Adam Back, Project Manager
A native Minnesotan and long time Minneapolis resident, Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a minor in Studio Art from the University of Minnesota. Through 10+ years of experience in the residential design and building industry he has developed a sincere interest in quality craftsmanship and an understanding of remodeling, which make him uniquely suited to his current position as Otogawa-Anschel’s Project Manager. On the job, he employs his straight-forward listening and communication skills to coordinate the many individuals and resources that it takes to effectively realize remodeling projects large and small.

Adam’s interests in design, remodeling, craft, adaptive reuse, and restoration extend from the office into his personal life. There you are more likely than not to find him designing an architectural folly, repairing some old mechanical thing, remodeling parts of his duplex, or crafting his own beer. In order to find balance, Adam calls on nature; camping, hiking, and biking as his favorite pastimes.

Greg Kraus, Designer
Greg contributes his success at Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build to interests he had at a very young age. Early on, he intended to be an architect. After all, how many ten-year-olds get up at 5:00 am on Saturday mornings to watch This Old House? Throughout his academic career, for which he holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Greg has become intrigued by the creative use of unconventional materials implied through eco-friendly construction and how it can transform the notions of residential architecture.

At Otogawa-Anschel, Greg’s responsibilities include conceptual design, lead design, material selection and 3D computer modeling, and drafting.  His design philosophy is simple: The juxtaposition of traditional forms with modern elements creates a beautiful composition. But ultimately, it’s about collaborating with the homeowner to create a space that fits the needs and exceeds the expectations of the client.

When he isn't at work, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, a Cardiovascular ICU nurse at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, reading one of twelve trade magazines he subscribes to, designing furniture influenced by mid-century modernism, watching “Saved By The Bell” re-runs, and rooting for his home state Green Bay Packers.

Scott Barsness, CKBR, Design/Internal Operations Director
Scott Barsness has been active in the residential remodeling industry for over a decade. He started swinging the hammer at the tender age of ten, building forts and tree houses in Minneapolis, where he grew up. Construction allows Scott to utilize his innovative problem-solving skills and creativity as a draftsman and designer. He is also responsible for the efficiency of all Otogawa-Anschel systems. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing and cookies. Scott is committed to the Green movement to help safeguard the environment for future generations (including his young son) to enjoy.

Anna Becker, Office Manager
Anna graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2004 with a BA degree, double-majoring in English and Studio Art. She learned at a young age to stick to what she was passionate about; mainly books, art, responsible stewardship of the earth and chocolate. She enjoys the hum of an organized office, and loves the fact that she can fully support Otogawa-Anschel's mission of ethical green building.

Anna keeps busy by rowing on the competitive team at the Minnesota Boat Club in St. Paul and is an active member of the City of Lakes RotarACT (it's like junior Rotary). She has a ceramics studio in northeast Minneapolis and occasionally does freelance writing for local publications. She enjoys gardening (though she hasn't had much success yet), crossword puzzles (getting better) and food, food, food.

Michael Anschel, Principal and Designer
Michael is a native and life long fan of Minneapolis. He has been involved in the arts from a young age, developing and running a program at the Guthrie Theater before even graduating from high school. With a growing passion for ceramic sculpture and science he deferred college to visit the Far East. His visit turned into residency, he lived in China from 1992-1995 and in Japan from 1995-1996. In China, in addition to learning Mandarin, he held a number of positions including TV show host, Foreign Language Editor for the Beijing Review, university and preschool teacher, and served as head of the English Department for the Japanese Embassy School in Beijing. He returned to the U.S. to finish his degree in Art with a Chinese Minor at the University of Minnesota.

The opportunity to apply his hands-on experience and materials knowledge from his work in ceramic and metal sculpture and his background in art history and architecture, presented itself in remodeling and renovation. After a few years of renovation work he was asked to design and build his first home addition. This particular challenge, to blend the traditional style of the home's exterior with the homeowner's contemporary vision for the interior, proved inspirational. The company refocused their direction to remodeling and has never looked back.

When not at work, Michael spends his free time climbing rocks and mountains, skiing, biking, and traveling to new places with his wife. Michael is a cellist of 27 years, and enjoys experimenting with new sounds and instruments with his international friends.

Michael is an active member of the City of Lakes Rotary Club and serves as District Rotaract Chair. He has served on NARI's Board of Directors, and is currently spearheading efforts to develop a green remodeling program and standards for the State of Minnesota.

Michael attributes his success to the many wonderful teachers and guides he has had in life; His grandparents whose immigration, work, and successes continue to be an inspiration; his parents and family, who are endlessly supportive, and of course his wife, who is phenomenal in every way.

Allison Landers, Interior Designer
Allison was born and raised in the state of Oregon then later on went to a small private school where she studied studio art and Spanish. Recently she moved to Minneapolis to study Interior Design at the University of Minnesota. While in school she has participated in Habitat for Humanity, led symposiums about student leadership roles on behalf of the University of Minnesota, volunteered at an organic fair trade farm workers convention, and helped build a rain garden with middle school children.

Allison feels that volunteering and being a good steward to our earth plays an important part of being an Interior Designer. Design can be fun and beautiful, it can enhance our ability to live and can be done in a bold and earth friendly manner which is why she is happy to be part of Otogawa-Anschel team.

Chie Morioka
Chie Morioka was born and raised in Japan. She received her B.A. in Spanish and moved to Minnesota in 2004. Missing her native country, Chie desired to create a space that reminded her of home. This changed her career path completely. While studying interior design at Century College, she became even more passionate about designing living spaces. She believes that the home is a place for people to relax, heal, and rejuvenate in this busy society. Chie enjoys helping to construct these places at Otogawa-Anschel by drafting, managing material selections and creatively supporting the design staff.

Chie loves to travel (especially to hot, sunny locales) and speaks three languages. She also enjoys salsa dancing with her husband.

Scott Grimm, Lead Carpenter
Scott is an accomplished carpenter of 22 years and brings a great sense of detail and pride to everything he works on. At Otogawa-Anschel, he enjoys working on projects that are unique and present daily challenges giving him the opportunity to participate in design solutions. Originally from Florida, he moved to Minnesota in 1982. His life with his wife and three kids is full and exciting. His hobbies include riding motorcycles and fishing.

Suzanne Charles, Carpenter
Sue was born and raised on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound, WA, and attended Evergreen State College in Olympia. After college she spent a rewarding year in Maine building trails ("you know, stairs, bridges, rocks and chainsaws," she says), which led her to an apprenticeship with a cabinetmaker in Vermont and eventually to Minneapolis as a carpenter and estimator for a remodeling company. While there, she focused on sustainable planning and design. With Otogawa-Anschel, she is excited to be a part of a company that is on the forefront of the green movement. In her down time, Sue loves to build furniture, swim, camp, play soccer with the Minneapolis Women's Soccer Club and ride with The Hub bike group.

Dylan Izquierdo, Journeyman Carpenter
Hailing from Excelsior, Minnesota, Dylan has been a carpenter for five years. He has also worked as an assistant project manager. He studied architectural design and creative design at MCTC. At Otogawa-Anschel, he enjoys the opportunity to do things that are out of the ordinary, like curved walls. He is happy to be working outdoors and not behind a desk. He is married with one daughter. In his spare time he likes to build furniture and go camping, though not at the same time.