Nick Brown
Owner
(714) 984-3397
nick@buildsmartgroup.com
www.buildsmartgroup.com
Nick Brown is President of Build Smart, an independent energy consultancy specializing in California energy modeling, energy code compliance, and building performance. Build Smart supports builders and architects in designing high-performing, energy-efficient buildings.
Nick is certified by the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC) as a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) for residential buildings and an Associate Energy Analyst (AEA) for nonresidential construction. He serves as a Subject Matter Expert on the Energy Code Ace statewide education team and teaches courses for Southern California Edison on Net Zero Design, all-electric homes, heat pumps, and photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems. He also developed and taught the course for AIA California that fulfills the architect continuing education requirement for Zero Net Carbon Design, focusing on all-electric accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
As part of a CalSEED research team, Nick is currently studying the application of phase change materials in HVAC systems. He has served on the CABEC Board of Directors since 2018.
Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. In 2014, he completed a deep energy retrofit of his own home, followed by the construction of an all-electric, net-zero-carbon ADU above his garage in 2022, which now serves as a living laboratory for high-performance building strategies.
Prior to founding Build Smart, Nick served for 15 years as President of Merlex Stucco, a Southern California stucco manufacturer with annual revenues of approximately $15 million.
- CABEC Certified Energy Analyst (CEA)
- BA, Economics, Princeton University
- MBA, University of Michigan Business School
- Subject Matter Expert, Energy Code Ace Statewide Education Team
