Clink, yes for sure there are quite a few US 29er builders who would do the job just fine I'm sure – Walt being an excellent choice. I don't think you would go far wrong with him.
He (another that springs to mind is Ted Wojick) would know what the intended terrain is too, as they have built frames for 'East Coast woodsy riding'. Ted built one a couple of years ago through a collaborative mtbr forum exchange as the best bike for East Coast riding. The finished bike was IIRC was a 100mm travel ~71 deg HA, medium (for a 29er) CS length HT.
While this is not the slacked out LT, tucked in the rear bike I'm after, he has the experience of knowing what people want and how the built needs to be varied for that end
BUT, that still doesn't get the homegrown roots feel into your dream custom bike I don't think.
I want a local bike by a local builder 😀