Thomas W. Umbhau, A.I.A., founder of Bauen Group Architecture and Design Studio in Durango, Colorado has been practicing architecture and planning for 15 years. Mr. Umbhau brings a unique combination of experience to the practice of architecture and design. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University Of Hawaii School Of Architecture, Umbhau bucked the established trend of immediately apprenticing with larger architecture firms and instead joined a residential construction company as a framing carpenter in the field. After 2 years of important and necessary field experience, he apprenticed with architectural firms in Hawaii before becoming licensed. The combination of innovative residential and commercial design with practical construction and management experience has allowed the Bauen Group to provide clients with high quality design solutions based on architectural theory and practical experience.

Currently based in Durango Colorado, Umbhau's design and planning practice has held offices in Hawaii where Umbhau is still active in the design and arts community.