TAYLOR L. THOMPSON

Co Founder and Owner of Taylorsmith

Growing up in Portland, Taylor spent his free time enjoying the outdoors where he developed an appreciation for the beauty of the PNW.  His passions drew him towards architecture, construction, and engineering, eventually pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Oregon State University. During his years as a student in Corvallis, he befriended Kevin, co-owner of TaylorSmith and together they further developed their skills as craftsmen.  After graduation, he refined his construction management skills at a commercial construction firm, working on a variety of projects ranging in size and complexity.  Frustrated by the wasteful and often unsustainable practices of commercial construction, he decided to take his talents to the residential industry where he co-founded TaylorSmith. His goals of challenging the common building practices by embracing a more sustainable, and open-minded approach have held true since launching the company in 2016.  Outside of work, he loves being active.  In the summer you’re likely to find him golfing, enjoying time on the water, or backpacking with his wife and golden retriever, and in the winter you’re likely to find him on the mountain snowboarding.

LAUREN SHUMAKER

Owner and Director of Operations and Sustainability

Lauren was raised on a produce farm in Vancouver, Washington where she developed an appreciation for hard work and our environment.  As she obtained her degree in Civil Engineering at Portland State University, Lauren focused on sustainable development. She spent over a decade in commercial construction as a Project Manager where she continuously worked to integrate new sustainable building practices.  Lauren is a Certified Passive House Consultant and understands the importance of a properly designed and constructed home for energy performance and comfort. As a past member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Material Knowledge Working Group, she brings her background in building material health and sustainability to each project, helping clients select materials that speak to occupant health and environmental awareness. When not working, she enjoys running, biking, gardening, and spending quality time with her Family.

KEVIN E. SMITH

Co Founder and Owner of Taylorsmith

Kevin grew up in Portland and developed a passion for building and design from his father, an Architect with a DIY drive.  The skills he learned at home drove him to attend Benson Polytechnic High school, then eventually Oregon State University where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering and met his friend and future co-founder, Taylor Thompson.

 Post college, Kevin pursued a career in engineering, however his drive for building and craftsmanship led him back to construction and he took a position with Turner, an International Commercial firm.  There he refined his management, business, and estimating skills, but craved a community focused career with sustainability as a core value.  In 2016, Kevin and Taylor established TaylorSmith Sustainable Construction and never looked back. Outside of work when he and his wife aren’t traveling, you might find Kevin tinkering in his garage building furniture or under the hood of a classic car.

BROOKS HAXTON

Project Manager & Site Superintendent

Brooks grew up on a tree farm in Mississippi, often working for his father’s construction company where he gained experience in a variety of trades including welding, electrical, plumbing, timber framing, concrete, and heavy equipment maintenance and repairs.  Brooks’ interest in construction and machines led him to get a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.  After college, he developed skills reading blueprints, estimating, and business management, leading him to start his own construction company which he successfully ran for over 15 years.  After starting a family, Brooks closed his business in search of a family-oriented company that shared his passion for quality and sustainable construction.  When not at work, Brooks likes to be active in nature as much as possible: climbing, snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, and looking for mushrooms.

LINDSEY JONES

Project Manager

Lindsey's earliest memories are of wandering homes under construction in her neighborhood, smelling the wood and imagining the how's and why's of design and carpentry. This passion led her to graduate with two degrees in architecture from the University of Texas at Austin with an emphasis in sustainable design. She relocated to the PNW to immerse herself in the nature here. After working in design and engineering firms for years, Lindsey started her own residential design business where she thoroughly enjoys working one-on-one with homeowners through a practical creativity lens. She joined TaylorSmith as a Project Manager with a keen eye towards merging the perspectives of the client, architect, and our detail-oriented construction team. Lindsey is LEED AP certified, as well as a certified Sustainable Homes Professional and ADU Specialist. She spends her free time doting on cats, hiking, and social dancing.

CLARISA HOWE

Project Manager

Clarisa grew up in the mountains of Northern California. Her interest in building peaked while she helping her parents build their own house. She interned with TaylorSmith while studying mechanical engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After working as an equipment engineer in the semiconductor industry where she honed her project management skills, she started full time with the team to continue her passion for home building.

ERIC HOLDERBEIN

Carpenter

Eric was raised in the Bay Area by his father, a commercial general contractor, and was exposed to construction throughout his childhood. Having always had a passion for woodworking and DIY projects, he decided to explore a career change from sales to homebuilding and he never looked back.  His passion for nature and proximity to family sparked a recent move to the PNW and a position with TaylorSmith, where he could enhance his drive for quality and sustainability. When not working, Eric loves to be outdoors. You can find him hiking, surfing, camping and spending time with his wife and French bulldog.

DEREK ADAMS

Lead Carpenter

Derek grew up in Southern California and was inspired to build by his grandfather, a woodworker, and his father who owned a small roofing company. His interest in sustainable design and construction led him to pursue a degree in Urban Planning from UC Irvine. Post college, Derek worked for a geotechnical engineering firm and earned LEED AP credentials, with the intention of going back to school for architecture. However, Derek and his wife decided to move to Portland on a whim, which eventually led him back to his passion for woodworking. Specializing in cabinetry and furniture, Derek brings a detailed eye to all of his work. When not working Derek enjoys staying active, whether it’s working out, hiking, or getting up to the mountain. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and dog.

BRYAN CHAPMAN

Intern - Oregon State University