December: A lookback at 2025

As we say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026, it's the perfect time to look back and share some genuine enthusiasm about what made our jobs exciting in 2025. This year, we asked all of our employees to highlight one job-related thing from the past year that truly excited them.

This isn’t about budgets or timelines (though we love those too!); this is about the personal highlights, the game-changing materials, the standout design choices, and the behind-the-scenes projects that make us proud of the quality and creativity we bring to every build.

Rob  (Co-Owner): My favorite project was a three-car garage with primary suite addition above. Starting with an old, failing one-car structure, we designed and built a solution that not only meets the clients' modern needs but truly looks like it was part of the original plan. The new structure blended beautifully with the existing home and greatly increased the living space.

Gayle (Co-Owner & Director of Business Operations)

One thing that I've loved seeing in 2025 is bold, colorful kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. While I might not be on the job sites every day, I love seeing what trends bring excitement and personality into the homes we build. A splash of color prevents a beautiful space from feeling generic. It’s a high-impact, relatively simple change that gives a project huge character and a unique, custom feel, whether it’s in a kitchen or a powder room. Honestly, there’s nothing better than seeing a design decision that delivered such a massive visual punch and made our clients truly love their new spaces.

Ayla (Junior Executive Assistant): I liked that I got to send Christmas cards and candy to our clients and trade partners! It's fun to send some holiday cheer.

Savanna (Junior Manager of Communications): I was excited to start a TikTok account for Open Meadow. It's been fun to take the lead on this new project to try to reach more people in new ways. It gives clients, partners, and potential clients a different view into what we do and who we are. We're just getting started, but I'm excited to really dive in and really build up our content in 2026!

Cam (Carpenter): One of my favorite projects was a really cool property on the beach in the summer. I was able to learn quite a lot about installing windows. There were a lot to replace which gave me a ton of practice on just one project. I also picked up on some more finish carpentry working on the sunroom roof. The homeowners also had awesome dogs that greeted us every morning!

Maikon (Carpenter): My first job with Open Meadow (carriage house project) was a memorable milestone. I am very pleased with the opportunity to work with the team and contribute to the company's projects. I appreciate the trust placed in me and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with the team.

Carlton (Carpenter): I'd have to say the project that was most enjoyable for me had a combination of the beautiful Marvin windows and a nice custom trim job, it was very rewarding. And to top it off the view from out the windows looking out to the ocean was stunning to see every day. Also, being greeted by the two properly dogs (Zero and Violet) every day was awesome!!

Noel (Lead Carpenter): My favorite project detail was installing a kitchen corner cabinet. It was a small, high-visibility element that could have easily caused headaches, but it came together nicely. It's great to see a finished piece and know it will be a functional, beautiful part of their home for years.

Jay (Lead Carpenter): A memorable job for me this year was a two car garage project

with bonus space above. I enjoyed building the custom barn doors as well as installing the outdoor shower on the back patio. The project as a whole had some interesting finishes making the project unique.

Sheila (Office Manager): This year, I've really enjoyed implementing weekly client updates through JobTread. It's given me the opportunity to be connected with clients from the very beginning of the process, guiding them through their renovation and helping keep everything clear and organized. It has also allowed me to be in contact more with other team members and support them by sharing details, improving communication with clients, and making sure everyone stays on the same page throughout the project. It's definitely made me feel more a part of the team, and that what I do is important and helps the whole process come full circle.

Ultimately, 2025 was a year defined by innovation, teamwork, and a profound commitment to making our clients truly love their new spaces. Thank you to the entire team for bringing your passion, creativity, and skill to every project. We look forward to seeing what exciting milestones 2026 brings!