Bookzilla Loves ATL is a monthly blog series documenting Bookzilla’s adventures around the city of Atlanta. DBF’s curious Book Monster will visit various Atlanta-based organizations who are taking a unique approach to their industries and services, all while showing love for their hometown of Atlanta.
Tiny House Atlanta works with city officials and governments to educate and advocate about the tiny house movement. They establish meet-ups and bring in local experts who inspire folks to take the next steps in their tiny house journey.
You’ve probably seen them on HGTV and wondered if tiny houses are worth all the buzz. Well, they most definitely are! Americans, and now Atlantans, are ditching their cluttered homes to live a fuller life. And Tiny House Atlanta has taken the initiative to lead the way. In partnership with the City of Decatur, Tiny House Atlanta recently put on the Decatur Tiny House Festival, which provided opportunities for attendees to tour tiny homes, listen to speaker symposiums, check out related vendors, and much more! Bookzilla decided to pay the Decatur Tiny House Festival a visit and met with Tiny House Atlanta Executive Director Will Johnston to learn all about the movement!
Tell us about yourself, and what you do for Tiny House Atlanta.
My name is Will Johnston and I am the Executive Director of Tiny House Atlanta! I am an outgoing introvert on a mission to help the world improve by showing people how to downsize material possessions and enhance their life experiences. I am an avid Thai Chef and enjoy horseback riding and paddle boarding. When I’m not helping push the tiny house movement forward, you can find me travelling the world.
Executive Director Will Johnston brought the tiny house movement to Atlanta after quitting his corporate job two years ago. His travels led him to a life of minimalism and he hasn’t looked back since!
How would you describe Tiny House Atlanta’s organizational mission?
Less space, more life!
On average, it costs about $23,000 to build a tiny house (if built by the owner) compared to an average cost of $272,000 of a standard-sized home.
What does Tiny House Atlanta bring to Atlanta as a community?
The point of living in a tiny house is to be MORE involved in your community. Small spaces push you out into the world and seeing new things. It’s a lifestyle. People should have more time to be a part of the community and be interactive instead of just work for their whole lives.
Bookzilla tries some yummy food from the local food trucks that stopped by the Decatur Tiny House Festival and kept us all well fed!
What do you love most about the Tiny House Movement?
The people!
The average tiny house is 186 sq/ft while the standard U.S. house is upwards of 2,100 sq/ft!
Bookzilla shows off one of the many tiny houses at the festival. Festivalgoers were welcome to take a tour in each tiny house!
Are there plans for another Tiny House Atlanta festival this year or next?
Maybe ???? *said with a smile and a giggle because I know something you don’t but I can’t announce yet*
Lamon Luther employs those who have been affected by homelessness and addiction. Using American craftsmanship, they put their blood, sweat, and tears into beautiful tiny houses like this one.
What is the best way to stay up-to-date on news and events for Tiny House Atlanta?
The best way to stay up-to-date with Tiny House Atlanta is to join our e-newsletter, find us on Meet Up or like the Tiny House Atlanta page on Facebook. These can all be accessed through tinyhouseatlanta.com!
White walls and eclectic decorations add a touch of Western Americana to this Lamon Luther tiny house.
What is your favorite book and why?
Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham — It was assigned to be in AP English in High School. I got through it, but for some reason that book travels with me and I re-read it on treks across the world. I’ve visited placed mentioned in the book, and for some reason, it remains as my favorite.
What a cool experience! We are so lucky to have access to such a great movement and organization right here in Decatur. We are excited to see how Tiny House Atlanta transforms the way our community thinks about living.