OUR TEAM
The unique backgrounds of our team bring a wealth of knowledge and well-rounded approach to every project. We pride ourselves in our communication, integrity, and workmanship, but the lasting relationships we build with our clients prove we’re more than just a home builder; we’re family.
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
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.
OLE STOCKLY
Lead Carpenter
Ole grew up in Alaska in the hills of the Chugach Mountains. Early on, he was inspired by his father who was a consummate builder and leader of the community. He spent countless weekends working with his Dad around the house, at the church, and at the several properties his father owned. These experiences made it clear that working with your hands and helping those around you added a richness to life worthy of savoring. Beyond the workplace, Ole has a passion for training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, being on and off the mats since 2011. He loves going on drives with his wife in his 1953 Chevy Pickup, and has a regular habit of reading horror novels.
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.
MICHAEL DOOLEY
Site Superintendent
Michael was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. With ample exposure to the outdoors and the beauty of the PNW, he formed a lifelong reverence of the natural world and a desire to be a responsible steward of it. In college, while struggling to figure out his next steps, he took an internship on a small farm in upstate New York. He instantly fell in love with working with his hands, being outside, and the everyday puzzles that arise during the growing season. Fast forward through almost a decade of farming in Washington and Alaska, he was ready for a move back to his roots and a new challenge. From past experience in home building, he knew it was a path that he was passionate about. The problem was finding a path within construction that aligned with his beliefs about sustainability. Enter TaylorSmith. When not working, Michael enjoys spending his time with friends, playing practically any sport, and taking his dog, Basil, for walks by the water.
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
Site Superintendent
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
Project Manager
Bryan was born and raised in West Linn, Oregon and fell in love with woodworking at the age of 12 when his father helped him craft a homemade skateboard. Soon after, he convinced his parents to convert a portion of their family garage into a wood shop. His interest in woodworking morphed to a love of carpentry of all forms, and over the next 8 years, Bryan took any opportunity to help family and friends with DIY projects. Outside of work, Bryan loves to be outdoors. From camping, to skiing, to hiking the many cascade lakes, he brings a perspective of sustainability and environmental stewardship to his work. This love of the Oregon's outdoors led him to pursue a degree in Sustainability at Oregon state University in his sophomore year. Bryan graduated with a degree in Construction Engineering Management and Sustainably from OSU before finding the perfect match with TaylorSmith Sustainable Construction.