Owner of Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio, LLC



B.S. in Design, 1993

B.S. in Construction Science Managment, 1993

Masters of Architecture,1995

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What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

I (along with a few other partners) founded Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio (RJTR) in early 2005 and have grown the business into a company that now employees around 100 architects and interior designers, providing design services in about 20 states. Gross revenues for 2023 were about $32 million (which translates to approximately $1 billion in annual construction projects). RJTR is fourth largest architectural and sixth largest interior design firm in Atlanta Metro area, and is ranked number one when looking at revenue based solely out of an Atlanta office. 

What are some of your best memories of your time at Clemson?

A few of my best Clemson memories include becoming part of the Clemson Family, the Clemson people I have met and stayed close with over the past thirty-five years, living at the Old Shack that eventually became a Mellow Mushroom that eventually was torn down (that last part was actually sad), and the Architecture professor that told me that I ought to change my major to something other than Architecture (that one really got me motivated). 

What were the key inflection points in your career after you left Clemson?

First, in the spring of 1995, I approached my Master's Thesis Professor, John Jacques, and asked him who to talk to about obtaining a job in Atlanta, GA. He gave me four names. I reached out and set up interviews with all four, traveled to Atlanta, and two days later came back to Clemson with my first job. I started the week after graduation and then ten years later, the entrepreneurial itch accelerated. Also, Just FYI…. John Jacques was NOT the professor referenced in item 2 above :). 

Second, the six months leading up to me quitting my job to start RJTR. Discussing the opportunity with my wife, friends, professional mentors, and clients, coming to the realization that the jump into entrepreneurship was not that big of jump. All of this despite the fact that Amy, my wife, was pregnant with our first child (eight months pregnant when I quit my job). 

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, continue to watch our kids (both at home, school, and eventually at work) grow into you successful young adults and professionals with a career and family that they love. Give back to Clemson. 

Professionally, continue to develop young architects and interior designers at RJTR into professionals that can successfully carry RJTR into the next generation. Give back to Clemson. 

What would you recommend students do to maximize their remaining time at Clemson?

Diversify your studies as much as possible. For me, I pursued a Construction Science and Management degree in addition to my Architecture Degree. That endeavor lead me to electives in the Accounting and Economics departments and jobs in the construction field (during college). Those type studies/experiences really expanded my knowledge and have greatly contributed to my success.  

What else should we know about you?

Married to Amy (Clemson ‘95), three kids….Zach (19), Ellie (16), and Nicholas (14). Zach is now a freshman at Clemson. Love to play golf and travel.