East Alabama Living Spring 2022 Issue

Ken’s first house was a construction project
for one of his professors. “He let me dig and
place the footings, install the block foundation
walls, and frame the house,” he says. “My love
for the industry grew from there. I was primarily
a brick mason for the first few years but
expanded into concrete work as well as framing.
“I constructed many homes where I, along
with a few employees, built them from the
ground up. I took it very personal and prided
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myself in doing exceptional work. As my company
and reputation grew, I had opportunities
to build some stunning homes for some special
people. Many of my clients have turned
into lifelong friends.”
As a student of the industry, Ken wanted
to learn as much as possible, including millwork
and cabinetry. He studied cabinetry construction
and design for years and developed
a desire to specialize in custom millwork and
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cabinetry. As a result, cabinetry design started
as a hobby and turned into a thriving business.
While Ken received the Alabama’s Builder
of the Year award by the Home Builders
Association of Alabama, he feels his greatest
building achievement was being appointed by
the Governor to the Alabama Home Builders
Licensure Board. He still serves on that
board as the chairman of the Investigative
Committee.
Since Ken is fond of country European architecture,
he planned, designed, and built their
home with a French country influence. “Most
French country homes were designed with
natural exterior finishes, consisting of stucco,
brick, or stone with warm neutral colors,” he
says. “Steep-pitched hip roofs are a staple of
this style. In addition, a lot of French country
architecture uses exposed beams as accents,
either inside or out, that tease the viewer.
“One widespread architectural feature of
this styling is the use of eyebrow or segment
arches. The balance or symmetry within the
use of arches with windows and doors is one
of my favorite features. French country architecture
offers timeless elegance without being
too showy or overindulgent. I had a vision of
what my forever house would be, I just needed
to get it on paper.”
It took Ken over three years to draw and
plan their home and then two years to build.
“Knowing that I had the perfect lot to build on,
and also knowing that this would probably be
the last home that I built for myself, I wanted
to get it right. So I planned every room, from
the centrally located concrete storm shelter to
the brick arches, to attic accesses. Every space,
every finish, and every architectural detail is
all me. Terry bought into the plan and supported
and helped all along the way.”
16 EAST ALABAMA LIVING