who we are
design + build
—Dieter Rams
Good design is honest.
Every line we draw represents future materials. A pencil stroke becomes cladding. A pen mark becomes a view. We understand design is more than checking boxes—it's a conversation to forge a vision and build trust. Our backgrounds and experience in narrative, design, construction, and art inform our process. We love to work by hand. We prefer organic over manufactured, wood over composite, simple over complex, natural over artificial. We believe living spaces should reflect our organic nature. We love immersing into our designs, obsessing over every detail, and sharing this passion with clients.
We also know good design needs good implementation. At some point, lines on paper must become wood, steel, and glass. With 25+ years of experience in home construction, we understand remodels, site constraints, and renovation challenges. Our focus is on quality over quantity—executing projects with thoughtfulness, intention, and craft. We know we are not simply selling a product; we're curating a process. By bridging design and craftsmanship, we think we’re uniquely positioned to help you transform imagination into reality.
Benjamin
PRINCIPAL, LICENSED builder, MASTER CARPENTER, DESIGNER
Benjamin has been working on houses for over 20 years. His passion lies in working with good materials and implementing best building practices. He founded The Sandhill in 2016, with the goal of building custom saunas and other spaces we turn to for escape, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The business has grown since then, expanding into complete residential building services. He is the Lead Carpenter, onsite for the majority of a project making sure the vision becomes a reality.
He was born and raised in Michigan, but has lived in California, Colorado, Maine, and Sweden where he cultivated a deep reverence for Scandinavian design. His background in the arts heavily informs his design process and his approach to building, believing good design speaks in narrative, that spaces and structures aren’t static. He holds a Bachelors and Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and has published a novel—which somewhere in the world—may still be in print.
vince
Designer, Project Manager
Vince brings a combination of design and technical expertise to every project. He holds Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Industrial Design and Sculpture, as well as having completed Washtenaw Community College’s residential HVAC program. He has worked as a footwear designer for Adidas in Portland, OR. He also spent time as a graphic designer at Pewabic Pottery which fostered his appreciation for high quality hand-craftsmanship. Vince strives to create work that is simple, functional, and blends seamlessly with its environment.
Since joining the trades, Vince has worked as an HVAC technician and installer in Southeast Michigan. He focuses on mechanical performance and efficiency, making sure our projects meet and exceed today’s rigorous energy and performance standards.
Outside of work, Vince devotes as much time as possible to the mountains. This love informs and inspires his design, drawing him to natural material, simple palettes, and purposeful forms.
