Honesty, value, and integrity
Hemlock homes places extreme emphasis on honesty, value and integrity. Our team is as committed as you are, ensuring no detail is overlooked.


Craftsmanship and attention to detail
Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, Hemlock Homes has earned a stellar reputation in the local community and beyond.
From initial concept to the final touches, Hemlock Homes ensures that every project is executed with the utmost precision and care, reflecting their commitment to delivering top-notch quality and customer satisfaction.
- 1We take pride in our client-focused approach, exceptional customer service, and
expert craftsmanship. It’s our passion for building great homes that sets us apart. - 2Our number one priority is our customer’s complete satisfaction.
- 3We exceed our clients’ expectations by building homes that are both functional and
aesthetically pleasing with our attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
Dedication to excellence
Exemplifying their dedication to excellence, Hemlock Homes employs a team of highly skilled workers, designers, and craftsmen who work collaboratively to bring clients’ visions to life.
Their comprehensive approach to home building involves incorporating energy-efficient practices, ensuring that each home not only meets the highest standards of aesthetics but also prioritizes customer needs.
With a keen understanding of the unique demands of the local terrain and climate, Hemlock Homes consistently delivers homes that not only exude elegance and sophistication but also offer functionality and comfort, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a superior living experience in the picturesque town of Nelson, BC.

Who We Are

Andrew Murray – Principal/Managing Director/Custom home specialist
Andrew has been drawn to design, craftsmanship, and building since he was young. In his 20s, he worked in a mix of demanding roles. He ran wilderness river trips, worked as a ski patroller, and spent years in fine finish carpentry. Those jobs taught him how to stay calm under pressure, solve problems fast, and take pride in the details.
Over time, Andrew focused fully on custom home building. He learned that great homes come from great planning. Clear schedules, clean job sites, and smooth communication make the process better for everyone. Most of all, he keeps your goals at the centre of every decision.
Andrew builds homes that feel true to the West Kootenay lifestyle. They are well designed, energy smart, and built to last. He is not just building a house. He is guiding you through a big project with care, clarity, and respect, so you end up with a home you are proud of.
Cameron Johnston – Site Superintendent/On-site Project Manager
Cam keeps your build moving forward with seamless coordination, calm leadership, and clear standards. He’s known for managing complex custom home projects smoothly. He plans ahead, keeps trades aligned, and stays on top of details so timelines are met without compromising on quality. His work is defined by strong craftsmanship and a discerning eye. Little things do not slip past him.
Cam’s diverse skill set also means he can troubleshoot technical challenges quickly and thoroughly. He solves problems early, keeps decisions clear, and helps the team stay efficient when things get complicated. He also keeps a close eye on costs. Cam watches selections, scope changes, and site decisions with the budget in mind, so small choices do not turn into expensive surprises. He flags risks early and offers practical options that protect both quality and value.
He works closely with you to understand your vision.
He shares practical insights and offers solutions that support your goals and protect the build. That mix of precision, budget awareness, and seamless project management leads to a smoother experience for you,
and a home that often surpasses expectations. Cam ensures that each element of a project is executed with precision, nothing escapes his discerning eye. He works closely with clients to understand their vision, offering insights and solutions that result in homes that surpass expectations.


Jordan Montgomery – Lead Carpenter
With extensive experience across all sectors of residential construction, Jordan Montgomery is a key member of the Hemlock Homes team. His depth of knowledge and expertise make him an invaluable asset on every project, from framing to fine finishing. Jordan’s high-level skill set, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, ensures that every home is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality.
A natural leader, Jordan leads by example—demonstrating efficiency, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His passion for home building is evident in his work, and his positive attitude creates a motivating and collaborative environment on-site. Whether mentoring team members, problem-solving complex challenges, or refining the smallest design details, Jordan consistently strives to deliver outstanding results.
His work ethic and drive to be the best don’t just benefit the homes he builds—they also inspire those around him. At Hemlock Homes, Jordan plays a vital role in turning architectural visions into beautifully crafted realities.
Benjamin Foster – Carpenter
Benjamin Foster’s passion for construction started at an early age—some might say he was born with a hammer in his hand. A natural problem solver and self-starter, Ben has always been drawn to the intricacies of home building, from initial planning to the final finishing touches. His deep appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation led him to pursue a diploma in Sustainable Construction Management Technology from Okanagan College, where he honed his expertise in eco-friendly building practices and efficient project management.
At Hemlock Homes, Ben is instrumental in keeping projects on track, ensuring efficiency, precision, and the highest standards of quality. He thrives on collaboration, fostering strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and team members alike. His approachable nature and commitment to clear communication help make the home-building process as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
He finds inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds him—fueling his passion for creating homes that blend harmoniously with their environment.


Michael Laks – Carpenter
Michael is one of the most well-rounded and experienced members of our team, bringing a diverse background and a broad skill set to every project. With hands-on expertise across all facets of construction—ranging from large-scale commercial builds to detailed residential renovations—he’s a versatile and reliable asset on any job site.
Michael’s journey into carpentry has been anything but conventional, reflecting his creative spirit and deep commitment to personal growth. He began his career as an electrical apprentice, gaining foundational knowledge in the trades, before exploring academic pursuits in nutrition. His passion for the creative arts then led him into music and jewelry making—fields that sharpened his eye for detail and design.
Ultimately, Michael found his ideal outlet in carpentry, where craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving intersect. His work is marked not only by technical precision but also by an artistic touch that brings character to each project. Whether framing a structure or finishing a space, Michael takes pride in building with intention, leaving behind a lasting impression of quality, integrity, and artistry.
Josh Tarrant – Carpenter
Josh Tarrant thrives in a well-structured, team-oriented environment, making him a perfect fit for Hemlock Homes. With a strong work ethic and a deep passion for carpentry, he takes great pride in contributing to high-quality custom home projects. His attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to craftsmanship ensure that every build meets and exceeds client expectations.
A versatile and dependable team member, Josh excels both in collaborative settings and when working independently. He takes initiative, stays focused, and approaches every task with efficiency and precision. His ability to identify and troubleshoot challenges on-site allows projects to move forward smoothly while maintaining the highest standards.
Beyond his technical skills, Josh is known for maintaining a clean, organized job site—a reflection of his disciplined approach to construction. He understands the importance of time management and consistently meets deadlines, ensuring that each phase of the build stays on track.
For Josh, every home is more than just a project—it’s an opportunity to bring a client’s vision to life with excellence, precision, and care.


Michael DuCharme
Michael brings steady energy to site and takes pride in clean, efficient work. He grew up playing team sports, and that team mindset still guides how he works every day. Outside of work, Michael is all in on the Nelson lifestyle. He enjoys hiking, running, squash, skiing, and cross-country skiing. That love of movement shows up on site through strong stamina and a solid pace you can count on.
Michael has a long-term commitment to the craft of carpentry. He enjoys the intensity of the work and the focus it demands. He is a keen problem solver, quick to adapt, and always ready to find the best path forward when plans change. Work culture matters to him. He values a tight knit crew where people communicate well, look out for each other, and take pride in the result.
After working in other demanding industries, he knows a healthy crew makes the work safer and smoother. It also shows up in the finished home. When the team works well together, the details get the care they deserve, the quality stays high, and your experience as a client feels clear and well supported
Leigh Mayoh – Custom home design specialist
Leigh Mayoh has over 20 years of experience as a designer. With a fine art background and his experience working with theater sets, architectural millwork, timber-frame design and large scale public art has awarded him the abilities to yield innovated solutions while still considering the clients lifestyle and balancing function, creativity and exquisite design. These experiences help him with his current work and passion.
Leigh is a strong believer in including the client in the design process. His easy-going approach makes it easy for the client to feel included in the design. We can’t always be in the same place at the same time. Online meetings are an efficient way for Leigh to meet with clients that are far away or have busy schedules.
Leigh’s strength is his ability to problem solve and imagine innovative solutions, has always been his strength. He sees a difficult building site as an opportunity to flex our creative muscle.


Rod Taylor – Residential Designer & Small Home Design Specialist
Rod Taylor brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for thoughtful, sustainable design. With a rich and varied background in the construction industry, Rod has spent decades deepening his expertise through hands-on work in carpentry, cabinetry, and project management. His practical, hands-on expertise is complemented by his credentials as a certified Passive House consultant, along with specialized training in building science and comprehensive knowledge of the BC Building Code.
Rod is particularly known for his focus on small home design, where every square foot matters. He excels at creating spaces that are efficient, functional, and aesthetically inspiring—balancing smart design with a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy performance.
At the core of Rod’s design philosophy is collaboration. He approaches each project as a creative partnership, working closely with clients to understand their goals, needs, and lifestyle. By engaging clients as co-creators in the design process, he ensures the final home not only reflects their vision but also benefits from his technical insight and design sensibility. The result is a space that is uniquely yours—crafted with intention, efficiency, and enduring beauty.
Joshua Johnson – 3D Generalist/ Arch-viz Specialist
Joshua is the founder of Gnudesigns.ca, a skilled 3D Generalist, and architectural visualization artist based in Vancouver. Originally from Nelson, BC. Joshua grew up immersed in the natural beauty of the mountains—an environment that sparked both his creative passion and love for the outdoors. With over a decade of experience in construction and design, he offers a unique combination of technical knowledge, artistic vision, and hands-on expertise.
Joshua specializes in photorealistic renderings, immersive VR environments, and high-end interior visualizations. His background in interior design is backed by a strong foundation in cabinetry, set decoration, and 3D modeling. He collaborates closely with clients to craft room layouts, lighting schemes, and material palettes that are both functional and visually striking. His technical proficiency spans tools like Blender, Revit, Unreal Engine, Photoshop, and Substance Painter, and he’s known for delivering accurate, interactive, and visually compelling designs.
As the creative force behind a range of custom 3D products, Joshua also brings innovation into physical spaces through 3D printing and prototyping services. When he’s not in the studio, you’ll find him exploring BC’s backcountry—camping, snowboarding, mountain biking, or hiking. His appreciation for rugged, natural environments consistently informs the way he approaches design: with clarity, balance, and purpose.


Charmain Bibby – interior design consultant
Charmain enjoys collaborating with clients, the house designer/architect and construction team to create a cohesive design that is not only functional but also reflects who you are. Charmain excels at visualizing the whole home and takes into consideration all the design elements.
Building a new home can be overwhelming, Charmain can expertly guide you through each step of the process from design phase to final furnishing and decorating.
*Jennifer Harper – Colour Selection and Coordination Specialist
Jennifer has been working professionally as a certified colour consultant since 2013 as the owner and lead designer of Social Room Interiors. Furnishing and decorating is only one half of the design coin.
Jennifer will participate with and guide our clients through the build. She is passionate about offering real solutions and expert advice on how to make your vision a reality. Jennifer adds a level of confident expertise that will ensure cohesive results. https://www.socialroominteriors.ca/services
We include Jennifer’s services into all our custom homes at no extra charge. Support is available to assist your decision making process throughout your custom build. These include; colour and surface coordination – interior & exterior surfaces such as – flooring, trim, cabinets, countertops, tile, stone and wood.

*We include Jennifer’s services into all our custom homes at no extra charge.
This support is available to assist your decision making process throughout your custom build. These include; colour and surface coordination – interior & exterior surfaces such as flooring, trim, cabinets, countertops, tile,
stone and wood.


