S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
JUNE-JULY 2025
ON THE COVER
What Would Happen If Students Designed the Future —Then Built It?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
The Blueprint for a Regenerative Tomorrow
Built with Heart
Rewriting the Rules of the Construction Industry
yre
Chief Executive Officer Tamara Bellamy-Breen
Chief Financial Officer William Breen
Executive Publisher Mara Mather
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Built America Magazine | West
DEAR READER FROM OUR EDITOR
Built America Magazine West: The Journey to Net Zero – Special Edition Welcome to the Built America Magazine West’s special edition, devoted to the pioneers who are reshaping the built environment through sustainability, resilience, and heart. This installment of our Journey to Net Zero series, we spotlight the builders and thinkers leading the charge toward a more sustainable future—those who see beyond the materials and into the meaning behind what they build. Proudly featuring: The International Living Future Institute , whose bold vision and globally recognized frameworks are pushing the boundaries of regenerative design and inspiring the built environment to meet the highest standards of sustainability. Studio 804 , a pioneering design-build program at the University of Kansas, where students, under the guidance of Dan Rockhill, bring fully realized net-zero structures to life— each project a testament to hands-on innovation and community impact. RJ Smith Construction , where RJ Smith’s dedication to resilient, sustainable building practices shows how thoughtful design and forward-thinking construction can shape communities and create a legacy that endures for generations.
These aren’t just projects—they’re promises. Promises to future generations that sustainability isn’t a trend, but a responsibility. That building better isn’t just about code or curb appeal—it’s about conscience. We hope you’ll be as inspired as we are by the people behind these stories— who remind us that building toward net zero is not just an industry milestone, but a deeply human mission. “ We commit to fully inclusive journeying with our collaborators, ensuring their stories are shared with integrity and passion. ”
Warm regards, The Editorial Team
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INSIDE
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SPECIAL INTEREST
14 LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE What If Buildings Could Heal the World? The Blueprint for a Regenerative Tomorrow
26 STUDIO 804
What Would Happen If Students Designed the Future —Then Built It?
LIVING FUTURE
40 NOBLE SOLID SERVICE
Rewriting the Rules of the Construction Industry
52 RJ SMITH CONSTRUCTION Built with Heart
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64 FOKSHA HOMES
As Custom As You Are
76 BUILT AMERICA RECOMMENDS: SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS
79 CLOSING LINES:
STUDIO 804
BUILDING FOR THE WEST’S FUTURE Sustainability Where It Matters Most
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In the second installment of our two-part Journey to Net Zero | West special edition, Built America Magazine highlights the visionaries who are not only redefining what homes and communities can look like—but reimagining how they perform, feel, and function in a changing world.
From custom sustainable homes, to renovations, t his issue celebrates those forging a smarter, cleaner, and more intentional path forward.
At t he heart of it all is our special interest feature on the Living Future Institute, a global leader in regenerative design whose work is reshaping the very foundation of what it means to build sustainably. Together, these innovators are pushing the boundaries of performance, equity, and environmental stewardship—demonstrating that the journey to net zero isn’t a distant dream. It’s happening now, one decision, one dwelling, and one community at a time.
S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T: LIVING FUTURE Since its founding, the Living Future Institute (ILFI) has emerged as one of the most visionary forces in sustainable design and regenerative building worldwide. With a bold mission to create a future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative, the organization is reshaping how the built environment interacts with people and the planet . At the core of Living Future’s work is a belief that buildings can do more than simply minimize harm—they can actively heal, restore, and inspire. Through performance-based certifications like the Living Building Challenge, Zero Carbon, and Zero Energy , LF is challenging developers, arc hitects, and communities to think beyond sustainability and embrace regeneration as a standard. T heir efforts go far beyond certifications. From material transparency and social equity programs to international collaboration and climate advocacy, Living Future is laying the groundwork for a new era of building—one rooted in deep accountability, innovation, and hope. Keep reading for exclusive insights from Lisa Carey Moore and the team leading this transformative movement—and discover how Living Future is helping to redefine what’s possible when buildings are designed to give back more than they take.
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What if buildings could breathe, heal, and give more than they take? What if the spaces we inhabit weren’t just less harmful — but radically regenerative? This isn’t a dream of the distant future. It’s happening now. And at the heart of this global movement is the Living Future — an organization not just rewriting the rules of sustainable design, but reshaping our relationship with the built environment itself.
IMAGE BY: MICHAEL DAVID ROSE SONOMA ACADEMY | LBC PETAL CERTIFIED
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“Our mission is to create a living future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative,” says Lisa Carey-Moore, a Director with the Buildings Team at Living Future. “It’s about designing buildings that work in harmony with the planet — and with the people who live in them.” The Living Building Challenge: A
Framework for Regeneration
At the core of Living Future’s impact lies the Living Building Challenge (LBC) — widely regarded as the most rigorous, performance-based green building certification in the world. Where many systems aim to do less harm, the LBC asks a more radical question: how can we do more good? “This underpins regenerative design and is influenced by how natural systems work,” Carey-Moore explains. “Like a flower, buildings must be rooted in place, ideally harvest their own energy and water, operate pollution- free, and promote well-being. And yes — they must also be beautiful.” The LBC is built around seven interconnected Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health and Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty . Within these are 20 Imperatives, each one a call to action toward creating not just greener buildings, but living systems that restore, inspire, and endure. 17
IMAGE BY BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER, COURTESY OF ZGF ARCHITECTS LLP PAE LIVING BUILDING
And the standard doesn’t accept aspirations — only evidence. Buildings must demonstrate performance for 12 continuous months, backed by data, air quality testing, and occupant surveys, before achieving certification. “Buildings and construction activities impact everything from soil and water quality to community dynamics and public health,” Carey-Moore says. “We encourage project teams to think holistically about the role they can play.” From Icons to Influence: Buildings That Are Changing the World
Some of the most visionary projects in North America have achieved LBC certification — and each one proves that regenerative architecture isn’t just possible; it’s already here. In Seattle, the Bullitt Center has become a global icon. Built without toxic materials, generating more energy than it consumes, and harvesting rainwater for all of its needs, it stands as proof that high-performance, net- positive buildings can thrive in urban environments. In Portland, the PAE Living Building offers something even rarer — financial validation. With a 10% internal rate of return over 10 years and premium rents, the building is redefining what return on investment looks like.
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“Our most recent Living Building is, in the words of its owner/investors, ‘proving technical feasibility and financial viability for private investors’, ” Carey-Moore shares. “It showcases regenerative systems while also supporting a local nonprofit with low- cost renewable energy.” In the South, where climate conditions can be more challenging, the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech raises the bar again. Built on a reclaimed parking lot, it integrates food production, stormwater management, and daylighting. It sourced more than 50% of its materials — including salvaged wood — from within a 621-mile radius, while avoiding chemicals of concern through Living Future’s Red List requirements. “It’s helping shift the industry,” Carey- Moore notes. “And it’s educating thousands in the process — students, architects, policymakers. This is the ripple effect we aim for.” Transparency, Equity, and the Power of Materials While water and energy systems often take the spotlight, Living Future is also transforming the way the industry approaches materials and equity — two often overlooked pillars of regenerative design. Through its Declare label , Living Future has created a “nutrition label” for building materials, making the invisible visible. With over 18,000 products from nearly 400 manufacturers now labeled, it’s become a vital tool for transparency, health, and reformulation.
IMAGE BY: JONATHAN HILLYER KENDEDA BUILDING | COURTESY OF KENDEDA FUND
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Meanwhile Living Future’s Just label measures an organization’s commitment to social justice and equity — encouraging companies to examine how they treat their people as closely as how they treat the planet. “Promoting a more equitable built environment is a goal of our Equity Petal,” Carey-Moore emphasizes. “And it's a distinguishing feature of our programs.” From Sustainability to Regeneration Living Future isn’t just pushing the industry to go further — it’s inviting us to leap to a new paradigm.
Sustainability asks: How can we sustain what we have?
CITY OF SANTA MONICA | CITY SERVICES BUILDING
IMAGE BY: AMBER RICHANE
Regeneration asks: How can we repair, restore, and reimagine what’s possible?
The Kendeda Building is a case study in this philosophy: Its Place Petal transformed a paved lot into a living landscape that sequesters carbon, provides shade, and supports pollinators. Its Water Petal harvests and treats all water onsite, restoring natural hydrology. Its Energy Petal produces more power than it consumes, thanks to solar arrays and efficient systems. Its Health Petal prioritizes daylight, natural ventilation, and views. Its Materials Petal helped reshape product manufacturing by challenging red list ingredients.
IMAGE BY: JONATHAN HILLYER KENDEDA BUILDING | COURTESY OF KENDEDA FUND
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IMAGE BY BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER, COURTESY OF ZGF ARCHITECTS LLP PAE LIVING BUILDING
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Its Equity Petal elevated local trades through workforce development. Its Beauty Petal inspires everyone who walks through its doors. “Rather than reducing harm, these projects actually restore — they give back,” Carey-Moore says. “They’re models of what buildings should be.” Barriers, Breakthroughs, and What Comes Next
Of course, regenerative design is not without its challenges.
Outdated building codes often prevent rainwater use or on-site waste treatment. Design decisions made too early — without integrated collaboration — can derail performance goals. Some teams lack access to experts in ecology, energy modeling, or low-carbon materials. But Living Future is ready. With a growing suite of support tools, feasibility reviews, webinars, advocacy resources, and a deeply engaged practitioner community, they help project teams overcome barriers and build smarter from day one. “We don’t expect every project to become a Living Building tomorrow,” Carey-Moore says. “But we want every project team to feel like it’s possible — and know they have support.” 23
IMAGE BY: MARCO CALDERON MUHLENBERG COLLEGE FAHY COMMONS | LBC CORE CERTIFIED
This year, Living Future is launching a Zero Carbon Existing Building Pilot , focused on retrofits and interior updates. Their vision? A future where regenerative, resilient design becomes the default — not the exception — by 2030. Innovation, Policy,
and the Power of Collective Action
Living Future understands that change is never just technical — it’s cultural, political, and collaborative. “To act like a movement, we have to listen to each other, advocate for policy changes, train others, and show up for our communities,” said Living Future CEO Lindsay Baker at the 2023 Living Future conference. From leading The Buildings Breakthrough with the UN’s GlobalABC, to advancing embodied carbon transparency through the ECHO Project , to aligning materials language through the Common Materials Framework , ILFI is influencing every layer of the built environment — from the codebooks to the concrete. This year, they’ll release Design to the Nines , a report exploring how regenerative materials can help restore Earth’s nine planetary boundaries — a science-based framework for environmental safety and resilience. “Business as usual won’t keep pace with the magnitude of the challenge,” Carey- Moore says. “We’re expected to add the equivalent of a new New York City to the planet every month until 2060. Every building matters.” 24 S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T
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A Call to Action: The Blueprint Is Here
So, where do we begin?
“Start by exploring the LBC manual. Use it for inspiration,” says Carey-Moore. “Schedule a call. Register a project. Or join our community and learn alongside others.” Living Future’s ultimate goal is simple but profound: to ensure that regeneration becomes common practice — embedded in every blueprint, budget, and build. A future where buildings clean the air, replenish the land, uplift communities, and spark joy is not just possible — it’s within reach. “We aim to have regenerative, resilient solutions adopted as the common practice for everyone creating and maintaining buildings by 2030,” Carey-Moore affirms.
The blueprint is here. The tools are in our hands.
The time to build the future — is now.
Written by Skyler Grey Editor in Chief Built America Magazine
IMAGE BY: JAMIE GOODWICK, COURTESY OF PAE ENGINEERS PAE LIVING BUILDING
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STUDIO 804
What Would Happen If Students Designed the Future—Then Built It?
They speak to the land they rise from. They whisper of the future. They ask questions, provoke thought, and challenge the status quo. These are the buildings of Studio 804—not just structures, but statements. At the helm of this visionary experiment is Dan Rockhill, distinguished professor, educator, and mentor. For over three decades, Rockhill has stood not just in front of a classroom, but beside it—in the field, in the mud, in the scaffolding and in the sawdust, where the real lessons are taught. “We are a design/build program,” he says plainly, “but more importantly, we are an education in action.” The Studio 804 model is radical in its simplicity: a full year, full immersion, full commitment. Twenty graduate students, one building, and no shortcuts. From schematic design to the last brushstroke, students live the reality of sustainable construction. There are no handoffs to contractors. There’s no theoretical safety net. There is only the work—and what it teaches you. Some buildings are born of necessity— four walls, a roof, and the silence that follows. Others are born of vision
And what it teaches... is everything. 28 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
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“They go from never having touched a saw to understanding the nuances of passive ventilation, LEED certification, and envelope efficiency. It's a transformation— of skill, yes, but more than that, of purpose.”
Studio 804 is not an academic exercise. It is a human one.
Each year, the team builds a real, permanent structure in Lawrence, Kansas— most often a high-performance, net zero, LEED-certified home. These are not prototypes. They are homes with addresses, foundations, stories. Real people live here. Real families. “We’re not building for a grade,” Dan emphasizes. “We’re building for life.” The projects blend modern design with timeless responsibility. Rainwater harvesting, solar arrays, ultra-efficient HVAC systems, superinsulated walls, locally sourced materials—these aren’t afterthoughts. They’re integrated from day one. Sustainability isn’t the extra credit. It’s the curriculum. And behind every detail is an ethic that transcends design: we owe something to this planet, and to each other. “We don’t just build green. We build meaning,” Dan says. “The architecture has to do something. It has to matter.” It’s no wonder that Studio 804 stands as one of the most acclaimed and emulated programs of its kind in North America.
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What Dan Rockhill and his students have done over the years is nothing short of profound—they have proven that sustainability can be beautiful, and that education can be radically transformative when it’s grounded in real-world responsibility. And they’ve done it not with grand budgets or glossy renderings, but with weathered gloves, 18-hour days, and a collective devotion to making every line on a blueprint mean something. Built for the Future, Informed by the Past At first glance, the Studio 804 projects might appear sleek and futuristic—black steel, glass walls, clean angles, and solar panels reflecting the Kansas sky. But look closer, and you’ll find that these buildings are deeply informed by heritage. Passive design principles rooted in centuries-old techniques. Material palettes that respond to the rhythms of the land. Structures that breathe with the seasons, not fight them. “Sustainability isn’t new,” Dan explains. “What’s new is our urgent need to return to it.” In a culture obsessed with convenience and speed, Studio 804 slows everything down. It demands patience. Precision. Purpose. A project can’t move forward until every detail has been vetted—not by a professor, but by the material world itself. The insulation has to work. The air has to flow. The daylight has to land just so. 32 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
A Living Laboratory of the Net Zero Movement Students emerge from the year not just as architects, but as craftspeople—steeped in the labor and logic of their materials. And from this process, they carry something that can’t be taught in a lecture hall: reverence. As the world stands on the brink of climate crisis, Studio 804 offers something rare—a blueprint that’s already working. Studio 804 proves through their alignment with LEED Platinum standards, that—year after year — sustainable, net-zero construction is not just possible. It’s beautiful. It’s functional. And it’s scalable.
Built America Magazine | West
More Than Buildings. These Are Echoes. Walk into a Studio 804 home and you’ll feel it—not just the air quality, or the thermal mass, or the passive cooling. You’ll feel the imprint of the people who made it. The students who poured the concrete, who ran the electrical, who stayed late to hand-sand the cabinetry. You’ll feel their fingerprints in the details. “This is legacy work,” Dan says. “Every home we build, every life we touch—it echoes. It sends a message forward.” And the message is urgent: Architecture is not neutral. It either contributes to the problem or it works toward the solution. Studio 804 has made its choice.
“If we can do this every year with graduate students on a tight budget,” Dan says, “what excuse does the rest of the industry have?” This is where the quiet revolution of Studio 804 lives—not in fanfare or funding, but in its repeatability. In showing, again and again, that green building isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Their homes harness the sun. They manage their water. They use cross-laminated timber and recycled steel. They consider embodied carbon. And yet, they feel human, warm, and alive. This is the paradox Studio 804 continually solves: how to build with rigor and still create spaces that breathe.
DAN ROCKHILL | DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR
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Through its buildings, it resists waste. It resists apathy. It resists the idea that a better future will build itself. A Year of Sweat. A Lifetime of Impact. For the students, Studio 804 is more than a degree milestone. It is a crucible. A proving ground. They arrive with notebooks and questions. They leave with callused hands, a portfolio, and a newfound reverence for what’s possible when human ingenuity and environmental integrity walk hand in hand. They leave knowing the weight of a beam, the scent of cedar, the delicate alchemy between form and function. They leave with a truth that few architects ever learn: design doesn’t matter until it does. Until it serves. Until it solves. “You can draw all the green buildings you want,” Dan says, “but until you’ve built one, until you’ve lived the trade-offs, the details, the real-world messiness—you don’t know what sustainable architecture truly is.” “If we can do this every year with graduate students on a tight budget, what excuse does the rest of the industry have?”
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Looking Forward
As Studio 804 approaches its next project, its mission remains clear: build better. Not just for the sake of design, but for the sake of the planet, the community, and the future.
This is architecture as a verb. As a commitment. As a calling.
And as long as there are students willing to rise to the challenge—and mentors like Dan Rockhill who refuse to let the status quo stand—there will be new homes. New possibilities. And a new generation of builders who know how to create not just walls, but a world worth living in. Because in the end, Studio 804 doesn’t just teach how to build. It teaches why. 37
Studio 804 continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible when education, innovation, and sustainability intersect. If you're part of a university, institution, or organization that believes in hands-on, high- impact learning, let this serve as your blueprint, visit www.studio804.com for more information.
“Sustainability isn’t new, what’s new is our urgent need to return to it.”
Written by Skyler Grey Editor in Chief Built America Magazine
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Rewriting the Rules of the Construction Industry
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It started with a countertop. Long before
multi-million-dollar remodels and designs that challenge the norm, before logistics teams and client exit interviews, Kyle was just a kid on job sites, watching his uncle work with his hands. He was 13 years old—young, wide-eyed, and unknowingly laying the foundation for a business that would one day become Noble Solid Service, or NSS Home. “I actually started the company in 2017,” Kyle says. “But my first official job in construction was at 19. I worked in the union as a marble mason. Before that, I was helping my uncle out—doing little here-and-there stuff as a laborer.” His voice is steady and reflective. Honest. But Noble Solid Service didn’t begin with grand visions of luxury remodels or national recognition. It began in survival mode. “I was just trying to make it,” he explains. “I started off selling countertop remnants on OfferUp. The company was originally called Noble Solid Surface. That’s all I did— countertops, because that’s what I knew. From there, the story snowballed. Small jobs turned into full remodels. Word spread. The care he put into each project resonated with people.
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Today, NSS Home is a full-scale design- build firm (or as they call it “Align- Build”) taking on transformative renovations from $140K upwards of $1.6 million—all run on a radically simple principle:
The guys were crooks,” Kyle says, his voice tightening. “I watched the whole thing unfold. That left a huge impression on me. I didn’t want to be that guy and realized early the industries reputation was in the gutter. Instead, Kyle set out to change the narrative. And he’s doing it with a process that blends transparency, technical precision, and heart. “Remodeling is personal,” he says. “It’s your house. We treat our clients the way we’d want our own grandma treated during a remodel. That’s our standard. I’m the oldest of ten, with daughters and sisters in my life—I only hire folks I’d trust in that circle. If I wouldn’t let someone grab my kid from school in an emergency, they’re not joining our team.”
Integrity.
The Contractor You’d Want for Your Grandma What sets Noble Solid Service apart isn’t just the quality of the finishes or the structural kitchen remodels—it’s how the company treats people. “My parents had a really bad experience with contractors growing up. My grandma did a big addition on her house.
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In an industry plagued with horror stories and runaway budgets, NSS Home offers something rare: a zero change order guarantee. “As long as there are no crazy unforeseen conditions or clients don’t change scope, we don’t issue change orders from the time we sign the build contract to the end,” Kyle says. “That gives our clients a sense of security. They feel seen. Understood.” Behind that promise is a meticulously refined pre-construction process. NSS Home partners with independent architects and designers, then runs a rigorous process kyle refers to: A “Pre-Construction Audit”— adding its own risk-focused, detail-rich documents to eliminate any ambiguity before work begins. “We’re very, very, very thorough,” he says. “We take our time in design. We slow it down. That’s where most problems happen —rushing the beginning.” The Zero Change Order Guarantee
Builders Build. Talkers Talk.
To maintain clarity during execution, NSS Home created two key roles: the logistics manager: mirrored by the project manager. Each one focused on a distinct element of the client journey. “It’s our mantra—builders build, talkers talk,” Kyle says. “With this model, the person swinging the hammer isn’t the same one answering client calls.
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That way, each person can do what they’re great at. The result? Clients feel supported from both sides—quality in the build and quality in communication.” That dual-focus is central to what Kyle believes differentiates his firm from the rest. “Anyone can build you a kitchen,” he says. “But not everyone makes the experience feel safe.” Delivering Bad News Early, and Honestly The customer journey is the most important part. “We’re in the business of delivering bad news,” Kyle says, candidly. “Stuff happens. What we’ve learned is to deliver it quickly.
People respect that. It’s hard sometimes—I can be a bit of a people pleaser—but the truth builds trust.” He credits part of that mindset to simply being real. “Just be yourself,” he says. “Let your personality shine. There aren’t enough genuine people in this industry. A lot of contractors are wearing a mask. Clients can feel that.” Video Over Everything If you want to understand Kyle’s approach to marketing, don’t look at ads. Look at video. “I have a videographer,” he says. “Video is everything. It gives clients a clear view into who you are before you ever knock on their door.”
KYLE BRIDGAN | OWNER
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Every step of NSS Home’s client journey has been thought through—including how clients are going to feel at each phase. Kyle uses those insights to create an in- depth video sales process that builds trust before the build even begins. “They see us. They know what we stand for. By the time we’re on site, we’re not strangers—we’re a team.” Remodeling with Respect One of Kyle’s most revolutionary ideas comes from the exterior contracting world—a brand ambassador program. “Design-build projects are long,” he says. “By the end, homeowners are tired. No offense, but they want you out of their house. So we found a way to shift that energy.” Instead of traditional marketing spend, NSS Home reinvests those dollars into creating experiences—parties, testimonials, exit interviews—that make each client a living, breathing referral. “Each project becomes a walking testimonial,” Kyle explains. “We document the process, get client feedback, and film their stories. That becomes our marketing —and it’s way more powerful than any ad.” Relationships Built to Last Kyle’s respect isn’t reserved for clients—it extends to every subcontractor on his job sites.
“I keep them busy. But more importantly, I treat them like part of the team.”
He is very involved with Master Builders and the NKBA, invites his trades to company parties, and ensures they’re supported from day one. “I used to be a sub. I did a lot of countertops. I know how hard it is,” he says. “So I go out of my way to make sure my subs are going to make money on our jobs. We don’t just capture the scope—we plan for what could go wrong.” The company uses detailed work orders—checklists of every potential pitfall— so that surprises don’t become mistakes and expectations are crystal clear from day one. “We want to avoid the whole -I thought that was included, conversation.”
“They’re basically employees with a business of their own,” he says.
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“It’s not just about protecting the job, It’s about protecting the people who build it.”
“It’s not just about protecting the job,” Kyle adds. “It’s about protecting the people who build it.”
The Mid-Century Masterpiece and a Home with a History
When asked about standout projects, Kyle lights up.
“There was this mid-century modern home. The guy who owned it was a builder, owned his own lumberyard. Everything was overbuilt in the best way,” he says. “The clients had great taste and gave us full creative freedom.”
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Another favorite was a historic renovation— a house once used as a daycare, then later featured on a TV show. “It had a fire escape ladder. All these wild elements. Now? It’s completely reinvented. Kyle says. “By the time you read this, we’ll probably have the final images. The difference is breathtaking.” The Future of Noble Solid Service
So what’s next?
“Our plan is to become the premier remodeling authority in the South Sound and greater Puget Sound,” Kyle says. “Grow it to $20 million but still maintain that quality and reputation we are known for. Then open another shop—maybe in Idaho, maybe Oregon.”
And that’s just the start.
Kyle is also a partner in a consulting firm aimed at helping other remodelers build luxury remodeling companies the right way.
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“There’s no real A-Z system out there,” he says. “But if we can build a proven operating model—and get enough people on it—we have the potential to roll the whole thing up and take it public. Just like Waste Management did. Nobody’s done that in this industry.”
“I didn’t have success at first,” Kyle admits. “It was really hard to get where I am. There were times I was ready to give up.” But he didn’t. Instead, he built something stronger: a company that reflects not just his skill, but his heart.
“We’re not just remodeling homes,” he says.
Humble Beginnings. Unshakable Vision.
“We’re remodeling expectations. We’re building trust. And if I can make even a small dent in how people feel about this industry— then I’ve done something right.”
When you strip away the logistics, the marketing, and the margins—what’s left is a man who fought for every inch of the company he now leads.
Written by Skyler Grey Editor in Chief | Built America Magazine
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Built with
Heart
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"Anybody can make something look pretty... but does it function? Does it last?" For RJ Smith, building isn’t a business—it’s a bloodline. His earliest memories are steeped in the scent of sawdust and the hum of hammers. Long before he started RJ Smith Construction, he was a boy shadowing his stepfather on job sites, hands blistered from digging trenches, eyes wide with the weight of what it means to build something that lasts. “I went to school to do something different,” he laughs, “but I came right back to this. It’s in my blood.” In 2003, RJ Smith Construction wasn’t launched with a business plan—it unfolded like a blueprint drawn in real time. One project led to another. Word spread. Trust grew. And what started as a modest idea grew into a name that now defines excellence in California’s South Bay and beyond. “We didn’t start with a big plan,” RJ says. “Things just evolved. Every project taught us how to do the next one better.” Rooted Like a Family Tree
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RJ Smith Construction doesn’t measure success in square footage. Whether it’s a $50,000 remodel or a $13 million estate, the guiding question remains: Who are we building this for—and how do we build it to serve them well? “We’re not just building houses,” RJ says. “We’re building homes for families to live in, grow in, love in. That means something to us.” His team works like a symphony—project managers, controllers, field specialists, all in sync. “We intentionally overstaff,” he explains. “Every client deserves to feel like their home is the only one we’re working on.” The company’s roots run deep. His wife runs the real estate side. His father, now 83, still shows up to work. Many team members are close friends or have been by his side for decades. “I get to work with people I love and trust. That’s not just lucky. That’s rare.” What Sets Them Apart? Presence That Doesn’t Clock Out Where others tout speed, RJ Smith Construction stands for presence. “We hold hands with our clients through the process,” RJ says. “Not everyone has an open checkbook. Our job is to make it work—for them, for their budget, for their dream.” And when the ribbon is cut, they don’t just walk away. 57
Most builders meet clients after the architect’s sketches are finalized. Not RJ.
“We’re involved from day one,” he says. “Land search, budget planning, team selection, timing—we’re there. That way, when we break ground, we’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s the fun part.”
His favorite moments? Standing on a quiet job site with a client, talking about life.
“Not logistics. Life. How they’ll raise kids in this home. Where the Christmas tree will go. That’s what we’re really building toward.” Talk Like It Matters — Because It Does
RJ’s team offers ongoing home maintenance services—a kind of aftercare that ensures the craftsmanship they’ve delivered holds up under real life. “Like taking care of a classic car,” he says. “We don’t just build it. We help them take care of it.” It’s this kind of long-haul care that’s made RJ Smith a favorite among celebrities, athletes, and discerning homeowners alike.
“ They know we’ll be there. ”
The Power of Planning—Before the First Nail
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“Honesty and communication—nothing matters more,” RJ says. “If something changes, they hear it from us right away. Good news, bad news—we never leave them in the dark.” The firm’s commitment to transparency has made them a trusted partner even for clients who live out of state. “We’ll send voice notes, texts, pictures—whatever it takes. It’s not about updates. It’s about connection.”
RJ is vocal about what separates true builders from the rest. “Anybody can build something that looks pretty. But does it function? Does it live well? That’s the difference between a house and a home.” His Instagram feed doesn’t showcase glamour shots—it offers education. It’s raw, real, and intentionally transparent. “I want people to see how it works. The mess, the stress, the why behind every decision.” “It’s not about the photo. It’s about the foundation.” An Invisible Signature Called Quality
“This isn’t just a business. It’s a relationship.”
Beauty Is Not Enough
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Ask RJ about quality and he’ll talk about waterproofing. About finishes. About standards that aren’t negotiable. “Everyone here knows there are things we don’t budge on,” he says. “And if it’s not right, we fix it. Period.” The company hosts weekly innovation forums, invites vendors to demo new products, and treats learning as a lifelong pursuit. “We don’t assume we know everything,” he says. “The best builders I know are always learning.” Subs You’d Invite to Your Wedding Many of RJ’s subcontractors aren’t just workers—they’re part of the family. Literally.
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“Some of our subs were at my wedding,” he laughs. “That’s the kind of relationship we have.” Still, he’s always evolving. “If someone new is better, sharper, or brings something fresh —we welcome them in. But every sub has to value communication and care for the client experience. That’s non-negotiable.” The Disappearing Pool—and the Power of Joy
One standout project? A million-dollar automated backyard pool that vanished into the patio with the touch of a button. “One moment you’re grilling. The next, the ground opens and there’s a pool. Wild project,” he laughs. “But what made it great wasn’t just the tech. It was the trust. The collaboration. The joy.” Scaling With Soul With four years’ worth of projects already lined up, RJ Smith Construction is poised to grow—but without abandoning its heart.
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“We’re not chasing volume. We’re chasing quality,” he says. “We want to be the best. For our team. For our clients. For the legacy we leave behind.” More in-house services may be added. New regions may open. But the compass remains the same: build it right, and build it together. At the Heart of It All RJ’s firm is a business, yes—but also a belief system. A belief that craftsmanship matters.
That building a home is sacred work. “My wife is my partner. My dad still works with me. My team? They’re my friends. We’re not just building homes. We’re building a life.” And it shows. With every beam raised, every floor laid, every client call answered, RJ Smith Construction reminds us that building well isn’t about flash—it’s about care. It’s about trust that doesn’t need a warranty. About values you can feel underfoot.
It’s about homes that don’t just look good — they feel like forever .
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As Custom As You Are
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They came with $500 and a suitcase each. That’s how Oleg begins the story—not with blueprints, not with branding, but with a memory. A memory of a family arriving in America in 1990 from Ukraine, with hands built for craft and hearts built for legacy. His father, a cabinetmaker by trade, couldn’t speak the language. But his skill spoke volumes. “He went to school right away to learn English,” Oleg says. “And within a year, he had a job with a local remodeling company. Everything here—the tools, the systems—it was all new to him. But he learned. He adapted. That’s where it all began.” It began in a garage behind their home in Salem, Oregon. A modest cabinet shop born out of resilience, not ambition. And it grew, year after year, until it became something more. Something called Foksha Homes. Not Just Building Homes — Building Forward Foksha Homes isn’t the result of a singular vision. It’s a story of slow, deliberate evolution. Of a father and son walking into construction side by side, one with sawdust in his blood, the other with business in his bones. 67
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“I never thought of myself as a construction guy,” Oleg laughs. “I was the real estate one. I was supposed to sell the homes while Dad built them.” But life had other plans. When the recession hit in 2008, both father and son found themselves without clients, without projects, without much hope. Until the phone rang. Banks needed someone to fix half-built homes. Foreclosures needed finishing. And the two of them? They needed purpose. “We just started working,” Oleg says. “Little by little, one job turned into another. I looked up one day and realized—I wasn’t in real estate anymore. I was building.” By 2014, Foksha Homes was born in its full form. And the two were no longer just father and son. They were partners. A Philosophy of Craft, Not Scale Today, Foksha Homes builds everything from $20,000 bathroom remodels to multi- million-dollar estate renovations. But price isn’t the point. People are. “We never want to get to the point where we can’t help someone,” Oleg says. “We don’t have a minimum. We don’t say, ‘Your job isn’t big enough.’ If someone comes to us and it’s realistic—we make it happen.” What makes them truly unique isn’t just the quality of the work. It’s the continuity behind it. “We use the same subs—every time,” he explains. “The same plumber, same electrician, same cabinet maker. Whether it’s a $20,000 job or a $2 million build, it’s the same hands. That means something to me.” 69
His team includes nine full-time employees, four of whom are hand-selected carpenters. Together, they walk each job, inspect every detail, and ensure that every nail, every finish, every fixture meets the Foksha standard. “We don’t hire just anyone,” he adds. “Some of our subs have been with us for over 20 years. And if they’re not up to par—we don’t bring them back. It’s that simple.” Relationships Over Transactions Ask Oleg what sets Foksha Homes apart, and the answer isn’t technical. It’s human. “I never want to build a home and then avoid that client in the aisle at Costco,” he says.
OLEG & OKSANA FOKSHA | OWNERS
It means integrity. It means standards. And it means never compromising quality for volume. A Builder Who Still Builds Oleg doesn’t sit in a corner office. He walks job sites. He knows the trades, the details, the dust. “I’m not a project manager. I’m a builder,” he says simply. He learned from his father, a master of finish carpentry. “Cabinetry and staircases—those are the pieces that hide everyone else’s mistakes,” he says. “If you grow up learning to make those perfect, you learn how to fix everything.” 70 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
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“I want to shake their hand. I want to build again for their kids, their in-laws, their neighbors.” That’s not a marketing line. It’s a philosophy. His clients return again and again—not just because of the craftsmanship, but because of the care.
The House That’s Hardest to Build
Among the dozens of homes he’s completed, the hardest one might just be his own.
“My wife and I are building our family’s home right now,” he says, smiling. “And I have to admit—taking my own advice is harder than I thought.” Still, it’s become a labor of love. A home that will represent not just his family, but the philosophy that built Foksha Homes. It’s also one of many. This year alone, the team is building a home for the Home Builders Association’s “New Product Home”—a fundraiser that unites the community around craftsmanship and service.
“They’re not paychecks. They’re people. And we treat them that way.”
That care extends to the trades, too. Foksha doesn’t pit subs against each other for the lowest bid. He respects their value—and in turn, they respect the project. “It’s a balance,” he says. “I walk between the client’s needs and the sub’s needs. That relationship—that respect—is everything.”
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The Story Behind the Walls “There may not have been much profit,” he says, “but it was one of the most rewarding projects we’ve ever done.” And still, Oleg says one of his proudest builds was for a schoolteacher—a single mom with kids—whose modest budget didn’t deter him from delivering something beautiful. What makes Foksha Homes remarkable isn’t the architecture. It’s the storytelling. Each home is different because each family is different. “We never build the same house twice,” Oleg says. “Because none of our clients are the same.”
That’s why Foksha takes time—hours and hours—to learn who they’re building for. What they love. How they live. What legacy they want to leave behind. “We’re not just investing their money into a home,” he says. “We’re investing it into their future.”
Marketing With Meaning
Oleg doesn’t love social media. But he uses it—because it works. “I started posting little videos on TikTok and Instagram—project updates, behind-the-scenes stuff. It felt silly at first,” he admits. “But then a client in Texas found us. We’re now working with them on a coastal home in Oregon.”
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