Austin Trautman

CEO

Sitting on a beach at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, 3 days from my last indoor meal, I had a realization. Magical things happen on days that start and end in nature, void of connection to the modern world. My brain was at total ease, I felt more....human, my challenges were clear, the world was all in balance. The power of “the middle day” has fascinated me for two decades, now confirmed by recent scientific findings.

While intense curiosity has driven me down many rabbit holes over the past 15 years. One question has always floated above the rest; “how do we bring the magic of nature into our homes?”

James Werhanowicz

Architect & GC

The historical concept of a “master builder” has intrigued me since I first heard of it in school. The idea that one individual could invent an initial design concept of what a building or space could be, conceptually evolve that imagination to a point where physical construction becomes possible, and then totally change mediums and work with craftsmen, trades, and the physical materials necessary to bring that idea into reality, is astounding. The vision, commitment, and metal focus required would have to bordered insanity, not to mention the obsessive seeking of prior knowledge that must been necessary to create an individual who even possessed the ability to perform all those tasks.

Gerald Leenerts

Systems Craftsman

Back on my Grandpa's farm, I fell in love with nature without knowing it. It wasn't a specific aspect but rather the collective. Sometimes nature was full of life and other times it struggled to survive. Worst was to see how we humans tried to force nature to adapt to our approach to life.

Thinking in systems is direct reflection of my interest and love for nature. I am constantly playing with natural materials as I look to answer my question; "Is it possible to create a home that is focused on modern human comfort while also being considerate of our climate?"

Lucas Johnson

Chief Building Nerd

Laying in a hospital bed beneath synthetic light. I kept thinking how on earth am I expected to heal in a building this bad? Realizing I needed to drop my path to medical school to create healthy buildings that are connected to nature.

Suddenly I was deeply emerged in the Costa Rican wilderness on a tropical biology study abroad program. Reconnecting to my childhood roots digging in the dirt, camping, hiking, and playing in nature. Feeling healthier than I had in years. It became obvious that we needed to make buildings places centered around healing while minimizing their impact to people and the planet.

This core realization led me to spending the last two decades as a building scientist focused on creating the healthiest buildings with the lowest lifecycle carbon impact.