My design philosophy is similar to that of Eero Saarinen, who designed the famous “Gateway Arch” in St. Louis. While my design prowess is light years behind that of Eero Saarinen, I share his philosophy that I am more about solving our client’s problems than being a slave to the classic textbook rules of design. I want to answer the needs of my clients with unique and special ideas. I also believe that my clients are my co-creators. Between their lifestyle, their lot, and their vision, the greatest shapes can emerge, and most importantly, they are the shapes that the ‘creators’ best relate to and thrive in…not what someone told them had to be.
I approach construction the same way; with the mindset that it has to be built as close to perfect as is possible in order to ensure that my co-creators thrive in their new environment. Each home must be more than beautiful…it must suit each client uniquely in addition to being beautiful and built with precision. These are the challenges that keep me in this business.
I also know that no one will be happy in a home that’s well built behind the walls, but doesn’t show the same precision in the finish-out. For this reason I limit the number of houses I will build at one time—so I can be very involved at every phase of construction. I hold my subcontractors to a very high standard, and they know that. They know if it doesn’t look right, even if it’s level and plumb, I won’t hesitate to make them redo it.
There are really two kinds of Builders. There are those who saw an opportunity to make money during the housing boom, and those who love to build. I think if I were looking for a Builder today, I’d look for the guy who honestly has a passion for construction. You can always tell this kind of Builder because they tend to go on and on about materials and methods of construction until your eyes glaze over.
- Shan Jenkins
