The Homeworks team is grateful for its exceptional staff. From left to right: Peter Mai, Sean Bradshaw, Alicia Kaneshiro, Kim Green and Tim Fox.

In 1994, Homeworks Construction began as a general contracting firm. Not too long after, Jim Byxbee, the president and CEO, recognized Hawaii’s need for a design/build firm and restructured his company to include design services.
“It was filling a void,” says Marshall Hickox, co-president of Homeworks. “A true design/build firm has the proper resources: architects on staff; designers on staff; the ability to do selections in-house.”

Part of the design/build process includes working with clients to achieve their visions while staying within their budgets. “The reality is we’re producing quality, beautiful-looking products, and we’re meeting people’s budgets. That’s why design/build is so great. We’re looking at a way to build this where you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck,” Hickox says.

The Homeworks model has brought with it continued success. After more than 14 years in the business, the company has grown extensively. With brand-new offices in place on Beretania Street, the company now has space for a showroom, where it can display materials—an important way to give clients a true feel for their plans.

Homeworks has been a cabinetry distributor since its inception 14 years ago. “Ninety percent of our clients have found a cabinet that they love within these lines,” says Marshall Hickox, co-president of Homeworks.

Previously, clients saw materials in the Homeworks’ conference room. Now, the company has a space specifically designed for presenting clients with samples and selections. “It’s not a meeting room,” Hickox says. “It’s not someone’s office ... It’s a showroom.”
The showroom boasts two vignettes, a working kitchen and a countertop display.

But showcasing countertops, flooring or cabinetry from Homeworks’ three impressive cabinet lines isn’t all the showroom offers. “There is an intangible thing [clients] can get, and that’s for a custom home or remodel, we’re going to take the time to explain to them what materials are appropriate for their wants and needs,” Hickox says. “There is always a perfect balance of making it work beautifully and making it look beautiful. And that’s what you strive for.”