About Us
At Ecologic Architects, our mission is to create high-performance architecture using contemporary design tools that harmonize with nature. Based in Carmel by the Sea in Central California, we serve clients locally and globally. Our work spans continents and diverse functions, from modest residential spaces to urban-scale projects. We aim to harmonize functional beauty, energy efficiency, and ecological integrity, celebrating space and form for maximum human comfort and enjoyment.
Thomas
Rettenwender
Founder, Principal
M.A., M. Arch., LEED AP, Architect
Thomas Rettenwender is Founder and Principal Architect of the firm Ecologic Architects and has over 25 years of diverse Architectural Design experience. His University studies with Zaha Hadid, Greg Lynn, and Wolf Prix of Coop Himmelb(l)au in Vienna, Austria, taught him to deliver signature architectural designs that harmonize a contemporary style with the flow of the landscape and the movement of human body.
His apprenticeship with Big Sur Architect Mickey Muennig and Paul Kephart of Rana Creek have informed his work with a extensive ecological design vocabulary. His work with William McDonough and Amory B. Lovins have inspired his work with a forward-thinking, sustainable and energy efficient design approach.
- Masters of Architecture: University of Applied Arts in Vienna, AT
- Architects License: California Architects Board
- Virtual Design & Construction Teaching Cert: Stanford University.
- Bachelors Degree in Philosophy & Mathematics: Trinity College, Dublin, IE
Thomas has created and taught green building courses at UC Santa Cruz, Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, Rancho Cielo Construction Academy and San Jose Community College since launching his teaching career in 2009. His design for the Nexus_01 Healthy Prototype Home won the Overall 1st Prize Award at the 2023 Orange County Sustainability Decathlon.
The Team
Paola Ulloa
Architect
Paola has a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from UAM (Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana), Mexico City, Mexico. She has developed a passion for sustainable design and ecological practices for over a decade, developing Interior Design, Landscape services, and Architectural proposals across the USA, UK, and Australia.
She aims to create better conditions for living that can be translated from the design of a beautiful garden that inspires your senses, to a collaborative city where community values are firmly rooted. Paola was a key contributor to the award winning Nexus_01 project built at the Rancho Cielo Construction Academy in 2023.
Alberto Hernandez
Civil Engineer
Alberto is a structural engineer with many years experience providing structural design solutions for residential and commercial projects. Alberto has a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering and is also an expert at surveying structures in order to prepare architectural and structural as-built CAD drawings in need of structural repairs or remodeling.
Nestor Ramirez
Civil Engineer
Nestor is a Licensed Civil Engineer originally from Mexico, proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks, He is highly passionate about Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) technology. His expertise and enthusiasm for these technologies drive him to integrate innovative solutions into civil engineering projects, enhancing collaboration and an efficient, rewarding design process.