“Five years ago my wife and I visited Sandpoint, Idaho.”

Our purpose was to learn a bit more about timber frame construction from a well respected craftsman and perchance to build a comfortable vacation home.  His design expertise, credentials and passion for his work all stood out.  Thus began a collaboration that over time morphed from get-away cottage to primary residence....an unsuspected but wonderful journey!

A thorough topographical map of the building site and discussions of “must haves” began to shape design.  Multiple drawings, an interactive 3-D computer representation and numerous exchanges of ideas focused our thinking.  Collin listens, provides imaginative ideas and clearly is a master of his trade.  In a tour of his shop, we saw first hand the intricacies of  timber framing and met his team of exceptional dedicated and talented craftsmen.Once the foundation had been poured the next phase of construction began.  We didn’t realize that the whole frame was built  in his shop by hand and then trucked to the site.  The huge crane lifted timbers into place, mortise and tenon joints fitted flawlessly with wooden pegs securing them.....the structure took shape.  Drone photos and time-lapse photography recorded it all.  State-of-the art building practices and products were used throughout with particular attention to energy efficiency and sustainability.The house is now complete.  It is a sheer delight and well beyond our expectations.  It isn’t often that you give your builder and his carpenters appreciative hugs.  Bravo to Collin for working with us in creating a beautiful home.

“WE HAVE BEEN IN OUR NEW TIMBER FRAME HOME FOR TWO YEARS NOW, AND I THOUGHT I WOULD WRITE TO YOU TO TELL YOU HOW WE LIKE IT.

We absolutely love it! As you know we value nature and natural settings and fell in love with timber frame structures years ago due to the warmth and rustic feeling we get from them.

We really enjoy how timber frame homes work so well with the natural world around us. We have discovered that we got all of this and more from your timber frame. What a work of art you and your crew have made for us. We have seen several other timber frame homes since we have moved in, and the quality and design of your timber frame stands way above anything else we have seen. This is an understatement. What a difference. Thank you Collin!

Since the day you brought our timber frame to life, we have received so many compliments that it is impossible to count them anymore. It continues to this day. Everyone we bring into our home is just amazed at the place. Many say things like, "Oh my goodness, I want a timber frame house just like this." "A house like this would be a home of my dreams!" We had a friend tell us that our home is the most beautiful home he has ever seen. And believe me, he has seen a lot of them, knowing what he does for a living….

Thanks again Collin. The home you carved for us is truly our dream home.”

I want to thank you once again for all the help that you've given me.

Working with you and [crew member and longtime Timber Framer Dave Brown] has been a great learning experience. Your craftsmanship will be admired by many.

This building will surely outlive me and probably generations to come. I feel more like a curator whose duty is to care for and preserve the magnificence of this Timber Frame than a home owner.

I will be back to work on the project and am looking forward to seeing you guys more this summer.

“IN THIS DAY AND AGE, IT IS A RARE THING WHEN ANYONE EXCEEDS OUR EXPECTATIONS.

We want you to know that working with you and your company has been an outstanding experience.

You have an uncommon combination of passion, creativity and experience that shows in your work.

From our initial meetings, to your help in wood selection, to the raising of the frame, your attention to detail and professionalism has been impressive. We have never seen a more organized or a cleaner work site in our lives.

Collin, please feel free to use us a reference any time you want. We look forward to working with you again on our next Timber Frame.”

Thunder Ranch Land & Cattle Co., LLC