WHOÂ IS CONIFER DESIGN|BUILD?
Conifer Design Build is owned and operated by Tom Barry, who founded the company in 2018 while attending architecture school part time.
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Tom grew up around the trades; he loved to visit his dad's jobsites, especially during the framing phase. After working on, managing, and owning various organic vegetable and livestock farms, Tom decided it was time for a career change. Since then, he's had the pleasure of working with a number of very talented builders, carpenters, and tradespeople, before striking out on his own.
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Outside of work, Tom is an avid backcountry skier and mountain biker, and loves sailing Penobscot bay with his girlfriend and dog.
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On any given project, we rely on an excellent, steadfast crew and a network of very skilled and trustworthy sub-contractors. Without these people, we couldn't do what we do.
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WHAT GUIDES US
When Conifer Design Build first started out, we knew we wanted to do things differently. Below are the principles that guide us as a business:
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-We provide a service, not a product. We work closely with clients to create a custom space that meets their individualized needs and budget.
-Question the conventional ways of doing things, in order to increase affordability and attainability. What does a Maine house actually NEED in order to be functional, durable, and beautiful?
- Honor the old, embrace the new. Many centuries-old building practices and material/design choices specific to New England have stood the test of time and are still used today, and for good reason. We at Conifer strive to honor that vernacular history while at the same time using up-to-date building science to create comfortable, healthy, and long lasting spaces.
-Efficiency starts in the design phase. Decisions made during the planning phase regarding the form of the space and materials used relate directly to both the affordability and energy efficiency of the project.
-Transparent and ethical business practices. We pride ourselves in being open and transparent in everything we do; you'll know exactly where your money is going and why.
-Use local materials whenever possible. Real wood has been used for shelter since the dawn of civilization and Maine is the most forested state in the country, let's use it! Using locally harvested/milled/process materials equates to more jobs and a more vibrant economy for Maine. WOOD IS GOOD!
-Use "low embodied carbon" and carbon sequestering materials, such as recycled cellulose or wood fiber insulation and real wood finishes, at every opportunity. Not only are many of these products locally produced or recycled by-products, they often cost far less than "high embodied carbon" materials like steel and concrete.
-Minimize physical waste. The construction industry is a huge producer of physical waste, any one project often sends literal TONS of waste to the landfill. Our pledge is to minimize material waste and recycle whenever possible.
SOME INFLUENTIAL IDEAS
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Shelter (1973)
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Tom's interest in building started in middle school, when he first picked up this book. While most, if not all, of the technical info here regarding building envelopes and systems is out of date, it has plenty of timeless (starting with prehistoric dwellings) design inspiration. https://www.shelterpub.com/building/shelter​
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Pretty Good House
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This is a sort of manifesto (now also a book) put together by a group of architects, builders, and designers based right here in Maine. It touches on both design and technical/mechanical aspects of a structure. We apply as many of these ideas as possible during the design and construction of a new home, addition, or renovation. https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/​
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Not So Big House
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From architect Sarah Susanka, this is a loose set of design principles that examine use and differentiation of smaller living spaces. https://susanka.com/not-so-big-house/​
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