Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1496538
could accomplish something "meaningful and profound." "We grew up admiring old homes' charm, and trying to understand the source of that charm has been a lifelong personal passion," says Co-Founder and Director Courtenay Gebhardt. This led the company to "research geometric proportions, preservation tactics, and the history of European craft organizations." When I ask Courtenay about her favorite styles, she mentions Tudors, Craftsman homes, Foursquares, and Mid-Century Moderns. But what she loves most isn't any one type. It's "working on respectful renovations that honor the home's innate design language." "When architects are careful to maintain the proportions, regulating lines, and character of the original, there's a sort of harmony that reverberates throughout both the home and its surroundings." That Special Something Restoring or renovating a classic home means bringing a high level of craftsmanship and skill to every facet of the project. But that's just the starting point. Any company taking on this kind of work needs to bring something extra to the table if they want a result that hits the mark. What sets a company like JM Bogan apart, says Michael, is the "experience that comes with being a multigenerational company." That sense of passing the torch through the generations dovetails nicely with the work of classic home restoration. "JM Bogan Co. is truly a family team. My own construction experience began in 1975 and my son Brandon grew up around construction in the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Together, we have the combined experience and knowledge our clients need—administration, trade skills, and execution." These assets are freely transferred to employees. "They learn trade skills and have opportunities to develop their craft. It has always been a part of our company culture to pass it on." That means everyone brings a high level of expertise to each project. Even when you have the talent and experience, there is no one way to work on restoration projects, and every home requires its own approach. As Michael puts it, "There is no one-size-fits-all handbook. Each project has its own specific requirements." Meeting them calls for a trained eye. "Sometimes the task is simple; sometimes it's complex. At times discernment seems to come naturally, but it's really a learned skill—like hitting a bullseye at 100 yards, it's something you learn by doing." For Courtenay, going the extra mile means working with architects who understand classical design. "Because they're trained in the aesthetic Sometimes the task is simple; sometimes it's complex. At times discernment seems to come naturally, but it's really a learned skill—like hitting a bullseye at 100 yards, it's something you learn by doing. J. MICHAEL BOGAN, JM Bogan Remodeling PHOTO: ALEX HAYDEN PHOTO: VISTA ESTATE IMAGING PHOTO: ALEX HAYDEN 26 master BUILDER | SPRING 2023