From the Ground Up

Get to know these top 10 design/build pros.

Article by Dena Cassella, Photos by Olivier Koning

Issue Date:  (Tue) September 6, 2011


Quentin Machida, Robert Brant & McKibbin Mist
Gentry Homes

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Gentry Homes’ mission is simple: Build quality homes and communities for the people, future and betterment of Hawaii. The family-owned company, established by Tom Gentry, has been building beautiful, eco-friendly homes in Hawaii since 1968. Quentin Machida, Robert Brant and McKibbin Mist are three key members of a large and extraordinary team of people at Gentry. Known as the “Green Team,” they are constantly working to find new innovations and the best value for Hawaii homeowners. “We’re a dedicated team of professionals, always doing the best job we can while providing quality and affordable homes to the people of Hawaii,” says Brant, president and CEO of Gentry Homes.
 
Their newest home community of Haleakea recently received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Award from the U.S. Green Building Council. “We are always moving forward,” says Mist, Gentry’s purchasing contracts manager.

The certified design and construction of the Plan B home (seen here) provides the highest performance in energy efficiency on the island of Oahu. “All of our homes are built using the same sustainable methods, structural backbone and the same efficiencies,” explains Machida, vice president and CFO of Gentry Homes. “These houses are built to last.”

Gentry Homes, Ltd.
560 Nimitz Highway, Suite 210
599-5558
gentryhawaii.com







Misty and David Wheeler
Precise Measurements, Inc. (PMI Builders)


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Misty and David Wheeler are a husband-and-wife team, providing quality workmanship and genuine customer service. From the initial phone call to the final payment, homeowners work directly with Misty and David. “I love taking part in transforming a space and its process,” says David. “That never gets old. And, I’m lucky enough to have my wife join me in this venture.”

PMI Builders is always there for the homeowner. “We build for the homeowner,” says David. “We are there to guide you through this process by offering you our expertise in function, structure and design.” Inspired by their own family, the Wheelers plan to keep their business small and family-oriented. “Building a relationship with our clients is our first priority,” explains Misty. “We want to be a good fit for your renovation project, not just in terms of the work aspect; we also want you to feel comfortable with us, as contractors and as people.”

Precise Measurements, Inc.
dba: PMI Builders
44 Westervelt St., Wahiawa
622-2215
pmibuilders.com

Jim Byxbee, Wendy Wei, Sylvio Boucher and Marshall Hickox
Homeworks Construction Inc.


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The Homeworks team specializes in complete construction services, from the design and planning to the build. “There is a tremendous amount of pride and effort that goes into even the smallest details of the homes we build,” says Marshall Hickox, the company’s president and chief administrative officer.

The design/build firm makes sure each project is assigned not only a project manager, but also an office representative to be available for clients’ questions and needs. Reliable and talented, the folks at Homeworks love what they do—and it shows. Remodeling and building homes for the people of Hawaii is what motivates them to do their best work.

“As a company we are always striving to implement better systems, better means and methods, better service, and better products for our clients,” says Hickox. “Whether building a new home or remodeling an existing one, our goal is to enhance our client’s quality of life by creating functional, comfortable and safe design. They should enjoy every minute in their new environment. That’s why we love what we do.”


Homeworks Construction Inc.
2111 S. Beretania St.
955-2777
homeworkshawaii.com

Brett Kappelle & Phil Barker
Barker Kappelle Construction


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Phil Barker and Brett Kappelle are dedicated people, both in their business and their personal lives. “We’re a small company that is very efficient,” says Kappelle. “We work hard for our clients and expect nothing short of perfection.”

Established in 2006, Barker Kappelle Construction builds for every budget. The design/build firm specializes in residential additions, remodels, new construction and commercial contracting. “Individually, Brett and I have come from different backgrounds, but we both enjoy the craftsmanship and business aspects that come with owning a construction company,” says Barker. “We both are carpenters by trade and have that attention to detail that makes for a successful contractor.”

Barker and Kappelle, both Certified Green Professionals (CGPs), always keep Hawaii’s environment in mind when starting a project. Their talented team brings much knowledge and know-how to each jobsite. “We are a tight-knit company and we’re proud of the beneficial aspects each team member brings to our projects,” Barker says.

Barker Kappelle Construction, LLC
664-9212
buildhawaii.org





Mark Librie
Mark Librie General Builder LLC

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Mark Librie creates beautiful homes that are long lasting and reminiscent of old Hawaii. “That’s how I build,” says Librie, owner of custom-home building firm Mark Librie General Builder. “I use the top materials to build homes that last—homes that are, what I like to call bulletproof. Quality is the most important thing.”
 
Beginning his building career in 1982 as a carpenter, Librie has played every role on a jobsite. In 1999, he decided to start his own company and became a licensed general contractor. For the past 25 years, Librie has traveled all over the world, surfing the best waves and studying exotic building styles. His favorite type of project? Building beautiful, custom beach-homes from the ground up.

“We get it done,” Librie says. “We’re on budget and we’re on time. We say what we do and we do what we say. I will always be on a jobsite and I will always give my client superior work.”

Mark Librie General Builder LLC
478-7973
mlgbhawaii.com









Rick and Brenda Clary & team
R. Clary Builders

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Even as a boy, Rick Clary knew he wanted to build homes for the people of Hawaii. Rick has been in the Hawaii construction industry for more than 30 years, honing his skills as a carpenter and craftsman. Now, after seven years of owning his own building company, Rick couldn’t be happier. “I get to do what I love everyday,” he says.

The family-oriented company, owned by Rick and Brenda Clary, understands how stressful remodeling and homebuilding can be on a client—which is why they keep their customers well-informed and involved. “Making our clients happy is our number one priority,” says Brenda. “If we say we’re going to do something, then we do it. We are honest and reliable, and we really respect our clients.”

R. Clary Builders specializes in custom-built homes, remodels and residential additions. They pride themselves on being an on-budget and on-time contractor.

R. Clary Builders
263-4463
rcb@rclarybuilders.com
rclarybuilders.com







James Chan
Landmark Pacific Builders Inc.

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James Chan, owner of Landmark Pacific Builders, knows exactly what his clients want. “I listen to my clients,” says Chan. “Renovating or building a new home is a very special experience for a homeowner and I stay with them through the whole process, understanding their needs and getting exactly what they want.”

A former civil engineer, Chan incorporates quality materials and eco-friendly building techniques in each project. To better service their clients, Landmark Pacific Builders is a completely mobile company—allowing him and his crew to be anywhere they are needed at any time.
 
Chan’s favorite part of his job is building a relationship with his clients. “I’m not just a builder; I’m their friend,” Chan explains. “I absolutely love my job and I love the work that we do for people. Our clients know how dedicated we are to them.”

Landmark Pacific Builders Inc.
753-6738
landmarkpacific@gmail.com








Bill Emery and Simote Lolo
Emery Construction Inc.

BILL Emery of Emery Construction is more than a builder; he is an artist. Spending much of his time as a boy drawing and constructing things, Emery knew he needed a job that allowed him to be creative. “I had great mechanical aptitude as a kid,” he says. “I would dismantle and re-construct things, just to see how they worked. I guess it was only natural that I gravitated to the construction industry and the carpentry trade.”
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For almost twenty years, Emery Construction has provided quality craftsmanship and business integrity at very reasonable prices. Emery works with a close-knit and talented team of individuals, such as his foreman Simote Lolo. The Kailua-based company provides Hawaii homeowners with top quality residential renovations, new custom homes and commercial-tenant finish work. “I love when we do projects with great architectural detail because it gives us a chance to show off our talents and abilities,” says Emery. “We are craftsmen, and we take great pride in our work.”

Emery Construction Inc.
263-2218
emconinc@hawaii.rr.com










Joseph Wasco and Craig Yamagishi
Wasco Builders LLC

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As a family-owned-and-operated company, Wasco Builders approaches each of their projects with a personalized touch. Joseph Wasco, with more than 40 years in the construction industry, always finds a winning balance between budget and quality for his clients. “We help Hawaii families build the perfect home for their lifestyle,” says Craig Yamagishi, the company’s project manager.

Wasco’s team provides full-concept services; from the design throughout the construction, they will be there every step of the way for the homeowner. “We take a lot of pride in our work,” says Yamagishi. “Our honesty, integrity and hard work allow us to get the job done right and make our clients happy.”
 
In business since 1987, Wasco Builders is a close-knit company that specializes in custom homes and renovations. Their attention to detail and passion for their work is apparent, and keeps clients coming back to them time and again.







Wasco Builders LLC
46-393 Hololio St., Kaneohe
234-7171
wascobuildershawaii.com

Evan Fujimoto
Graham Builders

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Evan Fujimoto, president of Graham Builders, is a true craftsman. “I enjoy working with my hands and standing back at the end of each project to see what we have accomplished,” he says.

He incorporates unique ideas and designs into his construction drawings to create each project. “A good design embodies a number of different qualities,” explains Fujimoto. “Contextually, it should harmonize with the site and the community, and it should be a reflection of the personalities and values of the homeowners.”

Graham Builders is a family-run company that’s been changing lives for Hawaii homeowners for more than 20 years. “Our company is committed to working with homeowners to achieve something great and within their grasp,” Fujimoto says. “We provide well-designed and well-constructed homes that can be enjoyed for generations.”

Graham Builders
1144 Young St.
593-2808
grahambuilders.com



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