About
Our
Company
Our
Why
Our
Team
Kurt Kraisinger
Kurt Kraisinger PLA, SWD, LEEDAP
President/Owner
For 25 years, Kurt has provided design and consulting services for various planning and landscape architecture projects throughout the United States. In June of 2009, he left as a managing partner of MKEC Engineering Consultant in Kansas City to open the doors of LORAX Design Group. Building Lorax over the last ten years has afforded him the opportunity to continue doing what he does best—using his passion for design to turn outdoor spaces into meaningful and memorable places that invite people to fully engage in their surroundings and make a positive impact on the environment. Kurt has an extensive background in the industry where his professional focus has included private residences, large master-planned residential communities, corporate office campuses, commercial retail centers and mixed-use development projects. He has a special interest in elevating the swimming pool industry by designing quality swimming pool and spas. Kurt is refreshed by movie marathons and spending time with his family.
Education
- Bethel College — General Studies, 1990
- Kansas State University — Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1995
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Regional and Community Planning
Kyle Knecht
Kyle Knecht
Vice President / Landscape Architect
Ever since he was a young boy, Kyle has been interested in design and how things are built–as a landscape architect at Lorax Design Group, he is able to put this passion for design to practice. He brings a keen eye for detail, helping bring Lorax’s creative design concepts to life as successfully-built projects. When he is not at work, you can find Kyle spending time with his lovely wife and three young children. An avid sports fan, Kyle is always up to talk Kansas City Royals baseball or Chiefs football.
Jim Houser
Jim Houser
Design Director / Landscape Architect
Jim’s experience and passion for design and natural systems has helped shape and develop a design process rooted in concept-based design – design with meaning. Jim’s project experience is an interesting dichotomy. His urban design solutions can be found in cities around the country: Pittsburgh, Orlando, Newark, Miami, Denver, and Kansas City. His work on assessing development and open space conservation opportunities has found Jim practicing on various ranch properties throughout the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming. Work on university projects has also taken Jim to great college towns such as Williamsburg, Bloomington, Pullman and Manhattan. Jim is inspired by the time spent outdoors and can sometimes be found at the fly-tying bench or fly-fishing a favorite river.
Shawn Kummet
Shawn Kummet
Landscape Architect In-Training
For 9 years Shawn has worked for various design build companies in Minnesota and North Dakota. He has developed a large interest in problem solving and graphic illustration for these solutions. After graduating from North Dakota State University in 2012, he looks to apply what he has learned in the classroom to the professional field. Shawn loves sports and spending time outside. On weekends, he can found playing several rounds of golf.
Kelly Sledd
Kelly Sledd
Office Manager
Kelly earned an Art degree from Kansas State University and continues to teach art classes. As the office manager for the Overland Park location, she handles everything from bookkeeping and building maintenance to client services and material selections. Kelly and her husband live in a charming town north of the river and when she’s not working, she loves painting, yoga and going out for coffee.
Education
- Kansas State University — Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2007
- Emmanuel House Seminary — Master’s of Spiritual Direction, 2009
Becca Crumrine
Becca Crumrine
Marketing & Office Assistant
With 16 years working as a registered nurse, Becca will continue to take care of people and make them smile in her position as Marketing and Office Assistant. Her duties are customer service, employee support and marketing efforts. She loves music, being outdoors, and family time. She takes pride in all she does regardless of how large or small the tasks may be. She is grateful to be part of the Lorax family and help support its growth.
Morgan Brouillette
Morgan Brouillette
Landscape Architect In-Training
Morgan is an Illinois native and graduated with a Landscape Architecture degree and minor in Metalsmithing from Iowa State. Since graduation, she has worked in the residential design + build industry and will continue to apply those skills as Lorax’s newest staff member. She’s an artist at heart and when she’s not it the office, you can find her making jewelry, in her garden or working on a creative project with her husband.
Taylor Stelter
Taylor Stelter
Designer & Technical Assistant
Taylor grew up in the Kansas City area and is a graduate of The University of Kansas’s Industrial design program. Before joining the Lorax team he engaged his passions for design and skateboarding with Evergreen Skateparks, crafting skateparks across the country. With Lorax, Taylor continues to create compelling environments for people to enjoy. He spends his free time attending live music, skateboarding, and volunteering with MoKan Skates.