EcoLogic Design Lab is a partnership of architects, landscapers, ecological designers that collaborate on commercial and residential developments in order to provide and promote an integrated design process. We believe that good design can orchestrate different disciplines and view points into one harmonious and sustainable solution.
Thomas Rettenwender – President, Architect, Co-Founder
Thomas is co-founder of the Ecological Design Lab, an architectural design and research firm, and President of Realitree: Ecology and Architecture, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with offices in Santa Cruz and Monterey. He is adjunct professor at the Monterey Peninsula College and University of California, Santa Cruz, teaching the course titled Green Building Design. His educational background is in Philosophy and Mathematics (B.A. Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland), Philosophy (M.A. Trinity College, Dublin) and Architecture (Mag. Arch., University of Applied Arts, Vienna, Austria and SCIArc, Los Angeles, California). He has studied with internationally renowned architects Zaha Hadid, Wolf D. Prix, Lebbeus Woods and Greg Lynn. Thomas is a licensed Architect and a LEED AP ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Accredited Professional).
Thomas apprenticed with Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig from 2003-06, was the resident architect at Rana Creek Habitat Restoration from 2006-08, and has practiced architecture in Frankfurt, Vienna, Beijing, Big Sur, Monterey, and Los Angeles. His professional work includes design of the Monterey Bay Shores Ecoresort, Google Living Architecture Analysis, Redwood Gateway Interpretive Center, Slotover Residence, Bonny Doon, and the Wavecrest Ecology Education Center, Halfmoon Bay, Ca.
Niklas Spitz – Co-Founder, Executive Director
Niklas is Executive Director and co-founder of the EcoLogic Design Lab
He has over 20 years experience in landscape design and property development in a range of settings across England, Spain, California, Japan and Mexico.
He has an extensive background in landscape architecture, architectural drafting, architectural conservation, sustainable building development, along with web design and other communication technology skills.
He has helped to develop and teach sustainable design courses at MPC and UCSC
and is also the owner and operator of EarthRise Design
Hana Nishiguchi, Business Development and Design
Mio Fukushima, Marketing Manager
Bodhi Kvenild, Design & Innovation
