/ About /

Growing up in Ireland, environmentally friendly practices were a way of life.

At home nothing went to waste—items were routinely re-used, repurposed or shared with neighbours. Houses hundreds of years old were still sound. They were built from local materials: field stone, regional timber, thatch, turf cut from the bog. Workmanship was a source of skill and pride, and everything from joinery to furniture making was supplied by people you knew. There was no hiding if work was shoddy.

Those are the values I brought with me when I came here in 1985. Today my company, 40 Shades of Green (DBA RM Construction), takes on every project with an eco-conscious eye, detailed craftsmanship and personal attention. I really enjoy rolling up my sleeves with homeowners. In doing so, I bring 30+ years of experience in nearly every aspect of new construction, renovation and rehabilitation, from seismic upgrades to roofing and everything in between—including the real-world experience and challenges of creating an eco-friendly dwelling of my own.

I’m certified in Permaculture Design, a sustainability practice that emphasizes working in harmony with the natural world and patterns of use. I’m also a member of the Living Building Challenge, a stringent and global green standard which I consulted when remodeling my own home.