OUR TEAM
-
Co-FounderMaster of Landscape Architecture ‘20
Andrew Spears is passionate about trees and making something of them when they leave their roots behind. Largely inspired by YouTubers with a similar passion, he sought out ways this could happen at UVA. Halfway through the MLA program at the UVA School of Architecture, he found some others interested in the same cause. He graduated in May 2020 and is thrilled to still be a part of this mission and amazed at the support it has been offered. When not thinking about trees, he enjoys camping and hiking with his wife, Emily, son Soren, and their two Heelers, Loki and Timber.
-
Co-FounderMaster of Architecture ‘22
Tim is a lecturer at the University of Virginia, where he teaches undergraduate design studio and intro to architecture courses. He also earned his master's in architecture degree from UVA’s School of Architecture. Prior to UVA, Tim studied Biology at Boston College, with deep interest in Theater Design. Tim’s work at UVA explores various disciplines and technologies, working with Mixed Reality as a tool not only for representation and immersion, but as a tool to aid in the design and fabrication. His interests explore fabrication techniques like Robotic additive manufacturing working with 3D plastic printing.
-
Head of ResearchPhD Student STEM Education
Eric is pursuing a PhD in the School of Education and Human Development working on creating learning opportunities for teachers in computer science, engineering, and career and technical education. Eric has taught in community college, high school, and middle school settings surrounding engineering, woodworking, metalworking, CNC, electronics, and computer science.
-
Head of TreesMLA ‘25
Allyson comes to UVA through agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture. While working in the landscaping industry in Northern Virginia, she constantly ran into red tape or monetary constraints when trying to implement sustainable practices. Her plan is to use design and experience to tackle these issues after graduation. She also hopes to help bridge the gap between LA theory and landscape industry practices, while making some cool woodworking projects!Come talk to Allyson about trees, vegan baking, her Black lab, Luna, and your favorite hiking spot near Charlottesville.
-
Build ManagerGraham Gewirz is an M-Arch student at the UVA School of Architecture.
Originally from DC, he obtained his B.S. Arch from Tulane University and worked in Boston as a designer before coming to Charlottesville. In his free time, Graham likes to oil paint, play rugby, and jam with friends. Catch him in the FabLab where he is likely building something!
-
FabricatorM.Arch ‘25
Jake is a graduate student in the School of Architecture, working towards his professional degree. Prior to UVA, Jake studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati where he led a design build project through the University’s Freedom by design organization. Jakes love for building started at a young age where he helped work on various small projects for his family’s farm. Since joining UVA, Jake has been a part of the Fabrication lab with a strong interest in subtractive milling to create dynamic pieces of furniture.
-
Materials CoordinatorB.S. Arch ‘24
O’Shen is an undergraduate student in the School of Architecture, working towards his Pre-Professional degree. Growing up hiking through the Smoky Mountains, O’Shen always spent his days outside which fostered his love for nature. Now as an Architecture student he is able to incorporate his two passions as seen through sawmilling and wood working. O’Shen works as a Teaching Assistant at the A-School’s Fabrication Lab where he saw the benefits of UVA Sawmilling first hand. O’Shen has joined the team hoping to continue the initiative and promote its mission.
