News

Designated a historical landmark, the Juarez-Hosmer Adobe has been in Montecito for almost two centuries. Due to its colorful history—at one time it served as a school house–it was essential to preserve the original character of the home, as well as its historical value. The preservation project totaled four structures–including the original adobe built between 1830 and 1840, which stands as one of the few remaining examples of adobe architecture in the Southwest. Sitting on a rock foundation, the adobe has two-foot thick walls, two windows and three doors. The adobe, built by Victor Delores Juarez after his marriage to Maria Dominquez, was not their primary residence, but served as an outbuilding for the Juarez’ sons. It was a place …

Young Construction, in conjunction with Central Coast Real Estate, assembled a team of trades to create a new garden courtyard at the Girls Inc. site in Santa Barbara. Girls Inc., a non-profit organization that facilitates activities for local girls, will use the new garden space to focus educational programs on the value of healthy living through improved nutrition. Phylicia Bulmer, owner of Organic Soul–a vegetable garden design, installation and maintenance business–conceptualized the garden project. Young Construction provided supervision, labor and materials, along with donations of material and labor from Karl Funk Construction, Construction Plumbing, Wilson Landscaping, All-Around Landscape Supply, and Hayward Lumber. Since the completion of the project, the girls at Girls Inc. have planted a variety of fruits and vegetables, …

Lead architect of our Toro Canyon project in Montecito, Tom Kundig, found while facing a unique design challenge that he could move and adapt sturdy architecture without having to use complex technology… Read Tom Kundig’s Buildings Are Half Machine, Half Architecture    

Young Construction welcomed members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to tour the Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science and Technology (SBCAST) project. The tour was led by Bob Young, and Mark Macy, Principle Architect. The thirty architects who were in attendance learned more about the architectural design approach and rationale of the project. The Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science and Technology (SBCAST) project, is envisioned to be a live/work artist community located in downtown Santa Barbara. SBCAST is an “Art, Science and Technology Live-Work Center”.  SBCAST consists of 9 studio dwelling units with shared work, equipment and storage spaces.  The site is a mid-block parcel that is relatively narrow (60-80 ft.) and deep (200 ft.). Local building …

Please join us in welcoming two new team members to Young Construction. Bryan Szal will be taking on the role of Lead Estimator and Tony Ramirez as a Project Manager. Bryan is originally from New Jersey and has been a Santa Barbara resident for the past 15 years. Bryan has made a career in estimating. He brings with him a technological background and extensive estimating experience after having worked for a number of successful companies in Santa Barbara. Bryan is certified in Green Building by the National Association of Home Builders.       Tony is native to Santa Barbara and attended SBHS. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in construction management in 2001, and …

Stepping into this home, one can sense the aura of a different time and place in history. Its unique attributes lend character to the neighborhood, and it is an excellent representation of the Victorian Era. The home is an excellent example of the Queen Anne Architectural style. Built in 1888, the style is known for its asymmetrical facades, its irregular wall surfaces, and the variety of materials and textures incorporated in the house. The decorative elements are a perfect example of this style, as is the random arrangement of the windows. YC is renovating the home’s infrastructure while maintaining the original structure’s historic charm. The work will include updated high efficiency heating and air conditioning units, roof restoration, hardwood floor …

Mike Evans, our Project Engineer and Ali Ernst, we wish you both a wonderful journey in your new life together.  

Construction’s economic future is set to continue improving through the course of 2015. Not only are economists and industry experts optimistic, but so are small business owners in the construction sector. The majority say they are positive about their business’ outlook in the year ahead, according to a report by small business insurer, Hiscox. 2015_Construction_Forecast_PART_1 (1)

It is a great honor to be presented with the 2014 Santa Barbara Contractors Association Members Choice Award, a recognition that promotes excellence within SBCA membership. The Young Construction team is proud to be held in high esteem by its peers and we look forward to continuing to form lasting professional relationships in the upcoming year.

Santa Barbara architect Barry Berkus takes us through the process he used to design the Padaro Lane Residence in Southern California. He demonstrates his conceptual design process through a series of raw drawings and diagrams, along with a detailed explanation of the site conditions, and client needs. This preliminary diagramming stage is a necessary first step in creating a functional, and well thought out design.

ArchitecTOUR 2010 features projects designed by AIA Santa Barbara architects and takes place on Saturday, October 2nd from 11am to 4pm. The Tour features six exclusive properties including a diverse mix of historical and modern custom homes and an innovative residential medical facility. This event is organized by AIA Santa Barbara in honor of their 81st anniversary and in celebration of excellent local design. Visit the AIA website from more information click here

“Deconstruction process salvages 70-80% of a structure for re-use, saving tons of waste from the landfill while producing a very nice tax credit. We’re currently involved with such a project in Hope Ranch, let me know if you’d like more details.” Deconstruction and recycling story in USA Today: click here to preview.

According to an L.A. Times article published today… “After more than a year of meager activity, the nation’s architects reported a growing number of new contracts in October from builders preparing to get real estate developments off the ground. It was the highest level of new business for the nation’s architects since August 2008, a report from the American Institute of Architects says.” While most of the new construction is attributed to institutional projects such as schools, government buildings and healthcare facilities and then multifamily residential developments, it is a positive sign for the industry. Read more.