I never dreamed I'd be a builder. My dreams were those of most young guys, find the right niche, most likely in business, get rich, buy fancy cars and take a lot of vacations. But it turned out that wasn't my dream after all.
I've been building for twenty-five years. I look back and now I'd never dream of doing anything else. I first started out as a hired hand in my early twenties. At the time I thought of it as just a filler job, a way to make some cash on my way to a real career. But instead what happened is I found my calling. I loved it. I still love it. From looking at a rendering on a piece of paper to the actual hammer and saw, the nails, the sweat, that makes it real, I found the most satisfying career I could imagine. I discovered the act of building is an art and building is my art form. I also discovered a love of design and developed a deep understanding and appreciation for architectural intent as well as good architecture. I've worked on original Craftsman's as well as exciting modern homes. I like many forms that create an environment, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Frank Gehry.and I'm an especial fan of the architect, Bart Prince. I only mention these architects because their work inspires my work, the nuts and bolts, if you will. But that doesn't mean I only want to work on rarefied projects. I also enjoy crafting simple staircases as well as pool houses and patio decks. Working with wood especially, making something both durable and beautiful makes me happy.
My approach is a very personal one compared to many larger firms with salesmen, a fleet of fancy trucks, and an overhead which generally results in higher costs to clients. I know all about them - I worked for such a firm years ago. It wasn't my style. I prefer to take on fewer projects and manage them closely, and by that I mean, I'm generally on the job site. You don't have to call my secretary to find me (anyway, I don't have one). I have a permanent small highly skilled crew that have worked with me for years and have the same work ethic as myself, as well as a close-knit group of subcontractors who, together, are capable of a wide range of projects.
I prefer, as much as is feasible and cost-effective for my clients, to work with a "green" ethic, by suggesting sustainable products as substitutions for those which are endangered, or highly polluting, or potentially toxic to both humans and the earth. I'm also an advocate of energy efficiency and can suggest a wide-range of energy saving alternatives for your home or office.
I don't believe in cutting corners. I want my clients to be as proud of their project as I am when it's finished. That is always my goal for everything I build, no matter how big and no matter how small, I will strive to build what you've been dreaming of.