The Team
Julie Szekley
Quentin Branch
Quentin Branch
Julie Szekely is the co-founder, Owner, and President of Rammed Earth Solar Homes Inc., having established the company in 1984 alongside her husband, master builder Quentin Branch. As the dedicated backbone of the business for over four decades, she has provided essential leadership in operations, administration, workshop coordination, an
Julie Szekely is the co-founder, Owner, and President of Rammed Earth Solar Homes Inc., having established the company in 1984 alongside her husband, master builder Quentin Branch. As the dedicated backbone of the business for over four decades, she has provided essential leadership in operations, administration, workshop coordination, and client communications—ensuring smooth project delivery and the company's ongoing commitment to sustainable, passive-solar rammed earth construction. Julie's steadfast support has been instrumental in building a legacy of energy-efficient, environmentally harmonious structures that prioritize durability, natural comfort, and long-term value, while helping advance education and craftsmanship in the field through hands-on programs and consultations.
Quentin Branch
Quentin Branch
Quentin Branch
Quentin Branch is a pioneering master builder and co-founder of Rammed Earth Solar Homes Inc., with over 45 years of dedicated expertise in rammed earth construction and passive solar design. Beginning his experiments in 1976 and formally establishing the company in 1984 alongside his wife Julie Szekely, Quentin has designed and built hun
Quentin Branch is a pioneering master builder and co-founder of Rammed Earth Solar Homes Inc., with over 45 years of dedicated expertise in rammed earth construction and passive solar design. Beginning his experiments in 1976 and formally establishing the company in 1984 alongside his wife Julie Szekely, Quentin has designed and built hundreds of structures—including custom homes, commercial buildings, retaining walls, public art installations, and a renowned 38,000-square-foot television studio celebrated as one of Arizona’s architectural highlights. Renowned for his deep knowledge of natural materials and sustainable techniques, he has collaborated with acclaimed architects such as Rick Joy and Jones Studio, consistently creating durable, energy-efficient buildings that harness thermal mass for comfortable, low-impact living. A passionate educator, Quentin has conducted hands-on workshops for decades, sharing his craft with builders worldwide and helping advance the art and science of earth-based, harmonious construction.
Koren Lockwood
Quentin Branch
Koren Lockwood
Since attending her first 3-day workshop in 2023, Koren Lockwood has become an integral part of Rammed Earth Solar Homes, serving as Project Manager and working closely alongside Quentin Branch to carry forward his pioneering legacy in rammed earth construction. Bringing a decade of experience from Southern Arizona real estate—where she w
Since attending her first 3-day workshop in 2023, Koren Lockwood has become an integral part of Rammed Earth Solar Homes, serving as Project Manager and working closely alongside Quentin Branch to carry forward his pioneering legacy in rammed earth construction. Bringing a decade of experience from Southern Arizona real estate—where she witnessed the frequent, preventable repairs and fleeting trends of conventional building—Koren fully embraced the craft and now plays a key role in delivering custom homes and sculptural projects with enduring quality and sustainability.