For the first few years Derek found himself on a steep learning curve as the size and variety of projects evolved. As with many new ventures, the company struggled financially, and Derek put all his personal assets on the line in support of his dream. Despite 18-hour days he resisted the temptation to involve a partner. But after six years the workload demanded the welcome addition of his brother, Scott, and wife, Marsha, as on-site and administrative aides.

     Keystone’s first big break came in 1992. “It’s very difficult to establish oneself with architects,” Derek relates, “they always have their favourite contractors. But Formwerks Architectural Inc. trusted me with an important client and once I proved myself our working relationship flourished.”

     Now an established homebuilder, Derek avoids submitting rosy numbers to secure a contract, and provides his clients with a full breakdown of the costs, explaining each step of construction. He also discusses possible scenarios that can result in cost overruns, such as mid-construction plan modifications. So solid is his reputation that many architects advise their clients to wait the months Derek often needs to break ground on their home.

     Many of Keystones contracts are for homes of 4,000 to 5,000 square feet, costing $1 million or more. A recent completion was three times that size, and ground has been broken for one larger yet. The sophisticated details and aesthetics of many Keystone homes are such that expenditures of six figures are not uncommon for sub-contracts including paint, cabinetry, flooring, and doors and windows. On larger sites, landscaping alone can approach the million-dollar mark.

     With an outstanding memory and eye for detail, Derek makes sure that every task, trade, and stage of construction meets or exceeds his exacting standards. “His attention to detail was phenomenal; I still remember him going around with a clip board and he overlooked nothing,” recalls one satisfied homeowner. “A real perfectionist,” declares another.

     Minimalist designs, with their hard edges and unbroken lines, offer Derek neither challenge nor appeal. Even with the freedom to choose his projects he remains true to the passion that first drew him to home building. Whether it’s a renovation or a new home, traditional architecture and craftsman style homes offer the most appeal and are the lion’s share of Keystone’s work. Although preferred by some builders for their ease of construction, the ‘spec’ home, built for re-sale, doesn’t motivate Derek. He is more inspired by the challenges of problem solving and trouble shooting associated with the successful completion of a quality custom home. For most people, building a home is a very emotional experience, so Derek welcomes and encourages the client’s involvement in the process. “I believe that this should be an exciting and enjoyable experience for all of the parties involved.”

     Derek found a brief foray into commercial interior finishing to be unrewarding. “It’s all about the bottom line. Quality workmanship isn’t appreciated. There’s virtually no interaction between client and builder and it’s always a race to go quicker and cheaper than the competition,” adding, “there’s no pride in the finished product, and usually limited monetary return.” Derek finds interaction vital to the whole process. He particularly enjoys the dynamics of regular site meetings, and collaborating with the homeowner and the architect. “I think one of the keys to success when building a custom home is a weekly meeting to walk through the project room by room.” He generally accompanies the site supervisor on these tours, ensuring that any changes or corrections are promptly undertaken.

     Keystone’s clients are sophisticated and often demanding, but Derek continually provides all of them with a level of service and quality that reflects the pride he has in his work. A modest and unassuming man, his work ethics and integrity have been rewarded by a constant stream of referrals from satisfied clients.

     As with any labour and trade oriented industry, Derek finds that his biggest challenge is finding qualified trades people and sub-contractors. With the high standards he maintains he hires only the best, but the lean economy of the 90s resulted in a scarcity as many left the province in search of work. His site supervisors, however, are his greatest assets. Some of them are former contractors themselves, and he relies on them to keep the wheels rolling on each site while he concentrates on schedules, budgets, tenders, sub-contracts and meeting regularly with clients and consultants. “I’m constantly told my guys are the best,” he reflects, “ and I know that’s true.”

     Satisfying his family’s request that he make time to relax, Derek’s summer vacation confirms that confidence. His habit of drifting in and out of the office during earlier breaks spurred Marsha to book time away for the family. As an avid lifelong boater the acquisition of a 34-foot Bayliner, The Four C’s, ensured that he would find time to get away from it all. Ten days cruising in the San Juan Islands this past August forced him – almost reluctantly – to surrender his professional duties. As important as time with Marsha and daughter Nicole, 9, is, he still considered it to be, “playing hooky; a real luxury.”

     The challenges and rewards of his profession are many, and as he continues to build on the expertise and efficiency expected by homeowners Derek, at only 41, foresees many years ahead at the helm of Keystone Projects. His passion and dedication are refreshing, and for those of us with a custom built home in our future it’s reassuring that we have people of Derek’s caliber ready to serve.

Keystone Projects Ltd.
604-943-0555
E-mail: keystoneprojectsltd@telus.net