • Design Evolution Continues: Even established builders explore new concepts
  • Small Space Efficiency: Tumbleweed designs maximize function in minimal footage
  • Plans Enable DIY Building: Detailed blueprints let individuals build their own tiny houses
  • Philosophy Matters: Intentional design choices create livable small spaces

Related Tiny House Pioneers

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
{ 12 comments… add one }
  • Steve Jones
    May 2, 2011, 8:08 pm

    Great interview! Don’t worry about the video quality issue, it’s about the message which comes through without issue! Keep up the great job, I am looking forward to more interviews.

    Reply Link
  • Gloria
    May 2, 2011, 11:26 pm

    Great interview, Alex! I loved Part 2, where Jay Shafer said he is coming out with more things… that one could fit little sinks, etc. through a door to a shed if one wants to convert their shed, and converting a bed to a desk, etc. I DO have a wish to maybe do that for my son, because I have a small shed with a window which would be perfect for this. I will have to keep my eyes open for Jay’s endorsement of these new products he’s found. When he comes out with them, I hope you will do a post about them!
    Anyway, great job on the interview, Alex!
    Best,
    Gloria

    Reply Link
  • Alex
    May 3, 2011, 12:47 pm

    Thanks Gloria! Jay’s upcoming designs are going to be a great solution for a lot of people out there. Very excited about them too.

    Reply Link
  • Jill Heller
    May 4, 2011, 7:48 am

    Nice interview Alex. I’m excited to learn more of the new “transformer” changing furniture that will double for more than one purpose type furniture. It sounds perfect for tiny home living. Can’t wait to see this stuff!
    Thanks again,
    Jill

    Reply Link
  • Alex
    May 4, 2011, 11:40 am

    Thanks Jill, I’m excited to learn more about them too. I’ll let you guys know when more info is available!

    Reply Link
  • Alex
    May 4, 2011, 10:06 pm

    Thanks Steve I knew people like you would appreciate the interview regardless of quality

    Reply Link
  • Deek
    May 7, 2011, 6:49 pm

    Good stuff Alex! Glad to see you putting out videos, interviews, and more- keep it up!
    -Deek

    Reply Link
  • Tina
    May 7, 2011, 8:06 pm

    Great interview Alex, I like the part of simplifying… the less you have is more treasured.
    I have been working as a personal organizer and helping people simplify there stuff…. it’s very freeing to let go.
    I have been building my own tiny house that will be my studio to simplify my life.

    Reply Link
  • Alex
    May 10, 2011, 1:20 am

    Thanks Deek!

    Reply Link
  • Alex
    May 10, 2011, 1:21 am

    Hey Tina thanks for coming by. Was just looking through your blog, cool stuff!

    Reply Link
  • Tom
    April 2, 2016, 3:00 am

    Love’n tha Freedom-2-Thrive attitudes that are growing… Tina fell in love with our shell in Sonoma and was happy to design her own interior… Freedom! Affordable shells… we hope to see villages taking homeless families off the street, out from under overpasses… when the FED allows predatory lending and people get evicted from their homes… it is tragic! Turn’n frowns up side down… sweet lemonade of success! Love and Light – Tom

    Reply Link

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