“Instead of driving to sites we are working on, we set up a site trailer so we’re there all day, every day,” she said. “That’s how mistakes are avoided; by having own- ers on the ground with every project.” Larson says some other contractor/owners visit their construction sites on a semi-weekly basis, leaving the work to subtrades and suppliers. She says that results in reactive problem solving instead of proactive solu- tions. The company also completes framing and foundation work in-house to ensure quality. Larson says she believes in establishing relationships that stand the test of time. She says she gets involved with and attached to clients. “Relationship building ex- tends to trades and suppliers as well,” she says. “We have people we’ve worked with for years who would go out of their way to help us because we treat them with respect and know them as people. These people also know what I expect so our customer benefits with a bet- ter end product.” She says getting to know tradesmen and learning from their expertise has made her a better designer, builder and owner because she understands home build- ing at the design, engineering and finishing stages. “All aspects of this field are a bit of an obsession for me, from real estate investment, architecture and con- struction. I love designing and building a dream home from scratch and the look on the home owner’s face when they see their dream become reality.” Larson speaks to architecture classes twice a year through the Kelowna Centre for Arts and Technology. She says there are many more women there than when she was a student 14 years ago. “I am thrilled to see more women getting involved in the industry. They are about to embark on the most ex- citing ride they have ever been on.” For more information, visit allelements.ca. We create a home. Compelling backdrops of every aspect of peoples’ lives inspire us. This leads a creative project from start to finish. We create personalized architecure resulting in a home that reflects how you live. Please contact us to schedule a viewing of our showhome KIM LARSON Director, Architectural Technologist Project Manager 1.250.486.7679 kim@allelements.ca www.allelements.ca Kelowna BC The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Summer 2014 – 49