Expertise
We are: Advocates-Builders-Catalysts.
As ADVOCATES, we look out for our clients’ interests. Knowing our clients and their designers have a vision, tempered by time and budget, our experience and skills are put to work. Our consultative and collaborative style allows confidence to grow. And as we go, we focus on each detail – not just the final outcome.
As BUILDERS, we bring over 30 years of varied experience to buildings of diverse design and unique features. We start with careful project planning and selection of materials, and evolve through construction of sound, functional structures enclosing carefully appointed, comfortable environments. Exacting craftsmanship characterizes all of our work, while realistic, experience-based estimates and schedules add to the benefits for clients.
As in chemistry, we’re CATALYSTS, initiating and facilitating a process. On our projects, all parties’ interests are considered. Weekly communication between owners, architects, engineers, building departments, and our team is best practice. We provide information needed for key decisions, and assure those decisions are made. We strive to keep projects on track to achieve a finished product that best reflects our clients’ goals.
Published Articles
Periodicals
Trends: Kitchen, Vol. 2710, Red or white? Refined rustic kitchen by architect Howard J Backen, pages 92-95
Custom Home, January/February 2011, 2011 Custom Builder of the Year cover story: Grand Crew, Jim Murphy and Jay True master the wine country estate., pages 28-37
Custom Home, November/December 2010, Wine, Dine, Live, Work, pages 35-37
Western Interiors & Design, October/November 2007, Solage Calistoga, pages 100-104
California Home + Design, April 2007, A World Apart, pages 120-129
Trends: Kitchen, Volume 24 No 3, A sense of history, pages 54-59
Trends: Kitchen, Volume 23 No. 8, A sense of theater, pages 170 and 178-179
Trends: Home and Architectural, Volume 23 No 6, Country fare, pages 51-57
Trends: Home & Living, Volume 22 No 4, Aladdin’s cave, pages 112-113
Trends: Home Theater, Volume 21 No 19, Aladdin’s cave, pages 16-17
Trends: Kitchen, Volume 21 No. 8, Stage managed, and A sense of theater, pages 68-73 and featured on the cover, too
Trends: Home and Architectural, Volume 21 No 6, At one with nature, pages 16-25 and 108-109
Luxury Home Builder, 09/2003, Sonoma residence – Delightful Illusion, pages 32-35
Books
Homes: The Residential Studio at BAR Architects, copyright 2010 by BAR Architects, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, pages 89-101
Wine Country Architecture and Interiors, author Mary Whitesides, foreword by Howard Backen, copyright 2004 by Gibbs Smith, Salt Lake City: Villa Pietra (“Stone House”), pages 47-53
Classic Modern House, pages 123-129
Extraordinary Homes of California, An Exclusive Showcase of the Finest Architects, Designers and Builders in California, copyright 2008 by Panache Partners, LLC, pages 93-9