Ellis has 10+ years of experience in Residential Architecture. He advocates for the long term health of the environment and positive social impact. He has worked and studied in Chicago, as a research fellow in accessible and inclusive design, Ann Arbor, receiving his Bachelor’s and Master's in Architecture from University of Michigan, and Paris, where he worked at the Fontainebleau Ecoles des Beaux-Arts. He is currently pursuing Architectural Licensure.

Sophie, M.Arch, is a designer, fabricator, and co-founder of Bale Craft. Her background in regenerative agriculture and soil science informs her architectural practice, connecting building design to ecological systems and carbon-conscious material use. She leads design development and client collaboration. Sophie was recognized nationally as one of the Future100 Graduate Designers during her time at the University of Michigan design.

Joe is a professor at University of Michigan, teaching Sustainable food systems and Green Building for 27 years. He has designed, built, and consulted on more than 11 straw bale buildings throughout Michigan. Joe has been living and farming with his family, off grid, on their family farm in Grass Lake, MI. Their farm showcases the largest timber-frame and strawbale home in Michigan. Joe is our process-oriented senior consultant for Straw SIPs, passive design and use of earthen finishes. 

With 45+ years of building experience, Thomas has been a pioneer natural. He received specialized training at the Institute for Bau-Biologie (Building Biology) and Ecology, is LEED Accredited by the US Green Building Council, and has a passion for working with locally sourced materials. He has completed 14 straw clay structures. Thomas is committed to the health of the environment, community education, and growing local resources about natural building. Thomas is a Michigan Licensed Contractor.

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Teddy has his BFA in Furniture Design and Woodworking from Northern Michigan University. He previously worked at Anderson Ranch Arts Center located in Snowmass Village, Colorado, as a Sculpture Studio Coordinator. There, he instructed and facilitated art studio workshops specializing in bronze and aluminum casting, woodworking, 3D digital design, and sculptural welding.  

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