Allen Martin
Allen is our shop manager and has been with us since 2016. He is the son of a Kentucky homebuilder and grew up learning construction from his father, and has continued honing his skills for nearly three decades since. He is passionate about providing clients with the highest quality experience and product. When not spending time with his son Jack, Allen enjoys riding his motorcycle and turning custom wood pens. Whether building custom furniture, installing trim, or framing, Allen’s work is always done with great craft and care.
Leonard Boltz
Leonard began working with tools when his parents started renovating houses in their New Jersey hometown, and he was exposed to a multitude of projects and skills. Years later, relocation brought him to Louisville, and he has been a member of the RPH team since 2013. Leonard’s many roles, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic keep the wheels of the RPH machine turning.
Gavin Catt
Gavin is a skilled cabinet fabricator with a passion for working with wood. His love for woodworking extends beyond the workshop, as he stays inspired by listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos on the latest techniques and tools. With a keen eye for detail and a constant drive to learn, Gavin continually strives to hone his craft.
Seth Folsom
Seth is our shop foreman and is known for his exceptional craftsmanship in creating fine furniture and custom musical instruments. With a deep respect for quality, he approaches every project in the shop as a piece of furniture, ensuring that each item meets his exacting standards. Seth’s leadership in the shop raises the bar for the entire team.
Daniel Everett
Daniel is the lead cabinet finisher in our shop. He has a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality. He is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, Louisville Youth Group, and Kentucky Youth Advocates. Daniel’s prior experience includes construction, renovation, and trim carpentry, and we look forward to his contribution to our team.
Jackson Hinton
Jackson, our newest team member, is a recent University of Louisville graduate in Interior Design. His extended passion for architecture, graphic design, and fashion makes him a great fit for our diverse projects. As Design Assistant, he’ll handle various tasks within our office and workshop while also managing our social media. We’re excited to see how his skills will enhance our team.
Dane Paprocki
Dane started as a summer helper at age 16 and quickly discovered a passion for hands-on work. Now an engineering student, he’s focused on blending practical skills with technical knowledge. His early experience and academic pursuits are shaping a strong foundation for his future career.
Founders Derek Paprocki and Emily Fisher Paprocki
Derek and Emily met in architecture school at Ball State University. They discovered that they both enjoyed collaborative design/build projects and sustainable practices. After graduating, they moved to San Francisco, where they lived for more than a decade. During this time, they honed their skills while working with award-winning firms.
In 2008, with two young children, they moved to Louisville to be closer to family. They didn’t necessarily expect a large market for what they loved doing. They bought a house in Crescent Hill and began a total renovation and addition to make it their own. Through this process, they started to build a network of like-minded craftsmen, contractors, and suppliers in the Louisville area. What started as a personal project ended up connecting them to a network of colleagues and interested clients. Eventually, this turned into the thriving Rock Paper Hammer.
What Matters
Reduce
Sometimes, bigger isn’t necessarily better. We believe that focusing on quality over quantity is more effective. When it comes to existing structures, we advise clients to consider working within the existing footprint of their home if feasible. The need for additional space could be reduced or even eliminated by rethinking existing spaces to improve their functionality.
Reuse
Dismantle an old barn and repurpose the timbers to create a new structure. Integrate a significant item from your past into a special place in your home. There are numerous opportunities to reuse building materials in innovative and creative ways. In any case, we are passionate about salvage.
Recycle
Our construction sites produce a lot of waste, so we make a big effort to recycle as much as we can. This includes donating usable materials to Habitat for Humanity, as well as recycling cardboard packaging and scrap metal. Our goal is to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill.
Create
The needs of each project require a unique solution. We draw from context and other influencing factors rather than adhering to a specific architectural style, resulting in an inspired, timeless design that matches your vision.
Innovate
We embrace new products and technologies and advise clients on the best ways to make their homes more efficient. This includes adding insulation and exploring alternative or passive heating and cooling systems.
Sustain
We take a practical and environmentally conscious approach to design, aiming to create attractive, functional, and efficient spaces. We prioritize supporting local businesses, artisans, and American-made products whenever feasible.