Know Your ABCs
Architects, builders and contractors to know.
Article by Sabra Morris
Issue Date: (Fri) September 4, 2009
Building and remodeling jobs are complicated. But great architects, builders and contractors live and work by principles that are actually quite elementary: build it local, make it simple, and keep it honest. The industry professionals profiled here keep the dream of a new or remodeled home alive in Hawaii, even in tough economic times. Read on to find out what they can do for you. Barker Kappelle Construction LLC1058 Mokapu Blvd., Kailua754-7315 or 226-9984 buildhawaii.org LIC # BC-27255
“It’s a 50/50 partnership.”How do they break down their duties? “We flip a coin,” says Kappelle. All joking aside, they rely on constant collaboration to get the job done right. “There really isn’t a key player in any one area,” he says. “We constantly communicate between ourselves to make the right decision.” “We give it 100 percent.”“With customer-service skills and knowledge of building, we strive to beautify the Islands,” says Kappelle. “We can go the distance here.”“We have a vision,” says Barker. “As we leave every job, our goal is to make sure we have achieved 100 percent customer satisfaction. And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there.” “If everything was cookie-cutter, this job would be pretty boring.”When it comes to a new project, Barker Kappelle comes prepared—and advocates flexibility. “There are always unforeseen things that come up,” explains Kappelle. “We expect that we’ll open up a wall and there’s more to it than we, or the homeowner, expected. No job, no project ever goes perfectly to plan. There are always changes, always ideas that come up during construction. We anticipate the problems and can usually address those problems to keep on schedule and keep on budget.” Homeworks Construction2111 S. Beretania St., Second Floor955-2777 homeworkshawaii.com LIC # BC-20040
Originally from Connecticut, Byxbee brought his carpentry and building experience to Hawaii in 1992—first joining a local construction company and later, in 1993, starting his own full-service design firm, Homeworks Construction. Homeworks specializes in renovations, additions, custom-home building, kitchen design and more. The company employs an in-house, fully-licensed architect to draft plans and conceptualize design. “We offer good advice.”“When I’m asked a question, I’m answering from experience,” says Byxbee. And he doesn’t confine that experience to the office. Instead, he shares home-improvement advice with local listeners every Saturday with “Build New or Redo.” The show airs at 1 p.m. on talk radio, KHVH-AM 830. “We’re there for the client.”The team at Homeworks values the builder/client relationship above all other concerns. “The client is the most important thing to us,” Byxbee says. “We’ll work with them to get the project completed to their satisfaction.” Hawaii Architecture LLP348 Puuhale Road., #141721-3411 hawaii-architecture.net AIA, LEED AP
Born and raised in Hawaii, Camp has practiced architecture since 1995. He left the Islands in 1996 to work on projects in Southern California and Singapore before returning to Hawaii in 2003. “The best way to gain exposure is to go into peer markets and see what different people are doing,” Camp explains. “But I always wanted to come back.” Camp earned LEED AP certification in 2004 and continues to practice sustainable architecture in his home state. “I’m well-versed in managing projects.”“Not only are we experts in custom residential and commercial tenant improvement, we’re also well-versed in large-scale ventures. We have a whole litany of experience and skill.” “Is that the architect?”Having grown up in the scaffolding business, Camp is no stranger to high places. “I have a different comfort level with heights,” he says. “When they’re framing high-rises, I’ll walk the steel beams. People just scratch their head and go, ‘Is that the architect out there?’” Coulter Construction48-439 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe239-5491 innovativehousing.net LIC # BC-21884
Steel: it’s the one word Coulter Construction president Scott Coulter wants homeowners to remember. That’s because Coulter has been working with steel-framing construction since he was 14. Now, working with local supplier Innovative Housing Solutions, his company specializes in building custom steel-framed homes here in Hawaii. What makes them so great? “Steel framing can’t be eaten by termites,” says Coulter. Steel framing won’t combust, it provides straight walls and corners and it is budget-friendly. An added bonus: “Steel framing is probably one of the greenest products out there because it’s 100 percent recycled and recyclable,” says Coulter. “We’ve been steady, knock on metal.”Coulter has worked in Hawaii’s construction industry for 18 years. He’s spent 12 of those 18 running his own company. “We have about 15 employees,” he says. “Because we can offer steel framing, we can typically turn over a single-story house in six to eight weeks and a two-story house in 90 days.” Steel makes it faster.“It’s panelized,” explains Coulter. In other words, steel frames are constructed off-site to form panels that are driven to the jobsite, hooked to a boom, lifted onto the site, and hoisted into place. Homes are constructed like puzzles, using a predictable, time-tested method. Therefore, “there are fewer errors in the field,” Coulter says. The result? “By using Innovative Housing Solutions, we’ve gone from building two or three custom homes per year to building 12.” “Building is fun.”A Michigan native, Coulter is thrilled to be living and working in Hawaii. “I love doing a good thing and doing it well,” he says. “I love watching people come in at the end of a project. They’re always happy, so I walk away happy. And we have a great relationship afterward.” What’s next:Coulter and his team will begin building two LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified homes. “Steel-framed homes can yield a high LEED-certification score right away,” he says. Builder, Design & Construction330 Uluniu St., Suite C, Kailua230-8200 ext. 4 bdchi.com LIC # BC-25947
Builder, Design & Construction company president David Catanzaro has been in the home-improvement business since 1980—first as a real-estate developer, then as a property manager. Now, his full-service design/build company specializes in second-story additions and kitchens and baths. While his path to construction has taken a few key turns, there’s no doubt he’s in the right business. In fact, his past experiences directly inform his current job. “Will a second story add value?”When Catanzaro worked in real estate, he’d get questions like these all the time. “People would ask, ‘Should we add a new bedroom for the new baby or move into a brand-new home? Is a carport better than a garage?’ We always had contracting in our blood and homeowners asked our opinions.” Finally, Catanzaro realized he could take up construction and offer, along with it, his unique real-estate market advice. “What we bring is the team.”Builder Design & Construction uses the same licensed architects and subcontractors for every job. “It’s a well-integrated plan that’s been in use for years, and we find that it works best,” he says. “That way, there’s communication from the very beginning about what the client wants.” Wasco Builders234-7171wascobuildershawaii.com LIC # BC-14209
Wasco Builders company president Joseph Wasco has been around construction since the age of 5. “My grandfather was a contractor in New Jersey,” he explains. “It just carried over to me.” Today, Wasco Builders enjoys a loyal staff of experts who truly love what they do. “Most of our employees have been with us for a minimum of 14 years,” says Wasco. “Our newest guy has been with us for six.” “We do design/build and restoration.”A full-service, family-owned design/build firm, Wasco Builders works to ensure historical and structural integrity with each project. The team also prides itself on completing projects at or under budget. “Since day one, we’ve never gone over,” says Wasco. “Communication is critical.”“The client works with the top all the way through,” says director of sales Craig Yamagishi, “that means Mr. and Mrs. Wasco, [superintendent] Richard Elg and myself. From the beginning, they’re talking directly to us, and they’re getting detailed requests in until the very end.” Wayland Lum Construction845-5608LIC # BC-16207
Design/build contractor Wayland Lum grew up around construction. “I think I fell off my first floor joist when I was 8,” he says. Lum’s father was a contractor. With that much exposure as a young child, it was no surprise that he’d one day follow in his dad’s footsteps. Hawaii-born Lum has built locally his entire career—one that spans more than 35 years. He specializes in both remodeling projects and new builds and uses in-house draftsmen for design. “I was brought up old-school.”“Back then, most contractors did most of their work in-house,” he says. “The same people that did the concrete work did the carpentry work and so forth—all the way to the cabinets.” Today, Lum uses minimal subcontractors, preferring to get personally involved at almost every stage. “It gives me more quality control and more time control for each project.” “We have a vested interest in every step.”“Members of our own company tackle almost every phase,” says Lum. “If the first step isn’t completed properly, the next step is going to be harder on us. Because we do almost all of the work ourselves, we’re conscientious. We do a better job.” Alwyn Trigg-Smith ArchitectsOffice: 263-4475Cell: 753-1732 triggsmitharchitects.com
Alwyn Trigg-Smith knows the island lifestyle. He’s been designing homes in the Aloha State for more than 20 years. “I specialize in highly detailed, character-filled and quite individual residences that completely work for Hawaii living,” he says. Trigg-Smith’s work is custom to the core, as he pays special attention to client preference, right down to the very last detail. Also, in fulfilling the principles of ecofriendly and sustainable design, no two Trigg-Smith houses are alike. “I’m well-rounded.”“Building a home requires all the tools for superb residential design. I believe that I am well-rounded enough to provide these services,” says Trigg-Smith. “I take pride in managing the entire process—similar to a master architect. “I have many extremely satisfied clients.”Says one of Trigg-Smith’s clients: “He considers the sun, the wind, the view and, most importantly, how our family will live in our new home, now and into the future.” “I take the time.”“I believe in making the journey as special as possible,” says Trigg-Smith. “I take the time to make sure that those who engage my services understand their design in every detail and that they trust me implicitly.” Precise Measurements Inc.44 Westervelt St., Wahiawa622-2215 pmibuilders.com LIC # BC-23761
Precise Measurements Inc. co-owners David and Misty Wheeler give a whole new meaning to the term family business. “Misty runs the office. I run the field. And Misty runs me,” says David. Lightheartedness is just one of the qualities that sets the crew at Precise Measurements apart. Another? Teamwork. “We're a husband-and-wife team,” says Misty. “When David and I go to an estimate, we go out together.” “We’ve gotten back to the basics.”Precise Measurements specializes in targeted jobs—kitchens, baths and remodeling projects. They take a very hands-on approach with each client. “David spends a lot more time in the field, swinging the hammer,” says Misty. “We have two full-time employees on top of that. We’re staying true to what we know, which is renovation.” Grand Construction565 Kokea St., Suite G6 841-2284 grandconstructionhawaii.com LIC # BC-29425
Originally from Texas, Grand Construction general manager Mike Mudgett arrived in Hawaii in 1969, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. From then on, Hawaii was home. “I love the weather, I love the people, and the need for remodeling will always be here,” he says. Mudgett leads a team of experts that specializes in kitchen and bath design, new construction, remodeling and interior decorating. “We provide references.”“Research reputations, both with appropriate agencies and with other industry professionals,” advises Mudgett. LXL Construction1387 Queen Emma St.521-8588 lxlconstruction.com LIC # BC-29458
XL Construction company manager Michael Lee knows his work fulfills a specific need. Born in China, Lee is used to compact homes and apartments. “They’re small, but the homeowners use the space very well,” he says. Acting from personal history, Lee incorporates efficient use of space into his designs here in Hawaii. LXL specializes in custom design/build and remodeling projects of any scale. Lee and his partners also pride themselves on the ability to incorporate quality building materials from abroad into their designs at reasonable prices. “I’m lucky to work with two great partners.”When you work with LXL Construction, you receive attention from specialized experts with 30 years of combined experience in the industry. Lee runs the day-to-day operations while partners Jun Xiao and Ziheng Lin run the jobsite. “We specialize in craftsmanship.”“We love to do custom design/build projects,” says Lee. “I like a discerning client—one who is really particular. It helps me learn my craft.” |
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