Macdonald & Lawrence Timber Framing Ltd.

James has been in the log and timber business for more than 25 years; the first 15 years as a Journeyman Log Builder and Contractor, then pursuing the craft of timber framing.

James' solid background in all aspects of construction - from foundations to finishing, 100 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft. and simple to complex - means he can take on any challenge in the shop or on site.

His pursuit of excellence in timber framing prompted James to move to Vancouver Island and join the team of M&L, whose business ethics and values fit well with his personal goals.

Lynn has found a home on Vancouver Island following an adventure-filled year of being a 'nomad' with her husband Jeff. Leaving the Ottawa Valley, a place where she called home for most of her adult life was not an easy decision and though she fondly remembers what she left behind, she also embraces all that British Columbia has to offer. One part of me wants to tell everyone how wonderful this place is, the other half wants it to remain one of those 'best kept secrets'.

When asked what is most important to her, Lynn will quickly reply, People and the quality of my surroundings! My personal goals include leaving everyone and everything I touch in better shape than when I first found them. Her goals extend out and beyond her personal life to include her professional side as well, there is no reason to settle for the status quo; each and every one of us has the ability to be outrageously great – I get really excited about helping others experience that.

Carrying with her a very diverse educational, experience and career background, Lynn works with both the staff of M&L as well as the company’s clients to ensure that their experience with the company exceeds all expectations. When she's not focusing on M&L priorities Lynn likes to expand her horizons; I love to learn, try new things, keep myself on my personal edge - indoors, outdoors, solo or with friends – it doesn’t matter…. The thrill is in the trying!

Richard has been working with M&L since the launch of their first site. He has assisted with all the web and graphic material helping to create a strong brand identity.

Hailing originally from Winnipeg Manitoba, (there can’t be much winter weather wise that would discourage him) George and his partner Vanessa via Terrace BC arrived in Duncan 6 years ago.

When he’s not engaged as a highly experienced timber frame carpenter on M&L projects, George likes to spend his time gardening, playing guitar and piano and exploring Vancouver Island. Like many of the M&L team, he has placed great value on having the opportunity to live and work in one area, ‘I love the Cowichan Valley!’

When we asked George about what gets him up in the morning, he told us ‘I love to make something meaningful and beautiful. My passion is to develop a new insight into the meaning of life.’ His care and attention to detail can be felt and seen throughout the projects that he puts his hands to. The company values ring very true to George as he believes that all people have something to contribute and that by leading by example he can share his experience and knowledge with those within the company.

The one thing that George would like everyone to know is that he cares about ‘the quality of life’. ‘Working at M&L has helped me get back to a creative and fulfilling lifestyle’, which judging by the constant smile on his face suits him well. George has been with M&L from the very early stages and is often called on to sort out the ‘little things that make a big difference’, his understanding and knowledge is always appreciated by both team members and clients alike.

Stefan trained as a journeyman timber framer in Kassel, Germany and has constructed timber frames for 25 years. His experience includes both restoration and new projects. Stefan’s love of nature and horses prompted his move to Meadow Lake SK, where he worked a 500-acre cattle and horse ranch for three years.

Stefan was prompted to move further west for the opportunity to build log homes in British Columbia. A desire to return to traditional timber framing led Stefan to M&L in July 2008.

Living on south Vancouver Island means Stefan and his partner Linda can easily indulge their passion for the vast outdoors.

Born in Duncan, Bill is a lifelong resident of Vancouver Island. He currently lives in Crofton with his wife Rhiannon and son Trey.

When he is not working with Macdonald and Lawrence, as a Journeyman Carpenter, Bill volunteers his time as a Crofton Volunteer Fire Fighter.

On site, Bill garners a great deal of respect from his team mates who often comment on ‘how safe they feel in his presence’. His time with M&L has had him working in new and different situations and he now adds ‘rope assist’ and working on top of the Kinsol Trestle to his resume.

Believing that each individual has something to contribute, Bill recognizes that it is the different contributions and attributes of individuals that supply the essence of a dynamic team. Bill comments; It’s a very good and proud feeling to be part of a team that all share a great pride and passion towards their work. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to work on projects that have such value to the community and the people.

Mark was born in Brantford, Ontario, and moved to Vancouver Island in 1993. Today he resides in the Cowichan Valley with his children Dylan and Ethan and his Partner Jennifer.

Mark is a 'Red Seal' certified Canadian Journeyman Carpenter, with a StarCor Supervisors Certification in Construction Safety.  When he's not practising his trade with M&L, Mark enjoys spending time outdoors with his kids and partner; exploring the beaches of Tofino; tubing along the lazy shore of the Cowichan River and flying stunt kites along the windy beaches of Cherry Point. He also enjoys taking a day to play a round of golf with his friends. His partner Jennifer(Doc) operates "Doc the Barber" in Chemainus - Mark is proud to have designed and created an old fashion barbershop atmosphere with vintage style woodworking matched to the antiques.

Mark has a keen eye for detail and believes in creating buildings which can stand the test of time.  He approaches all builds as if they were for his own grandchildren to admire, and says, "that is the great reward of doing what I do". Mark enjoys the wonderful connections he has with past project owners, many whom he calls friends.  His love of Japanese architecture has grown over the years through the influences of a past employer who gave him a unique opportunity to work on a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired building.

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Jeff had made the Ottawa Valley in Ontario home for much of his life. After almost a year of international travel, he and his wife landed on Vancouver Island. Finding that it reminds him most of his beloved Northern Ontario, the decision was made to call the Island ‘home’.

Jeff enjoys exploring the back roads of Vancouver Island whenever he’s not working at M&L, doing a bit of fishing and taking in the great outdoors. Believing that every problem has a solution, Jeff is constantly looking for innovative and streamlined resolutions to the challenging puzzles of life. A little known fact about Jeff is that he loves to people watch and shop and has found a way to combine them both.

We asked Jeff how working at M&L had effected his life or outlook on work and he told us: It’s easy to respect your leadership when they apply the principles of hard work, ethics and leading by example with such broad strokes. The hands on approach of all members of the team allow crew moral to flourish and getting out of bed in the morning seems easier too.

Guy Colbourne's successful career as a chef could not overcome his boyhood passion for woodworking, and in 1996 this led Guy to start a custom furniture and cabinetry business in the Cowichan Valley. His love of wood continued to develop, leading to a keen interest in timber framing. M&L is fortunate to have Guy as a member of their team, where his eye for detail and wood finishing continues to prove invaluable. The crew also appreciates Guy's culinary expertise! He lives in Duncan with wife, Sue, and their 2 children, Jess and Kaelan.

A quiet man, Greg’s main goal in life is simplicity. It’s an ideal that contributes to his logical thinking, and positive problem solving skills.

Every job is worth doing well in Greg’s eyes.

Greg currently lives in the Cobble Hill area with his wife and daughter. The area provides his family with the rural feel that isn’t divorced from civilization.

Born in Germany, Florian has never worn lenderhosen or been to Oktoberfest! For Florian, after a Nutella sandwich breakfast with his daughter Naike, there is no problem which doesn’t have a solution.

Since 2008, Florian has lived in Victoria with his wife and his daughter where he reads cookbooks and runs through Beacon Hill park.