Friendly Structures

Friendly Structures is a husband and wife team with a commitment to creating quality work. We are well versed in the methods and materials of green and alternative building systems. It is very important to us to introduce and integrate green materials, technology and design whenever and wherever possible. We also feel it is not enough to just build a house with green materials, but that the green process starts from the very beginning with the site. We do not remove any trees or disturb any eco-system unneccessarily. Design-build is a holistic approach to construction, with the client at the center. Tell us what you want and we will bring your ideas and dreams to life...

Meredith Ozynska-Keith started on the path to becoming an architect when she was 6 years old and she heard about a house that was built on a river. The concept intrigued her so much that she drew home after home with water as a main component. It was not until college that she ever saw the house that started it all, and it exceeded every expectation. She has always had a strong connection and love for nature and passion for the land. Her design work integrates the land with the structure to give the inhabitants an experience that connects the mind, body, and soul to the surroundings.

Derick Walters has a deep root in the community. He understands the local environment and dichotomy. He approaches each challenge from a principle of practicality, choosing cost and constructability as a basis for program. Years of experience in both landscape and building construction has made him capable to manage all of the components in any construction project. Derick can build a house top to bottom, finished with a perfect outdoor setting, and makes it a point to fill our crew with a variety of skill and expertise.

Together the couple works to control all the quality and budget aspects of the project, identifying potential challenges, and coming up with creative and cost effective solutions without affecting the integrity of the design.

How our Philosophy Relates to your Project........
Because we are sensitive to our surroundings, and we look at each project's needs, we took on a special tree removal job after an ancient oak was damaged in the derecho of 2012. Other companies were not willing to work with our client to keep a car port in place and could not promise to not damage the yard or driveway. After some discussion and brainstorming we were able to come up with a plan that took the tree down safely and without removing the carport or leaving any damage to the yard or asphalt driveway. Our client was very emotional about the loss of this beloved standing member of her property, so with care and sensitivity we removed the tree. Portions of the tree were kept and turned into outdoor seating areas, donated to a local sawmill for reuse as building material, and turned into a bowl keepsake.