About TDC.
Trischler Design Co. (TDC.) is the independent studio practice of D.J. Trischler based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
When you work with TDC., you work directly with D.J. But, as the saying goes, no man is an island. TDC often seeks the support of trusted collaborators, including D.J.’s wife, Megan, if only for a fresh perspective.
In addition to running TDC, D.J. is an adjunct professor and graduate student at The University of Cincinnati's School of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). This is pretty cool because he gets to split his week between practicing design, teaching design, and studying design, all of which fuels each other.
Our Team
D.J. Trischler,
Founder/Design Director
Purpose: To pay attention.
Mission: Design spaces for to deeper thought and wider play.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
D.J. finds beauty in simple things like vanilla ice cream and tacos. He savors a contemplative pace and can often be found walking somewhere with lots of trees. Much to his grandfather’s chagrin, D.J. followed in his footsteps and became a designer. If he was not a designer, he might make a good counselor or biologist. Which is to say that he’s good at uncovering what makes people tick and why.
Megan Trischler,
Designer
Purpose: To simplify
Mission: Help others discern their path and take action.
Hometown: Flint, Michigan
With a background in design, Megan is passionate about shaping spaces, places and experiences that foster human connection, growth and participation.
In addition to her work with Trischler Design Co., Megan is a spiritual director, co-host for the Urban Consulate, and elder at University Christian Church.
Our Code of Ethics
1. Don’t turn stones into bread.
Designers have the power to create desire. That is powerful. Choose how you use that ability wisely. Do not put lipstick on a pig. Do not dress a wolf in sheep’s clothing. This applies to non-profit organizations as much as for-profits.
2. Gravity will win.
What goes up must come down. It is a law of nature. Similarly, practices like cutting corners and making distortions are always found out. That is a rule of life. Do not test it.
3. Don't chase fame.
Always keep in mind the motto from Dorothy Sayer’s essay, “Why Work,” and "SERVE THE WORK". Do not serve anything else; yourself, the Instagram community, or even your partners. If you serve the work, it will be good. You will be satisfied. So will your partners.
Extra:
Always have a circle of advisors for complicated business and design decisions.
Always keep an emergency fund available so we do not have to say yes to bad work.
Always include diverse points of view. Everyone has different mental models. Ours is only one perspective. Do not be afraid to challenge it.