Our Philosophy
From vision to reality — built with precision.
-
Pre-Construction
Every McKenzie home begins with thoughtful planning and coordination. We use advanced modeling and building-science alignment to ensure each home is designed for energy efficiency, comfort, and durability before the first board is placed. Every detail—from materials to mechanical systems—is selected with long-term performance in mind.
-
Construction
Our construction process focuses on verified installation, airtight detailing, and precision craftsmanship. We don’t just build for appearance — we measure for performance. Each stage of construction is carefully inspected to con
-
Post-Construction
Before we hand you the keys, we perform extensive quality checks and testing to confirm that your home delivers on our promise of comfort, health, and efficiency. You’ll receive a full homeowner orientation, along with warranty documentation and maintenance guidelines to keep your home performing at its best for years to come.
Building better by blending design, science, and craftsmanship
McKenzie Design Build was founded by Zac McKenzie, a builder driven by the belief that the best homes combine thoughtful design, proven building science, and timeless craftsmanship.
After years in general contracting, Zac saw a gap in the industry — homes often looked beautiful but underperformed. He set out to change that. McKenzie Design Build was created to raise the standard, integrating building-science principles into every stage of construction so that each home not only looks exceptional but performs exceptionally well.
Today, every McKenzie home reflects that philosophy: performance you can feel, quality you can see.
Zac has constructed and consulted on a wide range of commercial and residential projects, always with a focus on innovation, durability, and occupant health. He leads a dedicated internal team of project managers, site supervisors, architects, and designers — all sharing his commitment to quality, integrity, and clear communication.
When he’s not on site, you’ll find Zac working on his own home, woodworking in his shop, or spending time outdoors with his wife and two kids.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Performance
At McKenzie Design Build, every home is a team effort.
From the first performance model to the final trim detail, our specialists work together to ensure precision, beauty, and lasting quality.
Brandon Tobin - Operations Manager
Brandon oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring projects run smoothly from planning through completion. With over a decade of experience at McKenzie, he brings a deep understanding of both fieldwork and project management, allowing him to effectively coordinate teams, timelines, and trades. Brandon plays a key role in maintaining quality, consistency, and clear communication throughout the building process.
Heather Kierner - Designer
Heather brings over 15 years of experience and a refined eye for creating timeless, livable interiors. She works closely with the builder and architect to bring each home’s vision to life while balancing beauty, function, and long-term value. Known for her clarity and collaborative approach, Heather helps ensure every design decision feels intentional and cohesive.
Drew Welch - Project manager Lead Carpenter
Drew brings an elevated level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to every McKenzie home. With a background in high-end woodworking and custom design, he approaches carpentry as both an art and a discipline—creating built-ins, finishes, and details that feel intentional and timeless. Drew’s work goes beyond typical framing, adding character, precision, and lasting quality throughout each home.
Matt Mutchler - Architect
Matt approaches architecture as the intersection of design and building science, creating homes that are both inspiring and highly functional. With experience across residential and mixed-use projects, he specializes in modern design and efficient construction methods that support long-term performance. Matt works closely with the builder and energy modeler to ensure each home is thoughtfully planned, well-detailed, and built to last.
Steven Rhodes - Energy Modeler
Steven works closely with the architect and builder to ensure each home is designed to perform as intended from the very beginning. Through energy modeling, he helps guide key decisions around layout, orientation, materials, and mechanical systems—eliminating guesswork and ensuring comfort, efficiency, and durability are built in, not added later. His experience includes designing and living in a high-performance home himself, giving him firsthand insight into what truly makes a difference long term.
Chloe Shook - Sales Representative
Chloe brings over six years of real estate experience, with a background spanning both residential sales and investment projects. She works closely with buyers to help them understand not just what a home looks like, but how it performs and supports long-term living. Passionate about high-performance construction, Chloe is dedicated to connecting buyers with homes designed for better comfort, health, and lasting value.
