We view the making of places as a collaboration of many people, all with talents and experience they bring to the job. We design with the process of construction in mind, with knowledge that only comes from years of on-site observation. Our excellent relationship with contractors creates a convivial atmosphere on the job site – resulting in satisfying, on-budget projects for our clients. I’ve listed our favorite construction firms below. We believe these are the most experienced, reliable and knowledgeable contractors in the area. We do enjoy working with new contractors who are interested in learning more about green building and Passive House.
Bright Street Construction
http://www.brightstreetconstruction.com
Marty Josund
Marty and I have known each other since the beginnings of the Guild in the early ’90’s. We have worked together on the Queen Anne Urban Retreat (EcoBuilding Times, Summer ’95), the Kuan Yin Garden Apartments (EcoBuilding Times, Fall ’96), the Mt. Baker Bungalow – a second-story addition to a Craftsman home in Mt. Baker, the Helmholtz Houseboat on Lake Union, the Yao-Devereaux Addition to a tiny bungalow in Greenwood, a deck and structural reconstruction for a 1960 modern AIA Home of the Month in north Ballard, the Thein Durning Renovation, the Mt. Baker Kitchen Renovation and in the summer of 2021 he built the Mercer Island Accessory Dwelling Unit. Marty is an excellent craftsman, and he works with great subs and crew. He’s also a shipwright who has worked on fine yachts and houseboats. He has continued to innovate as well–the most recent frontier being the first use of C-Crete zero-carbon concrete on a commercial project near Green Lake.
The Green Builder Seattle
https://thegreenbuilderseattle.com/
Mason Huffine
Mason Huffine of The Green Builder Seattle has also been a collaborator since the early 90’s. The original name for his company was “The Green Handyperson,” reflecting the ecological and social commitment of those early days, and the smaller scale work he did back then. He built out my office in the Terminal Sales Building, and then ten years later we reconfigured the components to create my office in the Vance Building. After traveling around the world by motorcycle Mason returned to Seattle and massively remodeled his house in Phinney Ridge, getting to near Passive-House level. I’d confidently recommend Mason for projects from the scales of kitchen renovations to new urban houses.
Built by Plum
Drew Daly
I worked with Built by Plum on pre-construction pricing for a complex addition of another unit to a duplex on Capitol Hill, making it into a triplex. The project didn’t go ahead, but I really enjoyed the process. They are wonderful collaborators. As artists who moved into construction a number of years ago, they bring a sophisticated artistic sensibility to their work, and can bring in other artisans to provide unique elements to a project. They have an in-house CNC cabinet shop. They are particularly adept at high-end modernism.
Rumann Construction
Roger Rumann
Roger is located in Leavenworth. We had a great experience working with him building the Chiwawa River Cabin. I’d endorse engaging Roger on any project in that neck of the woods.
Sunshine Construction
http://www.sunshineconstruction.biz
Jon Alexander
Jon is not taking on any new projects as a General Contractor, but he is consulting on projects, and I often work with him on feasibility studies, so I keep him on this page. I highly recommend hiring Jon as an owner’s rep or construction consultant if your contractor is not experienced in Passive House construction.. Sunshine Construction has built a number of our projects over the years, including the widely published Sproull-Radke Green-Roof Garage/Workshop. Jon did our first project in Seattle, View Ridge Second Story Addition (EcoBuilding Times, Spring ’94); the Medina Kitchen Renovation – renovation of a kitchen and two bathrooms for a chemically sensitive client and her family; the Wallingford Victorian Renovation – a top to bottom renovation of a 1910 Victorian house, and the Siegel-Dors Kitchen, a modern renovation for the drummer of the Supersuckers. Jon and I have known each other since the beginnings of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild in 1992. He has a wonderful facility for the use of healthier, energy- and resource-conserving materials and techniques. He’s one of the most passionate, experienced and knowledgable small green contractor/consultants in Seattle. Sunshine Construction is a great choice for consulting with your contractor on 5-star BuiltGreen projects, Passive House and similar deep green work. He’s taken the Passive House Builder’s course and has completed several Passive House projects.