About Us
Meet Our Team
Bret Tidwell, founder and owner
Bret Tidwell has been passionate about building custom homes since his youth growing up ranching in the mountains of New Mexico. In rural areas, skilled labor for new homes and remodels came from neighboring ranches. When the 1973 oil crisis hit close to home, Bret developed an interest in energy-efficient homes and began studying it and using the topic for science fairs and other competitions.
Bret, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and finance, says his first love was aviation. He is a former award-winning Federal Aviation Administration Gold Seal flight instructor and airline captain. Bret also served in quality assurance with the U.S. Navy.
Bret has a keen ability to see each project’s big picture or strategic vision. He is motivated by quality and excellence with every endeavor. He delivers the energy to bring together a talented team that exceeds clients’ expectations.
Karen Kneiss, project designer
Karen Kneiss is an award-winning designer who seeks to improve the joyful home-buying experience by creating home environments that support buyers’ lives through intelligent function and aesthetically elevated design. She has 33 years of experience in residential home design and management, spanning Cleveland’s east and west sides.
Karen has completed an American Society of Interior Designers-accredited program with a bachelor’s degree in design from Miami University. Her skills include staying atop current and future trends, sharing product knowledge and developing and sustaining strong industry relationships. Her personal goals include making the world a better place by strengthening individuals and their connections to one another.
Karen’s favorite part of the home-building process is seeing clients’ eyes well up with tears when they see their vision come to life.
