Our Story

Roof was born from a simple observation: property management shouldn't be complicated. Whether you're a landlord managing multiple properties or a renter trying to pay rent and report maintenance issues, the process has traditionally been frustrating and fragmented.

We set out to build a solution that brings everyone together on one platform, making property management transparent, efficient, and stress-free.

The Roof team

The Team

Four CS undergrad seniors building Roof as our capstone project

Rishen Cao

Rishen(Kingsley) Cao

B.S. Computer Science, 2025

Hello, my name is Kingsley, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Utah, supported by an educational background in aviation. I am particularly interested in how complex information can be structured and presented clearly, aiming to use intelligent algorithms and intuitive interfaces to create reliable and understandable user experiences. I am also drawn to cybersecurity, Android development, and decision-support systems, continually exploring how to balance technical precision with real user needs.

In the Roof capstone project, I focused on integrating modern AI tools, scalable backend services, and user-oriented interface design to improve the overall living experience. My goal was to lower communication barriers and support smoother coordination among renters through thoughtful technological design.

Outside of academics, I enjoy working on small creative projects, as well as photography, traveling, badminton, and swimming. Looking ahead, I hope to combine technology, aesthetics, and human-centered thinking to build products that carry both practical value and emotional warmth.

Quinn Pritchett

Quinn Pritchett

B.S./M.S. Computer Science, 2026

Hello! I'm Quinn, a combined BS/MS Computer Science student who worked across Roof's entire stack. In particular, I built the augmented reality furniture capture feature, which lets users visualize items in their own space before making decisions. I also developed an AI-powered smart fill tool that helps users create and write detailed maintenance requests using just a photo.

Beyond Roof, I work with a research team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute on AI-driven protein folding. I contribute to projects that use machine learning to predict protein structures and interactions, and I am exploring how computational tools can accelerate the development of new therapeutics. This experience has pushed me to pursue specializing in Artificial Intelligence.

Outside of work, I love playing tennis, riding bikes, and traveling to places where Google Maps just shrugs.

Mel Umble

Mel Umble

B.S. Computer Science, 2025

Hi! I’m Mel and I will be graduating this December with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Over the last year building Roof, I have been involved in full-stack development across the app, with a focus on AI integration and analytics tools. Some of the features I led included an AI lease summarization and document-chat tools, income summaries and financial analysis for landlords, and maintenance request creation for renters.

Outside of Roof, I work with research groups at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where I develop novel protein designs using AI models, and with the Kahlert School of Computing Security and Learning Threats Lab, where I explore LLM prompt-injection mitigation methods. Working at the intersection of AI, data pipelines, and mobile applications has shown me how integrating these components can amplify a project’s impact and deliver solutions efficiently. As a software engineer, I’m especially passionate about this integration and the creative problem-solving it enables.

When I’m not working on projects, you can usually find me outside skiing, mountain biking, or playing tennis.

Eric Zhuo

Eric Zhuo

B.S. Computer Science & Psychology, 2025

Hi! My name is Eric, a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Psychology from the University of Utah. On this capstone project, I primarily contributed as a full-stack developer, applying both my technical background and my interest in human-centered design to build a product that is intuitive, accessible, and grounded in strong usability principles. I enjoyed working across the stack, but I especially focused on shaping the user experience and ensuring our design choices aligned with how real people think, perceive, and interact with technology.

Throughout my academic and research experience, I’ve developed a strong interest in human factors, cognitive psychology, and the ways immersive technologies like VR influence perception and behavior. I hope to continue working at the intersection of psychology and computing, designing systems that feel natural, supportive, and user-aligned.

Outside of academics, I love snowboarding, hiking, and exploring creative projects that blend technology and design. I’m always excited to learn something new and find opportunities to build meaningful, human-focused tools.

Ready to Raise the Roof?

Download Roof and simplify your property management today