Business Details
High-Performance Custom Home Builders
Build Sense is a licensed award-winning architecture firm and residential construction company dedicated to crafting high-performance, custom-designed homes. Our integrated design and building teams collaborate to deliver projects verified through third-party testing, ensuring superior quality and energy efficiency. With a focus on the listen-plan-design-build process, we specialize in both new home construction and high-performance remodeling projects. Over the years, we've cultivated a loyal client base who trust us for every project, valuing our Build Sense Guarantee of complete satisfaction. From kitchens and bathrooms to ADUs and outdoor spaces, we combine technical expertise with creative vision to transform residential environments.Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in sustainable development, architectural design, and construction management. We maintain rigorous attention to detail through dedicated project management and skilled carpentry teams, ensuring every project meets our exacting standards. While rooted in the Triangle area, our reputation extends regionally for innovative solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. This commitment to excellence has earned recognition from Durham Magazine as Best Architect and Best Residential Builder. Our passion for quality extends beyond construction - through employee development and community engagement, we strive to make a lasting positive impact.
Services
Home Design
Construction
Remodeling
Kitchen Renovation
Bathroom Remodeling
ADU Construction
Porch Design
Room Additions
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Design-Build Services
Highlights and features
- We are a licensed award-winning architecture firm and residential construction company
- Our high-performance standards are verified by third-party testing
- We maintain a dedicated design-build process for all projects
- We have repeat clientele who trust us for every project
- Our leadership team holds advanced degrees in architecture and sustainable development
What people say
Award-winning designs
High-performance standards
Experienced team
Client satisfaction guarantee
Dedicated project teams
Services
Home Design
Build Sense provides comprehensive architectural design services for custom homes. Our licensed design lead and experienced team create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. Through collaborative planning and creative vision, we develop designs that optimize space usage while maintaining energy efficiency and environmental considerations.
Construction
Our licensed builders execute high-performance home construction projects with precision. Using verified standards and third-party testing, we ensure superior quality in every custom home built. The construction process integrates sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems for optimal building performance and client satisfaction.
Remodeling
The reBuild Team specializes in residential remodeling projects that enhance functionality and aesthetics. Services include kitchen and bathroom renovations, room additions, and accessory dwelling unit construction. Each project follows our proven listen-plan-design-build methodology to transform existing spaces into modern, high-performing environments.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
We implement certified high-performance building standards that improve energy efficiency. Our homes undergo third-party verification to ensure optimal thermal performance, air quality, and sustainable systems integration. These upgrades reduce environmental impact while providing long-term cost savings and enhanced comfort for homeowners.
Design-Build Services
Our unique design-build approach combines architecture and construction under one roof. This streamlined process eliminates coordination issues between designers and builders while maintaining consistent quality control. Clients benefit from improved cost predictability, faster project timelines, and cohesive implementation of their vision.
People
Erik Van Mehlman
Partner | Design Lead
Licensed architect with Masters in Architecture from NC State University. Gained construction experience through public works maintenance before transitioning to design. Specializes in integrating functional design with aesthetic elements developed through global travels.
Kendall Glaze
Partner | Builder | Company Lead
Sustainable development graduate with hands-on experience in green building practices. Transitioned from initial construction roles to leadership positions. Combines environmental consciousness with practical construction expertise as company lead.
Ruby Reeves
Partner | Project Manager and Designer
Licensed architect with advanced degrees from UNC Greensboro and NC State University. Developed expertise through design-build studio programs. Balances competitive project management with creative design solutions that meet client requirements.
Randall Lanou
Partner | Utility Player
Multidisciplinary professional with background in industrial design and architecture. Combines technical knowledge with creative problem-solving in construction projects. Applies international experience to adapt designs for various building contexts.
Tim Finnan
Build Operations Lead
Experienced construction lead with deep understanding of building systems. Former public works maintenance technician who transitioned to residential construction. Oversees operational aspects while maintaining commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Questions
What types of projects does Build Sense specialize in?
Build Sense specializes in high-performance custom-designed homes and residential remodeling projects including kitchens, bathrooms, ADUs, and outdoor spaces.
Are you both architects and builders?
Yes, we're a licensed architecture firm and residential construction company providing integrated design-build services under one roof.
How do you ensure construction quality?
Our high-performance standards undergo third-party verification testing to guarantee energy efficiency and construction quality meet certified requirements.
What makes Build Sense different from other firms?
We combine award-winning design with construction expertise through our integrated process, led by multidisciplinary professionals with advanced architectural credentials.
Do you work on remodeling projects?
Our reBuild Team focuses specifically on residential remodeling projects following the same rigorous design-build methodology as new construction.
What areas do you serve?
While based in the Triangle area, we serve clients throughout North Carolina seeking premium residential design and construction services.
