Their path to creating their forever home hasn’t always been a straight line. It has meandered through four years of planning, pausing, and refining—directly impacted by COVID. They didn’t abandon their dreams; just shelved them temporarily while keeping in touch with us. Their patience proved invaluable, allowing their vision to evolve and our partnership to deepen.
“Riemco has been incredibly collaborative at every phase. They’ve been with us, giving great ideas, feedback and input. They have a really good, clear process and so our hand was held the whole time and I think for both of us that was really important.”
Intentional Design Process
When asked what enabled them to make collaborative decisions they both trusted and embraced, two themes were consistent—the iterative process, and respect. Deep in the process Catherine and Brandon evolved from wanting “more house” to desiring “better space”. Brandon-Team Efficiency- wanted a better built home focusing on sustainability, durability, and comfort—paired with Catherine’s Team Aesthetic, desiring to create a more intentional space that reflects their family’s lifestyle. Together, they reimagined their initial concept through multiple iterations, with each refinement bringing them closer to a home that would serve their family’s specific needs while honoring their shared values.“We knew what to prepare for each time we met, and it was never us having to lead the process. Riemco would hear what we say and then translate it, coming back with their ideas for design or their ideas to solve a problem.”The design process revealed how priorities can shift when given space to breathe. Perhaps no single element better illustrates this than Brandon’s reconsideration of the fireplace. “When we started, I thought, I’m going to have to have a fireplace,” he recalls. “And then as time went on, I realized that’s just not conducive with my other priority, which is an efficient and healthy home. I could have a fire pit outside and probably be fine. It freed up cost and it freed up space.” This willingness to question assumptions while remaining true to core values characterizes their entire approach.
Personal Spaces Taking Shape
As construction progresses, the ideas, drawings, and designs are materializing into tangible space. European style tilt-turn windows that swing open like a door or tilt open, are a feature that bridges aesthetic aspirations with performance requirements, and have become a centerpiece of the home’s design. These massive windows achieve exceptional energy performance and forge a connection with the surrounding woodland, making even modest spaces feel expansive.Personalized spaces throughout the home reflect their family’s lifestyle: Catherine’s reading room with floor-to-ceiling books, Brandon’s light-filled basement office, and thoughtfully designed bedrooms for their daughters are all manifestations of how their family lives and what they value.
”The vision of our home from the very beginning centered on getting a piece of property that we loved. Part of the idea was bringing the outdoors inside, and so having these huge expansive windows really allow us to enjoy that natural beauty. These windows are so beautiful and it also helps elevate areas of the home where we do have smaller spaces. They don’t feel small because we have this massive view to outside.”
The Build Experience
The construction process has been marked by attention to detail and constant communication. Brandon’s evening visits to the site have evolved from anxious inspections to appreciative observations. Initially, he would stop by each night after work and have questions, or notice something was incomplete or didn’t meet expectations “Every morning Ron would get a text from me about ‘Hey, I noticed this…’, and he’s super patient and every time he said ‘Yeah I saw that and we noted it, we’re on it’.
When challenges arise, they are presented to Brandon and Catherine alongside innovative solutions. “There has never once been a time when anyone at Riemco has said, ‘Here’s what’s happened. What do you want to do?’ and just left it to us to figure out,” Catherine notes. “They don’t come to us unless they have alternative solutions.”
“Now I’m to the point where I go in the house, If I see something, I don’t even say anything because, I’ll come back the next night or a week later and it’s fixed, I don’t need to worry about it. Talking with Ron, he just wants to make the process as enjoyable and smooth for us, that’s their priority.”
As construction continues, carefully considered elements are coming together: intentionally sized gathering spaces, carefully sourced materials, attention to detail, energy efficiency, proper ventilation. The technical aspects of the build integrate seamlessly with these personal spaces.
What’s emerging is a home where each decision builds upon the last. The spaces flow naturally from public to private areas, materials work in concert to create a healthy living environment, and the technical systems operate quietly in the background providing comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. “This was really a house that we built for us and for our family, knowing how we live,” This gradual transformation from plans to reality demonstrates how thoughtful execution can honor both the practical and personal aspects of home building.
Looking Forward
Brandon and Catherine’s journey illustrates that custom home building is more than just construction—it’s a process of discovery, refinement, and trust. Their experience demonstrates how the right partnership can transform initial concepts into spaces that not only meet functional needs but also reflect and enhance the way families live. As their home nears completion, it stands as a testament to the power of patience, collaboration, and unwavering attention to both aesthetic beauty and performance excellence.
