Built To Last
Hawaii’s premier architects, builders & developers share their home-building visions, philosophies and expertise.
Article by Alice Keesing
Issue Date: September 2006
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Our
homes are more than just shelters, they are our families’ foundations.
So, when you’re ready to build or remodel, the first step is to team up
with a trustworthy and attentive design team. Whether it’s time to make
room for the next generation or to build from the ground up, the
following pages will give you an opportunity to get to know some of
your local architects, builders and developers.
JUMP TO:
BACKGROUND One of Hawaii’s leading real estate developers, building the spectrum of entry-level to luxury homes on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Since 1990, Stanford Carr Development has won 58 local and Western national industry awards. PRESIDENT/FOUNDER Stanford Carr’s first entrepreneurial endeavor came at age 12, growing bell peppers and cabbages on 4 acres on Maui—these days he grows multimillion dollar real estate developments. Carr has been on job sites since small-kid times; he got his contractor’s license at age 20 and went on to found his own company in 1988. Since then he has built more than 3,000 homes.
PHILOSOPHY “I am very passionate about what we do: the architecture, the communities, the neighborhoods that we build. I know that the communities and neighborhoods will mature and get better as time goes on. Driving through communities that we built 10 to 14 years ago makes me feel very proud.” BEST PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The creativity and keeping up with the constant challenges and innovations in materials and products. “We’re always striving for the perfect home at all price points. We’ve never been one to cookie cutter product after product.” IN THE WORKS Stanford Carr Development is working on the only fully entitled master-planned community in the Big Island’s Kailua-Kona area. The 369-acre Koloko Heights development will offer 1,500 single-family and multi-family homes, at various prices and includes additional land for commercial development and parks and recreation. Another new project underway is Kehalani on Maui, a master-planned community of 2,400 homes, from affordable multi-family homes to spacious, single-family homes with panoramic views of both the north and south shores of the island. NEW ENDEAVOR Creating a nonprofit to build more affordable rentals. THE FUTURE Technology will keep changing the way we live. “You’re going to find appliances coming out that tie into your computer to optimize energy efficiency and how you use them.” All Stanford Carr homes are ready-wired to handle this emerging technology. BACKGROUND The date: 1989. The scene: Two grown men—one a master carpenter, the other a successful realtor and businessman—standing on an empty lot with blueprints rolled out over the hood of a 10-year-old pickup truck, a pile of lumber off to the side, each desperately trying to persuade the other that they really did tear down the right house. Fast forward 15 years: The two guys are still here (and that fateful job was built according to plan on the correct lot) and they now run a multimillion dollar design/build company that is one of Hawaii’s leading custom-home builders. Led by company founder and president Danny Graham, Graham Builders now has 30 employees, from receptionist through designers through carpenters. Over the years, the design/build team has completed hundreds of projects, from kitchen and bath renovations to large custom residences. EXPERTISE New custom homes for Hawaii’s families. Graham Builders has become an expert in multigenerational homes, where families combine their resources to build or renovate their homes to provide for multiple generations living together. “We understand better than any other design/build contractor the various elements needed to make a multigenerational home work.” GOT EDUCATION? Every month, Graham Builders provides a free seminar to educate homeowners on the process of building or renovating their homes. The more knowledge homeowners have, the less likely their projects will turn into a confusing and frustrating process. The seminar is an orientation to the entire experience, starting with where to begin, the condition of the land, and how to choose a contractor, get financing and design and build their homes. PHILOSOPHY Good design and quality construction should be within everyone’s reach. “We make each project special by working closely with homeowners so that the designs reflect their unique needs and lifestyles; and, our renovations never look like add-ons.” BEST PART OF THE BUILDING PROCESS Taking a homeowner’s vision of his dream home and making it a reality. BEST PROJECT We had a family come to us whose home was very old and literally collapsing around them. We designed a beautiful, Japanese-style new home—the owners now live in a roomy, well-planned home and are enjoying the benefits of quality construction. BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID “Actually, it wasn’t a client, it was the neighbor of a client, who complimented us on our workers, who are building the home behind them, our crew’s respectfulness of the neighborhood, the cleanliness of the work site and the overall image that they present as quality builders who are part of their community.”
BACKGROUND A family business, Mark Development Inc., and its affiliated companies, have developed more than 1,600 single-family and multi-family homes in the last 30 years. MDI also manages rental properties. FOUNDATION Coming from a plantation background on Kauai, company founder and family patriarch Mark Watase saw people’s struggles to buy their own homes. He founded MDI in 1977 with the sole goal of building affordable housing. THE TEAM It*s a family affair. Dad, Mark Watase, is the CEO. Mom, Gerry, is ’the real boss.“ Son, Craig, is president. His sister-in-law, Nola, manages the clerical and bookkeeping. And son, Paul, is vice president and architect. MDI also employs two property managers.
THE DESIGN GUY Paul Watase, vice president, architect and JOAT (Jack of all Trades). Watase dreams the dreams then works with Curtis Miyamura of Architects Pacific Inc., to bring them into reality. PHILOSOPHY Build homes where families and communities can thrive. ’The best foundation for a vibrant community is ... to let the family roots grow and not move from place to place, but have generations grow with the aina, create a place called home to generations and to develop relationships with one*s neighbors.“ A HOME IS... Like a jewel box. “The ‘stuff’ you put inside, not only your physical belongings, but your really valuable stuff—like memories and family—are the jewels in the jewel box,” Watase says. BEST PART OF BEING A DEVELOPER When you hand over the keys of a new home to a first-time buyer. LANDMARKS In 1996, the company became the first private developer to develop on Hawaiian Home Lands. The Princess Kahanu Estates also won several industry awards. But the best is yet to come.
THE FUTURE
Current project, Ke Ola O Pokai Bay, is far superior to anything
developed to date. The $60 million Waianae subdivision includes 125
three- and four-bedroom homes with prices beginning in the low
$400,000s. “Ke Ola O Pokai Bay is in tune with my philosophy as we are
offering beautifully designed homes on large lots with room for a
family to grow on, build on and develop roots.” The development focuses
on quality, affordability and maintainability. The houses are on larger
lots than usually seen in subdivisions today; energy-efficiency is key;
and, the quality and beauty has been thought out down to the
showerheads.
BACKGROUND Family-owned and -operated licensed general contractor, specializing in design/build services for new custom homes, major renovations and remodels. OWNER/MANAGER Andrew Dixon. “For my entire career—28 years—I wanted to have my own construction company, but I wanted to do it right.” Dixon gathered up experience: as a journeyman cabinetmaker and carpenter, a crew leader, a quality control inspector, a manager. He learned the laws and the warrantees and good customer relations. Then, in December 2003, anticipating the building boom, Dixon founded his own company.
THE TEAM Three office staff, 15 in the field—and growing. Only tradesmen Dixon has known in the business for five or more years are invited to join the team. Most of the team members have been in construction more than 15 years. FOR THE RECORD “I think the thing I’m most proud of is I have a zero-complaint record.” KNOWN FOR Straight talk. “I’m transparent. I show my customers my costs for everything—that’s the only fair way to do it. This makes people very comfortable, because they can see where the money is going.” BEST PART OF THE DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS “I just enjoy standing back and looking at what we’ve produced. There’s a sense of pride in building these things and keeping the relationship with your clients.”
LATEST PROJECT A small Kaaawa beach house for gallery owner Robyn Buntin. It features a multiple-pitch roof, vaulted ceilings, treelike ohia poles in the living space and a large wrap-around deck. STYLE “I’m an old-style builder. I build with wood. It’s the most versatile product there is.” PSC’s designs are simple yet classic, the quality of construction is exceptional, no details are left out and no corners are cut. BEST THING A CLIENT EVER SAID
“There was one lady who cried when she saw her bathroom for the first
time. She told us that whenever she comes out of her bedroom she thinks
she’s in someone else’s house, it’s so luxurious.”
BACKGROUND Founded 12 years ago, when the market was in a slump, Homeworks Construction’s strategy is to offer turnkey, custom homes at fair prices. The company also specializes in whole-house remodels. The bosses: Jim Byxbee, Marshall Hickox and Sylvio Boucher. Between them, they have nearly 70 years’ worth of experience in the construction industry. The trio has considerable experience working with older, historic homes, which is a plus when working on remodels. They have also won multiple awards and recognition on the local and national levels. THE TEAM Homeworks started with two employees—the original owners—and one work truck. Today, it has three owners, 20 office staff, 40 field employees and 18 trucks and heavy equipment. PHILOSOPHY “Our goal is to meet our clients’ expectations. This can be achieved through honesty and communication,” Hickox says.
KNOWN FOR A quality project that meets the individuality of the client. A true custom home builder finds a way to personalize each house without running up the costs. BEST PART OF THE BUILDING PROCESS Handing the house keys to a satisfied client. WHAT’S HOT Large, door-less showers, large pocketing doors, open kitchens, outdoor grilling areas with refrigerators and sinks that serve as second kitchens. THE FUTURE More natural products, such as tile and stone, rather than ceramics. And the continued advancement of composites for all facets of building, from structural to finish work. BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID “I just wanted to call you to tell you, I love my house. It ... is ... awesome!” BACKGROUND Founded six years ago, Concept 2 Completion aims to restore the true meaning of “custom build.” The company designs and builds high-end custom homes, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, artistry and individuality. THE BOSS Karl Mench is a trained architect and a licensed contractor. His inspiration came as a toddler when his dad built the family home. Karl could be found on the worksite with his hard hat and hammer, hard at work. At age 2, Karl presented his mom with his drawn “plans” for the home, pointing out where the “entryway” was. After working for a time in an architect’s office, the grown-up Mench’s desire to get hands-on led him to start his own design/build company.
THE TEAM Karl’s wife, Rebecca, holds down the fort in the office and the construction crew numbers around half-a-dozen. PHILOSOPHY “We stay away from trends in design and materials and focus on creating special pieces that are unique to that project and its design direction.” KNOWN FOR The detail. There is nothing “big box” about Concept 2 Completion’s work. The aim is to give each home a unique feel. The company works closely with artisans in Bali and Indonesia to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that are specially designed and crafted for the client. BEST PART OF THE DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS
“Everything—we enjoy being part of the whole process. We try to get
away from subbing things out. We get in there and we’re taking care of
every little detail.”
BACKGROUND Since launching in 1992, this architectural and design firm has been blazing hot as one of Hawaii’s fastest growing companies. Peter Vincent & Associates’ award-winning work covers Hawaii, plus four Mainland states and Japan. FOUNDER Peter Vincent set his sights on architecture at the mature age of 12. Since then, his work has included the renovation planning of an 11th-century castle in Tuscany, a high-rise, mixed-use complex in Saudi Arabia and the Ocean Spray Cranberries headquarters in Massachusetts. Vincent is now recognized as one of Hawaii’s leading architects. THE TEAM From a practice of one, PVA now employs 30 people, including principal Hiroto Suzuki, who joined PVA in 1998. Educated in Kyoto, Japan, Suzuki brings his Pacific Rim experience to the company. His work includes the construction of 60 luxury villas in Shanghai, China, and the award-winning, plantation-style homes of Maui’s Kapalua Estates.
EXPERTISE PVA offers the full range of architectural services, including design for commercial buildings and homes, tenant build-out, remodeling and interior architecture. PHILOSOPHY The primary goal is design integrity, balanced on a foundation of strong client service and technical execution. This transcends the type of project and any particular design style. KNOWN FOR It’s a toss up between Vincent’s blazing tennis serve (which puts Roddick to shame) and his wicked slice drop shot, “which is a low-percentage, stupid shot most of the time, but when it works it brings a smile to my face.” Vincent has a very eclectic taste in things such as art, music and cuisine, and it’s that eclecticism that finds its way into his work. BEST PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS “I enjoy many aspects of my work, which is why I think architecture is such a great field; it’s so varied. But my favorite part is working quietly on a problem, alone, drawing by hand. It’s when thought shuts down and I relax.” WHAT’S HOT Vincent is no trend follower. “I often find I’m off-trend—I think of it as being a cycle ahead!” But one positive movement in recent years has been for local architecture to be more sympathetic with the environment and culture. BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID “Peter, you are magic; that’s why you have your own successful company.” BACKGROUND After building his first home in Makawao, Maui, in 1985, Nick Denzer spent eight years building country homes on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. He got into the development business in the ’90s, when projects included 645 homes in Kapolei and a Honolulu high-rise. The firm was incorporated as 3builders inc., in 2001, and can be found in the historic Waialua Sugar Mill. THE BOSS Kalaheo grad Nick Denzer started his career in the banking biz as a loan officer. During high school and college he had spent time in the construction industry and he returned to the field in 1985 by starting his own company. THE TEAM From just two workers in 1985, the company has grown to employ five office personnel and as many as 15 field technicians, laborers and supervisors. BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Customer satisfaction, professionalism, guaranteed quality.
EXPERTISE New construction and selected renovation and remodel work. 3builders inc. specializes in medium- to high-end residential projects, primarily oceanfront. Renovation work is usually reviving historic homes; a commercial project included the Benedictine monastery center in Waialua. STAY TUNED In November, 3builders will appear on HGTV’s “Generation Renovation,” with a renovated beach house on Oahu’s North Shore. BEST PART OF THE BUILDING PROCESS “I like to explore a structure in process just before dark and imagine what the building will be like when it is complete, with all of its detail, and picturing the building finally occupied by humans.” WHAT’S HOT Large, open living spaces where families can live, cook, work and entertain. This can be achieved through a great room attached to a kitchen or family room, and sliding doors can provide the flexibility to open and close spaces. THE FUTURE “I foresee more home offices and more self-sufficient power sources, such as the harnessing of solar power, water and wind. Also advances in ventilation, cooling and heating.” BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID TO YOU
That we are like “a breath of fresh air” and that we make the process
fun and easy and take away much of the stress and headache. Another
mahalo came in the form of a party and a “Thank you, 3builders” cake,
which was very tasty.
BACKGROUND The H.K. in the company’s name stands for Harry Kim, who has 30 years’ experience in Hawaii’s development, design, build and real estate scene. He formed H.K. Construction two years ago, as a new residential design/build arm of his business. OWNER Harry Kim Jr., was born to the business. He is a third-generation developer/builder, following his grandmother and then his father, Harry Kim Sr., who was a longtime local developer and contractor. A forward-thinker who knows the business inside and out, Kim has the experience of hundreds of homes under his belt. THE TEAM The company employs about 18 people in the office and in the field and is managed by Mike Mudgett, who has 30 years’ experience in the construction industry.
MOTTO Speed, quality and efficiency. MISSION Be a true one-stop-shop for clients. The goal is to make it easy for clients to get the homes they want within their budgets. BEST PART OF THE PROCESS The design phase; being creative; figuring out the best way to make it happen. WHAT’S HOT Homeowners are still seeking homes that give them an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. They’re also becoming more aware of energy efficiency. H.K. Construction manages these two potentially conflicting needs through smart design and appropriate materials. THE FUTURE
H.K. Construction is branching out into the addition and remodel market
to meet the demand for more multigenerational homes. A second wave of
the future that H.K. Construction is riding is the conversion of houses
into high-end residential care homes for the elderly.
BACKGROUND Founded in 2004, ACS Construction works around the Islands building medium- to high-end custom homes. OWNER Dale Grover worked in construction in California before becoming a pilot for Aloha Airlines. In Hawaii, he got into the construction business just over four years ago, and returned fulltime to the business recently when he retired from the skies. THE TEAM Tess Green is the very able hand in the office; the company also has a crew of 15 and four foremen, who have 30 years of experience among them.
PHILOSOPHY To build strong, sturdy homes that will last more than 100 years. ACS homes are built to withstand the rigors of Hawaii’s environment, from the heat to termites to Category 2 hurricanes. WHAT’S HOT Building green. In Hawaii it makes sense to build homes that handle the heat in energy-efficient ways. SPECIALTY ACS builds with NUDURA, a new-generation building technology that creates homes that are stronger and more comfortable. The process uses expanded polystyrene forms that lock together like Lego blocks. Concrete is poured into the forms, creating solid walls that are 12 inches thick and have one of the industry’s highest ratings for heat insulation. Also in the ACS green tool kit: TechShield roof sheathing that keeps the home cooler, and Takagi tankless water heaters, which eliminate the need for energy-guzzling hot-water tanks. WHAT’S HOT Homeowners are looking for homes that will grow with them and meet the changing needs of their families. ACS uses a framing technique that makes it easy to renovate in those empty-nest years, perhaps by changing the children’s bedrooms upstairs into a workout room or a luxurious living area. BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID
When the project was complete, they said thank you for the quality work
and that they got just what they wanted in their home, Grover says. BACKGROUND Precise Measurements Inc., which was founded in 2001, specializes in renovations that include residential additions/alterations, kitchen and bath, and small-scale commercial renovations. OWNERS This is a husband-and-wife team. David Wheeler is a finish carpenter by trade, with 16 years of experience. His first priority is to exceed your expectations. Misty Wheeler holds a master’s in communication; she is responsible for customer service and public relations with clients, architects and designers, vendors and subcontractors.
THE TEAM The company began with one employee and has grown to a crew of five—the company’s small size is key in retaining the personal touch. PHILOSOPHY The first priorities are exceptional craftsmanship and superb, personal customer service. KNOWN FOR Taking the potential stress and upheaval of remodeling and turning it into a positive experience. BEST PART OF REMODELING “We like the end result; seeing the dramatic change in the home and how that changes the way people live,” Misty says. BEST THING A CLIENT HAS EVER SAID “Wow! What a beautiful job you did in my kitchen. It is absolutely gorgeous. I must say your customer service and quality of workmanship are next to none.”
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