R
Photo:
Kelli
Uldall
Thomas Rettenwender
T
homas Rettenwender's architectural approach involves examining the relationships between buildings, peo-
ple, settings and systems—from energy systems to landscapes and nature.
"In the design process, all these different systems need to work together, in harmony, for a project to be success-
ful," Rettenwender says.
The former apprentice to Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig came to California after studying architecture in
Austria. At Carmel's EcoLogic Design Lab, he incorporates sustainable technologies and innovations. A recently
completed Santa Cruz residence, for example, features straw-bale construction and capitalizes on passive solar
energy with a footprint that follows the path of the sun. Rettenwender also worked on the pending (as of press
time) Monterey Bay Shores eco-resor t, and is collaborating with university students to create tiny house designs
for a statewide competition. That project offers another oppor tunity to tailor buildings to unique locations.
"Developing a design with respect to the landscape is one of the primar y ambitions of our wor k,"
Rettenwender says.
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