In almost 30 years of designing homes, it is hard to remember a more productive and enjoyable relationship than the one I've had with Steve Schnarch while building the Pine Tree Way Residence. Typically, the only time I hear from a builder, is when they have an intractable problem in the field. But working with Steve is much different, because of who he is, and how he approaches his work.
Steve has a personality that makes the process enjoyable, and the characteristics that naturally manifest a successful outcome. He is a good listener, keen observer, and has the sensitivity and humor to deal with the many situations, and people, that a project of this scale can require. As a collaborator and problem solver, he knows how to work with others to find optimized solutions. And as a bit of a perfectionist, he's always putting in that extra effort to make sure things turn out "just right".
As a craftsman, Steve's passion really shines. His enthusiasm for creating beautiful woodwork and detailing is evident not only in any conversation, but more importantly in the finished product. The care he took with details, such as the beam work, curved entry porch, and interior trim on the Lombardo home, is a wonder to behold.
I call my company Synergy Design because I believe that the relationship between the client, designer, and builder, can truly be "greater than the sum of its parts". This home combines the unique ideas of the owners that I synthesized into cohesive plan. Steve's contribution was not only as a craftsman / builder who had to deal with the myriad challenges and complexities of construction. He was also a true collaborator who helped bring the contributions of many others to full fruition. Due to his efforts, a home that would have been notable, has become truly remarkable.
I would heartily recommend Steve, and Alive Spaces, to anyone who wants a builder with the highest levels of personal integrity and professional skill. I only hope I'll get the chance to work with him again!
Matt Worswick
Synergy Design
www.synergydesignco.com
My husband and I hired Steve Schnarch to build our dream home in the Fall of 2006. Prior to building we spent a lot of time researching potential builders for our project. Upon the suggestion of a friend we decided to meet with Steve. After placing calls to his many references we were blown away by the amount of positive things Steve's prior clients had to say about working with him. From our initial meeting with him we were extremely impressed by his professionalism and meticulousness.
From the initial dirt work throughout the entire construction process, Steve always exhibited an attention to detail and enthusiasm for his work unsurpassed by others. Steve's calming demeanor and remarkable communication skills made even the most stressful of situations manageable. He is incredibly perceptive and had remarkable foresight to make sure we always ended up with the best possible outcome. He always provided us with options so that we could make the most informed choices possible.
Steve always made our project his first priority. He kept his focus on us and had amazing follow through to make sure we were always happy throughout every aspect of our project. Steve is communicative, honest, motivated and extremely passionate about his work. We always had complete confidence in Steve's ability to handle any situation that came at him.
We have been nothing short of blown away by Steve's skill and craftsmanship, from the most minuscule to the largest of details. Words cannot describe how proud we are to have had him build our dream home or how lucky we feel to have had him as a presence in our lives. We would highly recommend him to anyone who is fortunate enough to have a chance to work with him.
Thank you for the office, the entertainment/display center, and the bookcases you built for us. The 33 foot U-shaped desk with curved oak rail running the length of it is truly amazing. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful display of craftsmanship, until you graced us with the incredible entertainment center with lighted display cabinets wrapping around two walls of our family room.
The custom speaker cabinets and hidden subwoofers sound incredible, and the whole thing is so massive no vibration passes through to the rest of the unit. How you managed to keep things looking delicate is a miracle, second only to the seamless joinery work. Visitors marvel over the beauty and iridescence of the African Rosewood counter tops, but they are blown away when we show them they are actually several boards you grain-matched to look like a single piece!
In all, we couldn't be happier with the pieces you made for us. They far exceed our expectations, combining functionality, artistry, and original design. Working out the plans with you was a great experience, and your foresight and attention to detail made this a first-class experience. When we start to renovate our kitchen you'll be hearing from us again.
Thanks for caring about your craft as much as you do.
Steve started with us as a Job Foreman, when he left, he was Construction Manager, coordinating a 15-man crew. His management tasks included complete responsibility for Project Management, Project Budgeting, County Permits, Subcontracting, and liaison with Architects, Residents, Neighboring Properties and various relevant agencies. His personal construction skills were very thorough, including all facets of Residential and Commercial construction. He proved to be an articulate,
respected leader, and left behind a highly motivated and efficient crew.
I consider Steve an unusually fine and balanced individual. He is of
impeccable character and flawless ethics… a skilled and trustworthy leader with a lot of business acumen and common sense. Quite simply, I consider him one of the BEST.
Thank you for the outstanding construction work that you have performed as a contractor over recent years at our spa facility. Of particular note were …underground utilities and new pools completed last year and a previous property development of a similar scale which included our new massage building. We also appreciated your attention to detail with the
several smaller remodels in our older buildings which presented their own technical challenges.
I would particularly commend your proven ability to perform within budget and your thoughtful communications as surprises emerged. I know we were not your easiest customer... Many thanks for your part in the upgrading and expansion of our premises.
My wife and I engaged Alive Spaces to do a major remodeling to our home. From the very outset, of doing the preliminary interview, paperwork, and planning, we were extremely impressed with the professional manner in which Steve conducted himself. His exacting approach to detail and follow up were present throughout the entire process. His detailed cost analysis provided us with an understandable and accurate picture of what we could expect.
Steve continually updated us on the progress and status of the job on an almost daily basis. His attention to detail and his professional approach to his work ethic, gave us complete confidence that what was being done was being done right. He gave us bi-weekly written expenditure reports with verbal explanations as to where every penny was spent. He would continue to search different sources to avail us of the best price on both materials and sub-contractors. Our best interests were always his number one priority. The project was completed within the time frame allotted and within the original cost estimate. He and his crew conducted themselves always in the most professional manner.
I would highly recommend Steve Schnarch and Alive Spaces Inc. and if I were to have occasion to need any type of construction again, I would not hesitate to call upon Steve to do the work for me.
Steve Schnarch from “Alive Spaces” recently did our interior and exterior finish carpentry for our new home south of Hesperus, CO., and I can say we worked with several good contractors, but none better than Steve. Their work was WONDERFUL and they were a pleasure to work with. Steve has a wealth of building and carpentry experience that really paid dividends for us in the finishing of our home. He saved us from several potential costly problems, by thinking ahead, and he made sure things were prepared for other subcontractors with which we were working. Next time I build a house, Steve will be the first person I call, I only wish that I had met him sooner. If you get a chance to work with Steve, “snap” up on it….It will be the best money you spend.
