Whether it be complex zoning overlays, program complexity, or a budget-conscious client, at Runa Workshop we believe design thrives with challenges and constraints, not despite them.

PHILOSOPHY

Runa Workshop is a sharp, energetic design practice focused on architecture and interiors. We are a workshop in every sense of the word - a collaborative team where technical rigor, conceptual clarity, and client goals carry equal weight throughout the design process. A common desire to live and work creatively is what brought founding principals Jean Pierre Trou and Aaron Vollmer together, and our name reflects this approach.

“Runa” means “people” in Quechua—the native language of the Incas. A workshop is a place for creativity, exploration, and the refinement of craft. Together, Runa Workshop means “people exchanging ideas.” This commitment to collaboration, innovation, and technical mastery empowers us to deliver lasting, forward-thinking design solutions for our clients.

RUNA
[roo-nuh] - noun

man, people, humanity

Origin:
Quechua (Native language of the Incas)

WORKSHOP
[wurk-shop] - noun

a period of discussion and practical work on a particular subject, in which a group of people share their knowledge and experience
a room or building in which things are made or repaired using tools or machines

Runa Workshop = people exchanging ideas

OUR APPROACH

Design is all around us—in the objects we use and the spaces we inhabit. This constant interaction with the built environment has a consequential impact on our quality of life, placing a shared responsibility on architects, clients, and communities to pursue design solutions that enhance human health, experience, and productivity. This is why we believe design matters—good design makes a difference.

A sincere desire for collaboration is often the source of good design and project success. We bring that spirit to all we do, beginning by listening to our clients’ vision and goals, and approaching each challenge with curiosity and vigor. Through thoughtful analysis, an emphasis on collaboration, and a problem-solving mindset, we strive to unlock the latent potential of every site, project, or idea—delivering lasting value for our clients without compromising on functional, concept-informed design.

TEAM

Aaron Vollmer, RA
Founding Principal

Aaron is involved in all aspects of Runa Workshop, bringing a balance of design talent, technical knowledge, & communication skills that are critical to project success. On a daily basis, he is fostering our relationships within the community & leading the business aspects of the firm. Aaron has an innate understanding of the construction process, making him a valuable mentor. Through his many years of practice he has established a reputation for his thoughtful, collaborative and customer-centric approach to architecture.

Jean Pierre Trou, AIA, RID
Founding Principal

Jean Pierre has a passion for design, a strong business sense, & dedication to architecture that is critical to the success of Runa Workshop. Throughout his career, he has received national and international recognition for a number of projects, and been presented with numerous awards. As a Founding Principal of Runa Workshop, Jean Pierre has amassed a diverse portfolio of successes across a vast array of projects.

Simon McGown, AIA
Studio Director

After earning his M.Arch. from Columbia University, Simon began his career at world-renowned architecture firm Morphosis. From there he went on to start his own firm in Harlem, New York, where he led with a client-centric approach. Aligned with our ethos, Simon believes in a highly collaborative approach to design & management, leading with empathy & candor. As Studio Director, he continually strengthens our operations & client relationships, allowing us to expand our practice in Austin & beyond.

Cathrine Tait, RA
Senior Project Architect

Over the course of her 15+ year career, Cathrine has led projects ranging in scale & spanning a variety of project types - particularly mixed use, workplace, & retail. In her previous role, Cathrine served on an Equity by Design council, showing tremendous leadership abilities through her involvement and dedication to emerging professionals & their career trajectories. Cathrine prides herself on the ability to synthesize project goals into a functional program & ensuring that client goals & requirements are met at every milestone.

Jordan Coslett
Project Designer

Jordan joined Runa Workshop in 2021 & brings a breadth of experience to our team. Graduating from the University of Kansas with a Master of Architecture and Minor in Business, he interned for a semester in Paris, France at the office of Jean-Paul Viguier et Associes. Since joining Runa, he has led several projects and developed the firm’s visualization capabilities. He looks at every design challenge as an opportunity to improve the user experience.