I am a luthier based in Lexington, Kentucky, blending technical expertise with artisanal craftsmanship to create high-quality acoustic guitars. My journey from corporate design to fine luthiery is driven by a lifelong passion for woodworking and a commitment to artistry in every instrument I build.With a degree in Industrial Design, I developed a strong foundation in design and craftsmanship. My early career was rooted in the technology sector, as a designer and manager, I developed leading innovative projects that earned me over 30 design patents and multiple mechanical patents. Among my contributions to the modern computer keyboard are the original tilt mechanism and the home-row identifier, (the line under the F and J keys), along with advancements in keyboard typography, which have become industry standards. My design work has been recognized with design excellence awards from the Industrial Design Society of America and the prestigious IBM Thomas J. Watson Design Excellence Award.While advancing in the corporate world, I remained dedicated to my woodworking craft, creating custom furniture and cabinets in my spare time. I decided to deepen my expertise in 2014 through an apprenticeship with three master luthiers. During this period, I crafted nine baritone ukuleles, experimenting with a wide range of tonewoods and reclaimed materials to explore their tonal qualities. My final instrument from this apprenticeship—an intricately crafted ukulele using burl walnut, reclaimed cedar, curly maple bindings, and herringbone and ebony details—received high praise from my mentors, who encouraged me to make guitar-making my profession. Following this, I was inducted into the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen after submitting five of my handcrafted guitars to their selection jury. The jury described my work as some of the finest they had seen. I launched Mendel Guitars LLC, where I design and build fine acoustic guitars that emphasize quality, tone, and craftmanship. Currently, I am completing six 00-style acoustic guitars featuring African mahogany sides, backs, and necks paired with Engelmann spruce tops. The fretboards, bridges, and head plates are crafted from East Indian Rosewood. For my next D-series acoustic guitar build, I’ve assembled an array of premium tonewoods, including curly maple, highly figured native Kentucky walnut, figured African mahogany, and East Indian rosewood.To follow my work and view the latest photos, please visit MendelGuitars.com and follow mendelguitars on Instagram.