Dowbuilt Is Building Spectacular Residences that Are Endearingly Personal

Makena Residence, built by Dowbuilt, a Blueprint partner and high-end residential contractor. Architecture by Walker Warner. Photo © Matthew Millman. 

 

Dowbuilt Is Building Spectacular Residences that Are Endearingly Personal

Ben Rand is Dowbuilt's Regional Principal for Hawaii. He says the company's approach is simple: building relationships and trust is as important as the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into each of their high-end builds.

Wise folk and love songs warn that long distance relationships are tough, however Dowbuilt seems to have it figured out. According to Ben, distance is just a professional opportunity for hearts to grow fonder and partnerships deeper.

 

Residences for the same client—5,000 miles apart—designed by the same architect and interior designer and built by the same contractor, Dowbuilt. Architecture by Olson Kundig. Photo © Dominique Vorillon for Architectural Digest.

 

Take a recent two-part project for a New York based family: Dowbuilt teamed up with architect Tom Kundig and designer Rodman Primack to build two distinct homes, one in Kona and the other on Long Island, 5,000 miles away. It's rare to see collaboration like this on projects half-a-world apart, but that speaks to well-earned trust among the partners. It also spotlights Dowbuilt's reputation in Hawaii– and beyond– for building one-of-a-kind homes that are exclusive, daring, and unique.

 

Makena Residence. Architecture by Walker Warner. Photo © Matthew Millman.

 

Iconic Hawaii Homes by Dowbuilt

The company's work is never cookie-cutter, instead driven by a highly intentional and collaborative process that responds to the site, client, and architect. In a portfolio of exceptional projects, two standout homes are here in Hawaii:

Makena Residence is a bona fide media star, debuting in 2019 and appearing in numerous architectural magazines. It's also an award winner, including an AIA Honolulu Design Award and a LUXE Magazine RED Award. Perched on Maui's western coastline, this home integrates LEED Silver certified sustainability into a design that creates a sanctuary that is simultaneously serene and breathtaking.

Hale Lana House, in Kukio, is grander in scale, with several buildings carefully set between natural lava flows. The name means “floating home,” which is a nod to a primary design goal: create transparency between inside and outside spaces. It's another Dowbuilt project that blends environmental, social, and cultural contexts into a lavish and unique living experience.

 

Hale Lana House. Architecture by Olson Kundig. Photos © Nic Lehoux.

 

A Winning Approach

Ben notes, “We want to do the right work, not just any work. Dowbuilt might not be the right fit for everyone, because we don’t dial back our level of service. We've invested a lot in our people and systems, and tailored those to accommodate the requirements of the most demanding architects and clients, so we are set-up to do what other contractors can't.”

He puts a bow on their philosophy in a way that suggests Madison Avenue pitchman is among the hats that might fit him: Of Dowbuilt, Ben says, “We're looking to be the architect's builder of choice and the client's builder for life.”

When Dowbuilt talks about having lifelong relationships with clients, those claims are not aspirational: many homeowners trust the company to continue caring for their homes once the build has finished. Dowbuilt’s uniquely experienced team of professional Service Superintendents ensure that each client’s residential lifestyle is continually, and effortlessly, at its best.

 

 

Makena Residence. Architecture by Walker Warner. Photos © Matthew Millman.

 

“I'm Here for Life”

Ben's been with Dowbuilt for 16 years and heads their Hawaii team, which is expanding. He arrived on our shores from the Pacific Northwest, where he cut his teeth as a carpenter in a challenging building environment. Ben joined Dowbuilt when the company was just 46 people: now the company has grown to over 400+ employees nationwide.

With craftsmanship in his blood, Ben’s first trade was passed down from his father, Ritch Rand, a master hat maker who crafted custom cowboy hats for Montana ranchers and the movie stars who wanted to look like them. Ben became a dab hand at sewing, shaping, and finishing hats, but yearned to see more of the world. This skilled work and attention to detail translated perfectly to creating unique bespoke experiences for Dowbuilt’s residential clients. 

 

Ben Rand is Dowbuilt's Regional Principal for Hawaii. Photo © Michael Stearns. 

 

Despite a connection to the mainland, Ben’s roots are now firmly planted in Hawaii. He's actively looking to strengthen Dowbuilt's business with more opportunities to build on Kauai and Oahu, outside of the company's traditional Big Island-Maui focus. 

“My family is in love with Hawaii and I love being here. I'm here for life and this is where I'll retire, but not anytime soon—there's a lot of hard work, training and mentoring to do.” 

 

 

Makena Residence. Architecture by Walker Warner. Photo © Matthew Millman,