The Adobe in Action Certificate in Adobe Construction
Our adobe certificate classes focus on new construction and promote the continued qualification of adobe craftspeople through theoretical and practical coursework. To reach a wide range of students, our classes are offered as a blend of online and live instruction and synchronize with ongoing Adobe in Action owner builder projects. A certificate of completion is presented for each class successfully completed. Upon completion of all 8 classes (a total of 24 credits), the student is presented with a final Adobe in Action Certificate in Adobe Construction. We strive to align our classes with existing academic and professional earthbuilding institutions to contribute to a nationally recognized certification in adobe construction (for example our Certificate in Adobe Construction is a great way to prepare for TEG’s Adobe Proficiency Certification).
Passive Solar Adobe Design
Dates: January 5 to February 15, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the fundamentals of designing and building a passive solar adobe home. We combine the natural power of the sun with the thermal storage capacity of adobe to create a comfortable living space. Reduced heating and cooling costs are the result.
New Mexico Adobe Building Permit Process
Dates: February 16 to March 29, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the process of applying for a permit to build with adobe in New Mexico. We use the New Mexico Earthen Materials Building Code as a guide to correct design and building procedures. The New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code is respected around the world. The NM code can often be used as a guide to ensure that quality adobe construction practices are followed regardless of your location.
History & Basics of Adobe Construction
Dates: March 30 to May 10, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course focuses on the fundamentals of making your own adobe blocks - a great way to learn the basics of adobe construction. We begin with a historical overview of adobe architecture in the Southwest of the USA. We cover soil selection & testing, block production, transport and storage. We also look at alternative earthen building traditions and techniques used around the world and why adobe makes sense for the owner builder.
Foundations for Adobe Structures
Dates: May 11 to June 21, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the fundamentals of designing and installing foundations for adobe structures. We define key design and building procedures of a conventional foundation that passes code in New Mexico. We also look at a lower-cost alternative foundation design that can be used when an engineer's approval is obtained.
Adobe Wall Construction
Dates: July 6 to August 16, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the fundamentals of building earthen walls using adobe blocks. We begin the wallbuilding process by laying a first course of adobes onto the foundation wall. We continue course by course to the top of the wall ending with the installation of a wood bond beam. We work through all wall-related sections of the current New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code. We define key concepts and correct building procedures of a typical load-bearing adobe block wall. We also examine different methods of installing window and door openings into the wall.
Roofs for Adobe Structures
Dates: August 17 to Sept. 27, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the fundamentals of designing and installing roofs on adobe structures. We focus on owner builder shed and gable roofs with extended eaves. These roof types offer excellent protection to the adobe wall below and enable the use of exterior natural plasters.
Interior and Exterior Plastering
Dates: September 28 to Nov. 8, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the fundamentals of finishing interior and exterior adobe block walls with natural plasters and paints. We focus on mixing and applying earthen plasters, lime plasters and clay & lime/casein paints.
Floors for Adobe Structures
Dates: November 9 to Dec. 20, 2026
Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $440
This course covers the fundamentals of installing common floor types used in adobe structures in New Mexico. We focus on high-mass floors which work well in passive solar adobe structures. We place a special emphasis on earthen floors.
Student Testimonials
“I appreciated how the courses incorporated sound, video, reading and hands-on for a well-balanced educational experience, sensitive to all learning types. I found the course to be well balanced in terms of material to read and assignments. About the right workload for me. The podcasts with Quentin were helpful and entertaining. I liked Kurt's approach of being hands off yet available and thorough.”
“The course had a great mix of individual assignments, group discussions, and reading assignments. Quentin's podcasts and Kurt's instructional videos were helpful and informative. Good reading materials assigned and useful links to online resources.”
“The Adobe in Action courses have been/are tremendous in many respects from the content to the instructors. The readings, links, podcasts, videos, tool lists and recommendations are incredibly helpful to us as we learn about the art and function of adobe. Thanks for putting together such great classes.”
“The teaching method is really good. The pace is good, the material is good, you receive a lot of information in a short amount of time and the material is clear and concise.”
Note: All course feedback is submitted to us anonymously to protect the privacy of our students and event attendees.