John began his career in the mid ’70s as an apprentice to the master woodworker, Phillip Lloyd Powell, in New Hope, PA. Collaborating with his distinguished mentor, John cultivated a discerning eye for exquisite design and authentic detail.
John first worked under the name Purpleheart Builders. Amaranth, or Purpleheart, is an exotic hardwood that Powell was using in the latter stages of his career. The reference to the exotic wood was John’s link to his mentor, from whom he developed his unique approach to building – looking at architecture through the eyes of a woodworker. Phillip Lloyd Powell was an inspiration to John then and now, and a tribute to Phill and his work can be found here.
John’s interest in architecture, combined with a natural ability to visualize unique detail, enables him to instill new life in historic buildings and create signature treatments for new structures. His knowledge of finishing and millwork sets John’s work apart from all others.
John and his group of skilled craftsmen look to transform, rather than just update and repair. John sees the construction process as a collaborative effort, and encourages his clients to inject new ideas as their projects evolve, and make changes along the way. He uses materials and elements appropriate to the design and period — always seeking cost effective and creative solutions for his clients.
John’s knowledge and creativity, gained by years of experience renovating historic homes and buildings in the Delaware Valley, will benefit your project from start to finish.