For the principle, Craig Holmes, it's been a long held desire to be a consultant in the construction industry- especially for the client.  He has witnessed the processes and the inner workings of the high end residential market for over 30 years from the builders side, and has been only involved in the trade because he has been fascinated by the knowledge, determination and flexibility needed to complete these projects beautifully. Building major custom projects are challenging on so many different levels, and while all the issues can never be fully eliminated, they can be significantly reduced with more transparency, accountability, and with a professional partner solely in the owners corner.  

 

Craig came to the New York area from Canada to get a masters degree in Fine Art from Columbia University. After graduating, Craig worked as a carpenter and then started a cabinetmaking business in the city.  Since 1998, he's been a Project Manager in the high end residential market, working on projects from $5M to $28M in New York City, Westchester, Connecticut, the Hamptons, and Dutchess counties. The projects have ranged from 28,000 square foot mansions to commercial event spaces in Bushwick.  

 

The artisans that are involved in all phases of development and construction of these residences require coordination and support in order for them to be successful in the production their visions. The quality that is expected in these residences are at the highest level and need to be monitored at all phases.  The level of quality happens throughout the construction phase and needs to be monitored as it is happening, not after installation. 

 

The schedule and the attempt to keep to it is a daily need that needs advance planning the day before, the week before, the month before, and at the start of project.  Making sure that the construction and design team pay attention to the right item at the right time is critical.

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Contracts define the relationship, set the parameters, and keep the guardrails up.  Clearly defined expectations and implementations allow for success.  

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The budgets have to be developed to create the right expectation for the client, the builder, and the architect.  What defines the budget is the quantity, quality, and the time frame of the project.  The client has the right to expect that the budget is kept to the parameters they approve. Hidden costs and unknowns are the frequent unpleasant reality in most construction projects. 

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All of these pieces hold elements of success and failure and that Craig finds exhilarating in the day to day operation of a project.  

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Craig has a deep understanding of the design and construction processes, and the players in the high end residential market.

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"The formula for a project's success is team building, communication, and clear processes of accountability. 

 

Selected Projects List 

• 25,000 Square foot Castle House on Estate – Migdale – Millbrook NY

• 28,000 Square foot Arts and Crafts house including caretakers house and pool house. Ossining NY

• 18,000 Square foot Georgian house, Greenwich CT

• 3 Brownstones, NY, Brooklyn

• 5 Apartments throughout NY, Brooklyn, Chelsea, Upper East Side, Tribeca

• 12,000 Square foot Contemporary House, Southampton

• 10,000 square foot Commercial Event with gardens venue, Bushwick

• Two 14,000 square foot Condominium Buildings, Amenia, NY

• 8,800 Square foot Contemporary, Amenia, NY