Building with Intention: Why We Started Kindred Construction

After more than 35 years in construction, I’ve learned that building a home is about much more than putting walls, roofs, windows and finishes together.

The best homes begin much earlier than that.

They begin with a piece of land, an idea, a conversation and a realistic understanding of what it will take to turn that idea into a finished home.

That is the foundation of Kindred Construction.

I started Kindred because I believe there is room for a different kind of builder—one that puts as much thought into the process as the finished product.

A Different Approach to Building

Over the years, I’ve worked on homes and projects in a wide range of environments in California, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, and Tennessee. In valleys, deserts, and my personal favorite, the mountains. I’ve seen beautiful designs become difficult projects because the budget was never fully understood. I’ve seen seemingly simple lots present significant challenges once construction begins. And I’ve seen how decisions made early—or decisions that weren't made early enough—can affect a project months later.

Those experiences have shaped the way I approach construction today.

At Kindred, we believe the planning and preconstruction process deserves just as much attention as the building itself.

Before we put a shovel in the ground, we want to understand the project.

The plans.

The site.

The finishes.

The systems.

The schedule.

And, perhaps most importantly, the budget.

A good estimate isn't simply a number at the bottom of a page. It should tell you what is included, what isn't, and where the money is going.

That is why our estimates are developed by trade and supported by a preliminary specification book that defines the materials and level of finish included in the project. Grading, concrete, framing, roofing, windows, mechanical systems, cabinets, flooring and the many other components that make up a home should be understood before construction begins—not discovered through change orders along the way. The goal is simple: fewer surprises and better decisions.

Building Homes, Not Just Houses

Kindred Construction is focused primarily on custom residential construction, including new homes, additions, remodels and ADUs. But "custom" can mean different things to different builders. For us, it doesn't mean making every decision complicated or choosing the most expensive option available. it means creating a home that makes sense for the people who will live in it and the property it will occupy.

A great home should respond to its surroundings. It should take advantage of views and natural light. It should work with the site rather than fight it. It should feel intentional without feeling overdesigned.

That's particularly important in the mountain communities where we do much of our work.

Mountain construction brings its own set of challenges—steep sites, snow loads, fire requirements, access, grading, utilities and weather. Those challenges need to be considered during design, not after the drawings are finished. The same principle applies anywhere we build. Good design and good construction should work together from the beginning.

Quality Over Quantity

Kindred isn't being built around the idea of building as many homes as possible.

I would rather build fewer homes and be deeply involved in each one.

The projects we are pursuing are generally custom homes where design, craftsmanship and attention to detail matter. I want to know the property. I want to understand what the client is trying to accomplish. And I want to be involved enough in the process to recognize a problem before it becomes an expensive problem.

That level of involvement isn't always the easiest way to build.

I believe it is the right way. There is also something important about being a smaller builder. The person you meet at the beginning of the project shouldn't disappear once construction starts. Communication shouldn't have to pass through layers of people before a question gets answered.

Building a home is a significant investment, both financially and personally. I think the relationship between the builder and the client should reflect that.

Bringing Something Fresh to the Market

Starting a new construction company after decades in the industry might seem like an unusual decision. For me, it feels like the right time. I've spent a long time learning what works, what doesn't, where projects tend to go wrong and how much difference good preparation can make. I also believe there is an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the custom home market.

Kindred is intentionally positioned between two worlds. We want the craftsmanship, accountability and personal involvement you expect from a smaller builder, while bringing the design sensibility, organization and professionalism expected from a high-end custom home builder.

We aren't interested in building the same house over and over. We're interested in building homes that belong where they are. Homes that feel modern without being cold. Refined without being pretentious. Comfortable without sacrificing design.

And above all, homes that are thoughtfully built.

Why "Kindred"?

The name is intentional. Kindred speaks to connection—to family, to shared values and to the relationships that develop when people work together toward something meaningful. Building a custom home is a partnership. The homeowner brings the vision. The designer brings the design. The builder brings experience and execution. Architects, engineers, tradespeople and suppliers all become part of the process.

When those pieces work together, something better happens. That's what I want Kindred Construction to represent. Not simply a company that builds houses, but a builder that becomes part of the process of creating a home.

What's Ahead

This is the beginning of Kindred Construction, but it isn't the beginning of my experience in construction. The years I've spent building, managing, problem-solving and learning are the foundation we're starting from. Going forward, I'll use this space to share some of what I've learned along the way—from evaluating a piece of land and developing a realistic construction budget to designing mountain homes, choosing materials and navigating the decisions that can make or break a project.

I'll also share some of the homes and projects we're working on and the thinking behind them.Because I believe a better building experience starts with better information. And I believe a well-built home starts long before construction begins.

That's Kindred Construction.

Thoughtful design. Careful planning. Quality construction.

Built with intention. Crafted for life.