Firm founder, principal designer and lead fabricator, Scott Trettel, can vividly remember his father buying him his first complete set of real ‘grown up’ tools at age five (only after he had ruined most of his father’s tools by leaving them in the woods while building a tree house). His passion for turning materials into objects for living led him into the study of architecture at a young age. He founded the firm, then named Grass Roots Industrial Arts, in 1997 shortly before completing his degree in architecture at the University of Kansas. Since then, Scott has lead the firm thru numerous unique and challenging projects, constantly exploring the limits of convention, and often inventing new methods and techniques out of necessity. He has recently begin to teach architecture at KU and is currently working with students in Studio 409 to complete a design/build project. Scott’s most significant design influences come from his brilliant wife, designer and artist Amy Trettel, and their three fabulously naughty children. When not working, Scott can be found spending time with his family, trying to finish up the never ending ‘punch list’ at home, or sailing across Kansas.
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j u s t i n m c g e e n e y
Justin holds advanced degrees in business and design. After earning a bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame, he went on to earn a Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration from the University of Kansas. Justin's multi-disciplined background, as well as his contribution of construction and carpentry experience brings a unique perspective that rounds out a team of talented individuals. His passion for furniture design and expertise in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, reinforces the commitment of innovative work at Trettel Design. He was a participant of the award winning, non-profit design build group Studio 804 at the University of Kansas. He brings LEED and PassivHaus project experience and a commitment to creative business solutions. An avid soccer player, runner, and triathlete, Justin spends much of his free time training for ironman triathlons, marathons, and any other way he can find to punish himself on the open road.
j u s t i n k r e i k e m e i e r
Justin recently graduated from the University of Kansas earning a Masters of Architecture. Justin received his first firm experience in Paris at Ateleirs Jean Nouvel, where he assisted with competition drawings for Atlantis 3000, a Casino/Resort in Las Vegas. After a part-time gig working with el dorado architects in Kansas City fabricating for the Finn Lofts project in Wichita, Justin found Trettel Design. His work incorporates many of his interests: design, working with his hands, computer graphics and constructing things. Justin's dedication to sustainable living and design is made evident in part through being a LEED Accredited Professional and the composting worms that reside in his garage working though his vegetable scraps. Outside of work Justin hones his woodworking in Lawrence woodworking classes, maintains his creative edge painting and drawing, helps his community by being on the construction committee for Lawrence Habitat for Humanity and immerses himself in the outdoors as much as possible camping, rafting, hiking, biking and tending his vegetable garden.
d a n r e y n o l d s
Project Manager and Lead Carpenter, Dan Reynolds has recently added a Masters of Architecture degree from KU to his arsenal of tools. Hailing from Middlebury, VT he is slowing developing a mild affection for Kansas. With extensive experience in carpentry, detailed joinery, timberframing, and nearly anything else related to woodworking and general construction Dan is the answer man on our job sites. Not to mention he can recite every line of the OSHA handbook to the tune of ‘Ghostbusters’. During his recent scholastic experiences, Dan served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and competed in no less than 8 international design competitions. Trettel Design looks forward to Dan continuing to make a growing impact on our projects from conception to completion.
b r a n d o n e m b e r t o n
If you went to Onaga High or have ever been to Bucks Grove Kansas, then you probably know Brandon Emberton. His decade plus of construction experience can only be eclipsed by his drum playing abilities. When not playing in local band, E100, throwing darts, or teaching percussion, Brandon is working his socks off in nearly every phase of our construction and fabrication projects. He serves as an indispensable ‘jack of all trades’ on our team and welcomes any challenge with enthusiasm. Brandon’s official title is Master Painter but he is working to gain the additional titles of Master Framer, Professor of Cabinetry, Trim Sergeant, and Lord Vader.
