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Tom Temple has been interested in working with sustainable design all his adult life. His formal training was received at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts. His major area of study was construction and design, with emphasis on passive solar design. He is proud to have studied at the Mennonite college, where coursework emphasizes the values of stewardship, craftsmanship, and simplicity.

In the late 1970’s the U.S. experienced an energy crisis, with then President Carter calling the country to the "moral equivalent of war" in conservation and alternative energy. It was in this climate that Tom began his work, moving to Oklahoma City to design and build passive solar homes and greenhouse additions.

In the intervening years, as national concern over energy consumption waned, Tom became involved in more traditional construction and remodeling, always with an emphasis on energy efficiency and conservation. He has had the opportunity to produce many custom, hand-crafted projects, from cabinets and specialty furniture to homes and offices.

Today, as we are reminded of our precarious energy situation, Tom is focusing once again on passive solar, along with the range of environmental considerations which constitute sustainable design.