Since the mid seventies, I've been building new homes, additions and renovations in the Woodstock, NY, area. I studied architecture at City College in New York and apprenticed as a set designer and scenic artist in both NYC and Los Angeles, CA. I worked in commercial construction in mid-town Manhattan before settling in Woodstock in 1976. I now maintain a steady year-round crew of talented and creative carpenters and laborers. Our work is always of the highest standard, using only the best methods and materials available. We use sustainable building practices, non-toxic materials and reuse existing materials wherever available. Our mission is sustainability, energy conservation and integrity.

I do research continually to keep myself informed about the latest technologies in the building trades. I also appreciate new creative approaches to using traditional materials and processes.
Mark proudly achieved the Certified Sustainable Building Advisor designation in 2009.

Q: What is a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA)?
A: A CSBA contributes to a more sustainable built environment and is interested in engaging clients to make more environmentally responsible building decisions.

Q: What are the requirements for getting the CSBA designation?
A: To earn the CSBA designation, a rigorous training and education course must be completed and the certification exam must be passed successfully.

Q: Why would I want to do business with a CSBA?
A: A CSBA has shown their interest and commitment to offering sustainable building options to those clients interested in environmentally friendly solutions.

I love doing work that fits the scale and expectations of my clients --- and completing projects that will last and endure as objects of beauty. I love to work with my hands and body, to put my strength to good use. (There is a reason why I named my business The Joy of Building.) I love cutting wood and using power tools. I love Big Things.

When he's not building, Mark draws, paints, sculpts, boats on the Hudson River, walks his dogs--- Plumbob, a highly intelligent and discerning pug, and Timber, a rambunctious Newfoundland. He snorkels in the ocean, plays drums and works out, two favorites activities being boxing and softball.

(Click on image for Mark's resumé)

John Thompson: "People have been building homes since man first came into existence. To be part of that tradition makes me feel like I'm helping people and that makes me want to do a good job. It's also a trade which can be perfected and mastered so what I learn now I can pass along to someone else someday."
When he is not perfecting his trade, he likes to do anything outdoors, paint & draw, and hang out with his dog.

Steve Murphy: "Building keeps me active and in good shape. I also enjoy knowing that what I build will be around for many generations. When I am not building, I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing music and reading."

Mike Finger: "The things I like most about building are the opportunity to learn about and operate heavy equipment, and seeing how a project comes together from a hole in the ground to a finished house." When he is not working, he enjoys camping, fishing and many other outdoor activities. He also coaches soccer and is involved with Scouting.

Tom Carpenter: "Bringing into existence someone's dream structure; the freedom inherent in working with one's hands; turning the keys over to a smiling client; the smell and feel of the different woods we work with; the camaraderie with the rest of the crew; the constantly changing scenery; the tools."
In his free time, he plays traditional and African music on drums; alpine skiing as often as possible; spending time with family and friends; working on his cookbook and his garden; and creating shark delicacies.

Rob Steinbach: "I enjoy building because it is how things are made. Things like stonewalls and books and napkins and decks and toothpaste caps and this paper and pen, too! 'Build' is the greatest word in any human language. It describes everything that has ever happened. When I die, I hope to build a stairway to heaven. When I am not building additions to people's homes, I am usually strolling along our majestic mountain trails contemplating life's great mysteries. Mysteries like the existence of the soul, endless war, and hot pockets.
My favorite color is green, my favorite number is 4. My dream is to build a cabin out of empty wine and Guinness bottles bound together. When I grow up I want to be a crazy old man."

John Karch: "When we look back on past civilizations, much of what we learn of them is based on their architecture. the art of building has been changing the face of the planet since the beginning of mankind. The fact that I am participating in such a vital part of our culture is reward enough; but there is also great satisfaction in knowing that my creations will provide a home for generations to come.
Outside of work, I am an artist and an adventurer. I paint pictures, jump off cliffs, build rock sculptures in riverbeds, and hike through the wilderness. I also enjoy cooking lavish Italian feasts and reading about current trends in physics."