The lower level entrance of an absolutely gorgeous event center was in need of a set of stairs. This was the project and with it came some interesting challenges.
The lower entrance is seen below.
The final result below.
Belfast, Maine 04915 • August 2025
The Northport Inn & Lodge has rich history, dating back over a hundred years. There have been a number of renovations to the property and recently, a large first floor space which had been a dinning room and bar, for a past restaurant renovation, was converted back to a first floor suite.
As the demo and remodel progressed, it became apparent that this room had an original bathroom which was removed for the dinning room. A new bathroom was put back in the same location as the original one.
Some construction observations revealed that this room was originally two rooms, possibly a sitting room with the fireplace and another room with the common bathroom on the ocean side. The original residence was built with only two bathrooms.
At the end of the buildout and renovation, a new suite, called the Captain’s Room is once again available for travelers and commemorates the original owners of the home in the early part of the last century.
The owners of The Northport also wanted to keep the room in the style of the period, so measures were taken to retain the continuity of the original materials, trim and doors while providing the modern conveniences of this century.
Some of the completed room photos are below.
The overal project took several months and encountered some delays with materials and contractor availbility, but all came together very well.
Maine – June 2024
A recently renovated barn was in need of a entrance deck. The budget was tight and there was some old pressure treated decking that had been sitting around for years. There was not a whole lot of materials, so this dictated the overall design. The net result was a blend of decking and xeriscape, which served the function very well.
Maine – October 2023
The deck landing was just a little off level and caused water to collect between the joists. Over the years, the weather and rain had their way with the trees that had been taken from forests, nature’s way to reclaim the materials for future use.
The project involved some demolition to remove the old rotten material, some innovative design to lessen the cost of the repair and then the rebuild.
Nature doing her best to reclaim the trees.
The final result below.
Rhode Island • August 2020
There is a restaurant and home in Lincolnville that dates back to the year 1777. A large ground floor fire place, possibly used as a primary heat source stands over 4 feet tall and nearly 5 feet wide, easily accommodates 4 foot logs. The owner wanted a lean-to to store the large logs and be easily accessible during the winter months.
Given the size requirements of the logs, an ample building design was presented with three open bays. A bay for kindling, a bay for seasoned wood and a bay to store wood for the following year. The only other requirement and as it turns out, the most important one, was that the owner be able to fully stand inside the building to fetch wood. He did not want to have to duck to get the wood. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
The project was started a bit late in the season, a week before Thanksgiving, and the cold had started to take hold. Working temperatures were in the low 30’s and below at times, but the sun and ample clothing kept us warm. The owner and his son helped build it, and together, we completed it just before the first snow fall.
And, as most building projects go, the first step is setting a line and digging the holes.
The total build took a few weeks, over the span of a month’s time. A spring painting is planned.
So there you have it, 244 years in waiting, the fireplace now has a place to house the logs. The title of this project is so named “The Lincolnville Lean-to”, because it is one of a kind and will serve the Whale’s Tooth Pub for years to come.
If you find yourself in Lincolnville Maine, do stop by to have some great cuisine, sit by the fireplace and enjoy your stay in this historic place, The Whale’s Tooth Pub with oceanfront dinning at its best!
Maine – November 2021
Computer Desk
Pantry Shelves
Bathroom Vanity
Art Studio Tables
Kitchen Window Shelves
Garden Trellis
Reclaim Unused Under Counter Space
Custom Drawer
Outside General Use Table
Outside Kitchen – Maui
This particular project required the build of a large reception desk to welcome guests and to also serve as a project work space. Another requirement was for it to big and bold. The client wanted a rustic look to it as well. As the build and design started out, it became clear to me that the 10 foot long unit would be heavy, so casters were incorporated as well.
Rhode Island – 2021
Sometime’s the music of your life is in need of a place to play. This particular project was very fun and the client’s lives are full to the brim with music that spans nearly half a century. A sound stage was not only on the wish list, but a must have requirement for when, shall we say The Rolling Stones want to visit.
Rhode Island – March 2021
A family owned flower farm on Maui was in dire need of some new steps to their office and operations center. Most all of the work is done outside, tending to the plants and making arrangements for customers.
The older steps had been hit by a vehicle during a delivery. The steps were not rail friendly either, so a complete redesign was done to make the steps more usable and comfortable to use.
The older steps may be seen below.
The final result below.
Hawaii • February 2019
There was a large fence that provided privacy to the home owners back yard. It was made of wood, large and tall and on a hill that eventually caused posts to give way to wind and erosion. I was asked to repair it and considering I’ve built many a fence in my day, it was an easy yes.
There was also an added perk for me personally, working on this project because the fence bordered a goat pasture. And theses goats were very curious and interested in the home owners, specifically the lady of the house who had taken an interest in feeding them in the afternoons.
With the fence down, the opening offered an ample view to the pasture. The goats daily grazing, napping and playing routines were a pleasant change for the back yard view and for the lady. Come to find out, she worked a morning job and would come home in the early afternoon to see the goats in the field, who would of course look back at her. She decided to to feed them a treat and if you are familiar with goats, treats are number one on their agendas.
As I repaired the posts, I realized the fence would hinder the goats afternoon delight and the lady of the house would no longer have access to her new companions. I like to solve such problems and suggested I build a goat gate to allow for privacy as well as the afternoon treats for the goats.
Always Curious
Finished, now let’s open the gate.
And .. it stays open most of the time …
… and is held by a second latch.
Hawaii • January 2019
Nautico Star 