Friends of Build Magazine

With his forward-thinking “what if?” approach to business, in a short span of time David’s leadership at The Fireplace resulted in a remodel of the company’s showroom (that had never been touched since being built in 1966) and the reevaluation and expansion of its classic product line. This approach also shaped the company’s culture into what it is today. David explains how he has cultivated a cus...

Going further, Esther explains that her standard for successful design is when it evokes a feeling out of anyone who enters the space. Like a musical composition, she constantly strives to mix and match different elements to create something new and bold while maintaining a sense of harmony. Further informing Esther’s sense of aesthetics is her passion for travel and immersing herself within diffe...

Leslie and Catherine reflect on their partnership and passion for their work. To them, “a door is functional art,” and that “not every door has to make a statement, but every door serves a purpose.” The door is a piece to showcase personality and architecture, and they believe that it is an often overlooked part of the home. The two met and went into business together for their shared love of furn...

Of his clients, Justin always asks, “How can I serve them well? How can I be authentic?” It is a way of thinking he developed largely thanks to his father’s saying that “money is a consequence of good business.” It’s an approach that also extends to his own team. Justin notes that, because he has such a powerful focus on his team’s why , he has candidates write out their mission statement to even...

Matthew's father says, “His mission for this company was to create a place where brilliantly talented people could come together and do what they love to do—and he was the orchestra leader.” That theme of cultural harmony permeates the entirety of Thomas Riley today. Matt speaks on the collaborative environment he, Tom, and Ben continue to foster within the company demonstrated, for instance, by t...

John discusses his transition from East Hampton to Naples and how he has adapted a specific design process he was already so familiar with to a state with completely different architectural standards and tastes. He also speaks on his leadership philosophy and why he intends to preserve Stofft Cooney’s in-person company culture in spite of the increasing prevalence of remote work. Finally, John ref...

A transplant to Big Island from San Francisco, Gary brought over his 16 years of experience in the fast-paced Bay Area world of commercial and retail lighting. Gary and the Aloha Light & Design team operate under the philosophy of the Hawaiian word kina’ole , which essentially means "doing the right thing; in the right way; at the right time; in the right place; to the right person; for the right...

In 2000, Vern's son Bob became General Manager of the business while his daughter Charcie oversaw the accounting functions and human resources. Bob passed away in 2015, and his son Dave took over the family business. Listen in as Dave reflects on the ins-and-outs of managing a business that was started by his grandfather 71 years ago and how the housing market, design trends, and client expectatio...

In today’s conversation, Kevin shares how he found massive success in a complex industry a decade after founding his company in the aftermath of the Great Recession. He explains the ins-and-outs of LED lighting and how it came to become the standard light source in the home. He also speaks on the future of residential lighting technology, the advantages of using human-centric lighting, and how he...

He refers to the old saying, “You can’t teach common sense,” to explain his success as an immigrant despite lacking a college degree. “If you can’t make good, fundamental decisions,” says Jason, “then you’re probably not going to be in business for yourself.” Jason speaks on the lessons he took from his personal life that he applies to business, as well as lessons learned in business (particularly...

Listen in as Marc and Mike reflect on their journey together in business, from rocky beginnings in 2005 through the Great Recession to working with millionaire and billionaire clients globally a decade later. Despite their amazing success in the world of cabinetry, Marc and Mike hold fast to their small town family roots, describing their primary goals as making clients happy and providing their t...

The firm typically self-performs the majority of the work on its projects, allowing for flexibility, control, and direct cost. Listen in as Kevin shares how he came to set up shop in both Arizona and Hawaii, and the differences in the home building process between the two states. He speaks in particular on the unique logistical considerations around running a construction company on the Big Island...

Mark is the founding design partner of de Reus Architects. A veteran of over three decades in the architecture space, Mark has a number of design awards under his belt and has been featured in international design publications. Architectural Digest recognized Mark as one of the world’s top architects and designers in their AD 100 list. In 2011, ORO Editions published Tropical Experience: Architect...

He goes on to describe his laid-back approach to dealing with clients, brand name or otherwise. He explains how DA Architects acquired its balanced reputation for being cutting-edge while maintaining traditions, its houses distinct yet designed around the particular tastes and preferences of its clients. Chris shares what he looks forward to, including his excitement for the future of technology a...

Listen in as Scott shares why he prizes personal responsibility above all else, particularly as a business owner. “They hire me,” he says, “because they’ve seen what I do, and they know I care about every little detail that goes on in the house from the beginning to the end, and I don’t leave anything to anybody else.” Scott also makes a case for a holistic approach, where the architect, builder,...

Kenny, along with his business partner Matt Yates, offered to collaborate with Highland and offer their expertise. In 2016, the two bought out their original partner, giving Kenny and Matt 50/50 ownership of the firm. Listen in as Kenny does a deep dive into what drives him as a business owner in the real estate world. He speaks on his core values, decision-making framework, and how he balances an...

Osmond Designs’s list of accolades include being a seven-time Best of State winner for Interior Design, as well as Best Interior Design in Utah Valley’s Parade of Homes 2011-2019. The firm is also a nine-time Houzz Award winner for Heather Osmond and her “dream-team” for both highest level for client satisfaction and interior design services. Listen in as Heather shares why she believes that “home...

Mark is not your typical architect. Our conversation goes deep into his passion for travel, Mediterranean cuisine, philanthropy, and the finer things in life. He explains why he decided to include a page on his website featuring his favorite family recipes and why he believes that there are few experiences in life that leave lasting memories as the family meal. Mark also touches on what inspired h...

Believing that “design should express people better than they can express themselves,” Jaque built her brand on the strength of her character, personality, love of the trades, and out-of-the-box creativity. Listen in as Jaque how she developed a love for design, architecture, and engineering from an early age, as well as her determination to become a role model for women in the industry or who hav...

Rod kicks off the conversation by expressing his thoughts as to why he believes the construction industry is “broken”. Namely, he believes that small custom builders are lacking proper mentors that can help them scale their careers. He says that the industry is seeing a decline in artistry, particularly among trim and finish carpenters, because certain skills are not being passed down to these you...

The spark that led to the founding of MLD took place over 30 years ago when Dan, his brother Joe, and friend Steve Stockfish started delivering appliances for a small builder supplier in Salt Lake City. “The Three Mountain Landers” saw potential in their concept and continued to develop it through the years. Today MLD is made up of 140 employees and spans five locations. Listen in as Dan talks all...

Today Ted speaks with Klaus Baer, COO of WRJ Design, an interior design firm he co-founded with Rush Jenkins in Jackson, WY. Listen in as Klaus shares how he made the transition from Bear Stearns in New York to co-founding WRJ in Jackson and the inspiration behind one of his original home designs that evoked a “European aesthetic mixed with an American Western heritage style”. Klaus reflects on hi...

Today Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, Founder and President of A Finer Touch Construction—also known as AFT Construction—an award-winning custom home firm based out of Scottsdale, AZ. Born into a family of tradesmen, Brad has been immersed in the world of construction all his life. For young Brad, there was no question that, whatever he would eventually do as an adult, it would have to involve creat...