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Blending inspired design, conscientious choices, and excellent craftsmanship, Giraffe Design Build creates spaces that are as thoughtful as they are enduring. Established in 1997 in the vibrant town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Giraffe was founded on the principle that anything worth building begins with iterative and enduring design. This design intent is brought to life by carpenters who understand, and are dedicated to, expressing the design intent to create a space that both feels meaningful and looks beautiful. For Giraffe, the proposition is centered purely on
the love of where design meets the built environment – choosing materials with care, crafting with purpose, and cultivating lasting value for homeowners, their community, and the surrounding environment.
Originally, Giraffe was started by three partners who were enchanted by the beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese carpentry at the Toronto Zen Center. At inception, one partner took the lead in inspiring design, another in the day-to-day operations with Zen-like work ethic and focus, while Martin Clarke led the execution out in the field. When one partner moved away, Martin welcomed the opportunity to lead design efforts for
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