Built Different — By Design
The McKenzie Process
At McKenzie Design Build, we believe the best homes begin with clear intent.
Rather than treating a home as a collection of individual decisions, we take a thoughtful, connected approach—one that considers how each part of the house affects the others and how the home will perform over time.
This process allows us to design and build homes that prioritize long-term durability, healthier indoor environments, consistent comfort, and efficient use of energy and resources.
It Starts With Design
The most impactful decisions in a home are made long before construction begins.
During pre-construction, we work closely with our clients, designers, and energy-modeling partners to understand:
How the home will be lived in day to day
What durability, health, and comfort mean to the client
Long-term expectations, not just first impressions
Budget priorities and where thoughtful planning provides the most value
This early work allows us to make informed decisions intentionally—rather than reacting to issues later in the build.
Designing With the Whole House in Mind
Before construction starts, we take time to understand how the home should perform as a complete enclosure and living environment.
This includes careful consideration of:
The building enclosure: water, air, vapor, and thermal control — in that order
Window selection, placement, and operation: Based on orientation, comfort, daylighting, and energy modeling
Solar alignment and shading strategies: To manage heat gain and glare naturally
Ventilation and indoor air quality: Using balanced, intentional approaches
Makeup air for major appliances: Supporting safe and predictable operation
Roof venting and moisture management
Water distribution and efficiency
Advanced framing methods
Sound control and acoustic comfort
Each of these decisions influences the others. By addressing them together during design, we reduce uncertainty and improve outcomes during construction.
Our Performance Priorities
Every project is guided by the same order of importance:
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Unmatched Long-Term Durability
Thoughtful water and moisture management so the home lasts
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Healthier Indoor Environments
Clean, controlled air and moisture for long-term well-being
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Comfort Consistency
Even temperatures, reduced drafts, quieter spaces
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Energy Efficiency & Lower Operating Costs
Achieved naturally by addressing the first three well
This order helps ensure performance is durable, not fragile or short-lived.
From Design to Construction
A clear design only delivers results when it’s carried through carefully during construction.
That’s why we remain closely involved throughout the build. Key details are handled in-house or directly overseen in the field to ensure that what was planned is what gets built.
This continuity—from design through execution—helps maintain clarity, accountability, and consistency as the home comes together.
Post-Construction: Verifying Performance Over Time
Our process doesn’t end at move-in.
To help homeowners better understand and care for their homes, we partner with Airthings to provide one year of complimentary indoor air quality monitoring. This allows homeowners to gain real insight into how their home is performing—tracking factors such as air quality, humidity, and other environmental conditions over time.
This data supports:
Better understanding of indoor environmental health
Early awareness of conditions that could impact durability or comfort
More informed decisions about how the home is operated and maintained
By extending performance verification beyond construction, we help ensure the home continues to support the people living in it—not just on day one, but well into the future.
A Thoughtful Way to Build
Much of our approach is rooted in long-standing building principles—refined with modern materials, modeling tools, and ongoing education.
High-performance homes don’t need to be extreme or complicated. They benefit most from being well considered, intentionally designed, and carefully executed.