Bret is a lifelong creative and founder of RÜT DESIGN, a studio rooted in storytelling, interior design, and soulful spaces. With a background in building billion-dollar brands for national retailers, having spent 13 years as a merchant for Target Corp, he brings a highly curated eye and deep intention to every space he touches. Phil is a nurse anesthetist and outdoor enthusiast whose calm presence and love for wellness, nature, and craftsmanship shape the peaceful energy guests feel the moment they arrive. We’re the perfect blend of form and function!
Hi, we’re Bret and Phil—partners in life, design, and this wild dream we now call the Mendocino Tree House
Our Background
Our Story
We met in Minneapolis 15 years ago and eloped in Big Sur where we first fell in love with the California coast. The pull of the West—its vast landscapes, slower rhythm, and deep connection to nature—kept calling. In 2023, we made the leap, relocating to Mount Shasta, CA with the intention to live more fully and create spaces that reflect what we value most: simple beauty, rest, community, and meaning. In Fall 2024, we founded the Mendocino Tree House in Mendocino, CA as an extension of that vision—a place where travelers could experience the magic of the redwoods wrapped in elevated design and soul-soothing stillness.
Our Commitment
At the Mendocino Tree House, we believe unforgettable stays should leave more than memories — they should leave a positive mark. Beyond the dollars our guests spend in local shops, restaurants, and parks, we’ve proudly contributed over $100,000 directly to fellow small businesses — creatives, craftspeople, and more — whose talents help bring our guest experience to life. As stewards of this special community, we’ve also pledged to donate 10% of our profits back to the town of Mendocino, with a focus on preserving wild lands and nurturing the local artist community. Because when you take care of the roots, the whole forest thrives.
Proud Sponsors of the Mendocino Land Trust
We’re honored to be diamond-level sponsors of the Mendocino Land Trust, a vital organization protecting the natural beauty and wild places that make this region so special. Their work preserves public access to trails, beaches, and open spaces—ensuring future generations can experience the magic of Mendocino. At the Mendocino Tree House, we believe in giving back to the land that gives so much to us. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to conservation, stewardship, and community.
Credit: Header image by Ilanit Litman/@blue.ilaa
