"Alive Spaces" aptly describes the work of Steve Schnarch, a hands-on custom builder. His Victorian logo represents a time when the fine craft of homebuilding was evident in every detail. A superlative craftsman with wood, Steve’s attention to fine detail is evident in all aspects of the building process. Steve’s passion is for creating warmth of atmosphere, the appropriate use of each element, and the pleasure of a job well done on every level. In every project, large or small, his approach is the same. Steve enjoys a collaborative relationship with each of his clients, and invites you to join him in making your vision a reality.

Steve brings 38 years of personal experience in the building trades to his pursuit of excellence. His depth of knowledge and inquisitive nature make him an insightful planner and problem solver, excelling in unique new construction situations, and complex renovation and additions. He strives for a sense of harmony between many different design elements, and invites his clients to be actively involved. Steve's personal attention to the details of each project is an essential part of his approach to the building process, taking on only one or two projects at any given time. Creating alive spaces is a matter of quality, not quantity.

Steve surrounds himself with like-minded craftsmen who thrive on their day-to-day interaction with each other. Steve personally leads his core crew in doing all the carpentry tasks from framing to finish. His steady, open manner and thorough preparation make for a thoughtful interchange of ideas before work is set in motion, which creates an environment that draws out the best from those he works with. Steve maintains a settled and harmonious atmosphere and a clean and orderly workplace, and requires his crew and subcontractors to do the same.
           
Steve fulfills his responsibilities to his clients. His financial management is clear, detailed, and up to date throughout the construction process. He carefully explains the options and implications contained in the myriad choices required to tailor the nuances of function and appearance to suit his clients’ preferences. Looking out for his client’s best interest is an integral part of his management ethic, and makes for a warm rapport between owner and builder.

Steve takes particular delight in being a custom woodworker. Years of experience have refined his abilities and he excels in doing the finest custom work. His skills allow him to exhibit the inherent beauty of natural materials, and to create living spaces with a natural ease and sense of purpose. In the modern world, refinement of how space, energy and materials are used is a matter of social responsibility.

In his free time, Steve is an avid hiker and backpacker. He has a long-standing fondness for the local mountains around Durango, and the desert canyons of Utah. He enjoys photography, studying the natural and human history of the areas he hikes in, and being with his wife of 27 years and their two children.