DESIGN

We engage in site specific, use specific design. Our design approach starts with garnering a thorough understanding of your wants, needs, likes and dislikes as they pertain to building architecture. We then progress into discussion of possible concepts, themes, styles and specific elements for your proposed project. Meeting onsite we visualize some of the many possibilities with you. Quick sketches and line drawings drawn impromptu by you and us alike in the field are valuable in quickly conveying ideas. If after meeting you like what we have to offer a Design Contract is signed and work in earnest to further develop specifics of a concept that will lead to constructable plans begins.

We posses an understanding of many different design styles and are happy to design within a pre-established period (particularly applicable when engaging in historic preservation and renovation). Or we can gently fuse elements of two or more periods or styles to yield a unique creation tailored to your preferences. It is our extensive experience building custom homes that aids us in knowing what can work well together (We have implemented others designs that we admire and borrow from; and we have experienced others work that we prefer not to repeat). Balance and continuity are two great influences in our design approach--it must visually balance to have universal appeal. And keeping with a few reoccurring themes tends to lend flow and a feeling that every part belongs to the whole of a building.

Where more ecologically conscientious design (aka sustainability) is of interest we really excel at developing structures that embrace their occupants and surroundings while at the same time minimizing their adverse impact upon our planet. Through employing a myriad of tried and proven design strategies one can derive at a structure that far exceeds the "norm" (and other builders so called "energy efficient homes") in energy efficiency and healthfulness to it's occupants. These structures can be built at a cost lower than the present median custom home cost. An ecologically conscientious home has lower operational costs and increased life span. Our understanding of the ramifications surrounding passive solar design is flourishing like few others.

We have a penchant for earth integrated design and find this approach applicable in all environments where the sites natural surroundings play a significant role in its appeal. We strive to harmonize with the surroundings. As a well known local architect once wrote "We strongly believe that a building should be of the earth, picking up the surrounding contours, colors and character. The building should sink into the hillside and expose only the portions necessary for view, ventilation and aesthetic considerations. If we've done our job, you wouldn't be able to imagine that building being anywhere else. We call this approach to design “Earth Integrated Architecture. A basic tenant of our philosophy is that a home should never be ‘on' a hill, but ‘of' the hill."--Brendon Beyers AIA (principal of Westering Design)

This is one of our strongest practices. We know of no one else that can surpass the detail and accuracy that we can provide here. Unlike so many it is our approach to fully estimate work based on the works actual character and complexity rather than to pull numbers out of thin air.

On any project of significant scope we utilize Construction Specification Institutes 2004 Master Format (CSI's 2004 Master Format is rapidly becoming the industry standard for compiling and conveying construction specifications--in fact a few other top contractors employee CSI's 1995 Master Format) as a basis for compiling and conveying all relevant construction data including estimate. This enables us and others involved to quickly locate any piece of information relevant to the process. It also greatly reduces the chances of an omission in the estimating phase. In the Master Format system a particular scope of work is always found in the same place in the same division regardless of which project it applies to. Plumbing fixtures for example will always be found in 22 06 40 Schedules for Plumbing Fixtures (22 = plumbing division, 06 = level two designator, in this case schedules for plumbing, 40 = level three designator, in this case schedules for plumbing fixtures). An experienced estimator knows that there are certain elements that every construction project incorporates and having them all in the same place every time streamlines the process of assigning values.

It is our practice to completely price all components and construction processes involved in the construction of a proposed building when a full estimate is desired--only through this process can one derive at a truly accurate estimate. There are many times when it is appropriate to engage in rougher preliminary estimating-- when a design is being conceptualized is one of them.

Through employing a variety of estimating techniques we can shed light on the potential costs of a project in preliminary rough figures or detailed exacting estimates. We feel that thorough accurate estimating is critical to the success of any and all projects. Our detailed estimates have proven highly accurate on past projects. It is our experience that clientele confidence increases when a project can be shown to be on schedule and on budget.

The practice of value analysis (VA) aka value engineering (VE) is often not given proper due consideration by design professionals. Even if considered in design, architects typically lack the hands on experience to fully understand the varying costs associated with employing building materials and methods as they relate to the proposed structures massing and form. As builders we posses this experience. When designing we keep close in mind "how can a design goal be most practically achieved?; how does one build the design?; are there other materials and or methods that if used could achieve the desired aesthetic?; and ultimately how well does the design meet the clients use and aesthetic parameters. We ask ourselves the same questions when evaluating others designs. Constructability is of great importance to arriving at an affordable design. A thorough understanding of a buildings components, construction phases and how they interrelate is imperative to being able to offer suggestions that can significantly improve a buildings constructability thereby reducing its costs. Further, analysis and refinement of design character and components as they effect energy use (fossil fuels) can substantially reduce a buildings life cycle costs--this is a consideration of increasing relevance.

It is our belief that an experienced builder should be involved from the onset of any construction project. Best results are achieved when the builder is involved early in the conceptual stages--it is this early input that can help avoid a costly redesign to meet client budget expectations. So many more projects are conceptualized then ever actually built--many of these acquired hefty architectural fees. By utilizing our VA services early on one can quickly pair a budget with possible design concepts and acquire valuable real world construction insight thru out the design process.

If involved later in the process, or after design completion we are still able to provide valuble results. The seemingly imposible unafordable project may be possible with some tweaking. Only thru exploration will we uncover what is possible. We strive to preserve original architectural intent, whenever possible.

Value analysis employed at onset of design concept and began after design completion are valuable processes to employee to facilitate a projects better meeting the needs and cost expectations of a client, with the former being the recommended approach. There are infinite solutions to all design dilemma. But when one pairs performance parameters, with ascetic considerations with budget the options become somewhat more limited. It is this ability to help pair your dreams with your budget and construction practicalities that enables us to readily suggest alternatives that can work well for your intended use. This fusion of the possible and practical can be done in a way yielding architecturally stunning results.

This is where our roots are at. We started by building and we will likely continue to build till we are all too old and tired to get out of bed. We are carpenters with a variety of interests and diverse skills. If it can be built we can build it. We have extensive experience in all phazes of residential and light comercial construction. This experience enables us to employ highly effecient methods to the constuction of our clients projects while performing work to the highest quality standard possible. That said, we will not engage your project if we feel your interests could be better met elsewhere. For those desiring a strictly log home we would refer you elsewhere. We can build log homes. We have assembled log home packages and performed other work on log homes. But log only structures, for example, are not our forte and therefore we would recommend someone else. For other conventional and non conventional construction we are an ideal choice.

In the end we will be in business because we provided a service and did it to a higher degree of customer satisfaction and public appreciation then our competitors. Few other contractors bring what we can to the table and do so in such an open collaborative manner. We believe in forging partnerships where all involved are able to contribute to their fullest, partnerships where all involved know and accept their role as important. If there is a unexplored working relationship out there that can mutually benefit the parties involved then we are interested in exploring it.

Are you interested in General contracting your own project, but know that your project would benefit from the involvement of a seasoned industry professional? Then we should speak as there is likely a collaborative arrangement to be arrived at that will maximize your projects performance and minimize your costs.

Flexibility and commitment to quality building are two of our hallmarks. Assembling a superior structure with quality materials utilizing craftspeople of the highest skill is always our primary concern. This commitment to quality has an almost spiritual imbedding within us. We feel that we are defined to a large extent by our work and that we are leaving a piece of ourselves behind in our work for others to enjoy and revel in--it follows then that what we leave behind be something special.

We utilize advanced accounting software and numerous other computer programs to facilitate a well orchestrated project wherein all involved are shown and led down as clear a path as possible.

It is here that perhaps lays Gallatin Valley's largest unmet need. We are capable and interested in producing architectural woodwork to the highest possible quality standards. From furniture utilizing hand cut joinery, to corporate executive offices with book matched and sequenced veneered paneling, to more conventional installation of cabinets, doors, casing, baseboard, and crown moldings we can help fill in the void of quality conscious installers.

We are available to subcontract all division six and some division seven, eight and nine work. This encompasses all carpentry related phases of a construction project from framing to interior finish. We also install hardwood floors, install steep pitch roof systems, perform site supervision and assist in the project management of others projects. We most commonly subcontract out on a time and material (with "not to exceeds" for specified work) basis but will on occasion offer a stipulated sum proposal for a clearly specified scope of work.

We have witnessed many mistakes and triumphs (both ours and others) in the 15+ years we have been involved in the industry on a full time basis. This is an invitation to learn from them. We are eager to engage in work with you whether you are owner, contractor, architect or other on just about whatever level can be imagined. Often it helps just to have another head to bounce ideas off of. It is our belief that our societies greatest achievements did not happen in a vacuum. Almost always great things have happened because impassioned individuals banded together in pursuit of a common goal. Whatever your goal is we can help bring you closer to it. We can takeover some of the necessary leg work in early project development. We can offer honest impartial input on a project nearing final design. We can function as a client contractor liaison providing a buffer for sensitive relations and insuring that those involved are delivering their very best.

Regardless of our level of involvement we are committed to being of service to you and your agenda.

Whether you are an owner or a contractor this can be an invaluable service to you. We can provide project management for your project freeing you up to attend to other matters. Involving us with our established working relationships with the areas best trades people can be a huge boon to the efficiency and resulting quality of your project.

We utilize numerous computer software, keep an rigorous document trail and structure a system that promotes timely performance from all subcontractors. We function as the ideal information gate on projects we manage by facilitating rapid communication of necessary construction documents and details between parties without divulging sensitive proprietary information that other subcontractors do not need to know to perform their work.