Our Story

Like a lot of millennials, we reached the moment of needing a real home for our growing family at what felt like the worst possible time to buy one.The market seemed to offer two choices: overpriced flips stripped of character, or old houses that needed to be rebuilt from the inside out. As artists, carpenters, and builders with a combined twenty years of experience in the trades, film, fabrication, interiors, and hands-on problem-solving, we chose the old house with potential.Restoring our own 1890s Chicago home became a proving ground for the way we already knew how to work: seeing possibility where others see problems, sourcing creatively, collaborating with trusted tradespeople, and solving construction challenges without losing sight of the bigger vision.It also showed us how hard this path can be for most people. Too often, homeowners are stuck between high-end design-build firms with luxury pricing, and budget contractors who may not care about the character of an old house or the owner’s vision.We started this company to fill that gap.We offer design-build thinking with a grounded, Midwestern kind of resourcefulness: thoughtful design, skilled construction, creative problem-solving, and a deep love for old houses. We’re open to projects big or small — from repairs, built-ins, restoration details, and single-room updates to larger renovation plans.We work best with people who have taste, normal budgets, and a real desire to make a home that feels like theirs.Above all, we believe the most economical solution can often be the most beautiful one — especially when you begin with respect for what already exists.