Testimonials
Abby thoroughly enjoys the design process. She is tireless in her efforts to achieve visual and textural harmony in her design. I appreciate her use of pleasing palettes of color and diverse materials in a way that is stimulating and restful at the same time.
-Ambrose Pollock
Carmel, California
Master Craftsman, Ambrose Pollock Cabinets & Furniture
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I met Abby almost two years ago on a project that she was designing in Carmel, California. The house was located half a block from the roaring waves of the Pacific ocean. The house is a craftsman but with the interior finishes, Abby created an upscale design with modern details. Through her choices of tiles, paint and counters, she brought the colors from the beach-scape inside. Through the lighting, built-in cabinets and seating and with the wood floors, she added eye-catching details with a polished flair. The home, as many California homes do, lives inside – out. Abby chose a canvas of blue gray stone which she wove from the front into the back yard creating seating areas in which to entertain through out the property. She then softened the stone with native plants that lent a subtle backdrop to the borders.
After the home was complete and on the market, I showed the home to almost 150 people who raved about the design and finishes and many commented that it was the finest quality and nicest home they had seen in Carmel. (An area of largely second homes to people from around the world) The home sold rather quickly and was listed at just under $4.8 million.
Abby has a very defined eye for color and detail. Coupled with her unique style, the end result is a work of art. Although she had the freedom to design this home for the owners, I have also observed her graceful approach in working with the buyers and know, that to what ever degree of participation a client may choose to have in their project, they are in capable hands to create a special end result.
-Marla Rea
Carmel/Pebble Beach, California
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We had the opportunity to work with Abby and Jon when they hired us to provide architectural services for a complete rebuild of a house they were undertaking in Carmel, California.
I'll admit I was initially somewhat skeptical that this young duo, despite their obvious initiative and enthusiasm, would be able to pull off a project as complex as what they were contemplating. Facing a host of potential difficulties - minimal setbacks, fractious neighbors, a sometimes hostile building department, major excavation within the root zones of protected landmark trees, and not least a large basement of high finish in an area of significant ground water issues - there would be a lot of skills necessary to bring the project to successful fruition.
We needn't have worried. With Abby providing the overall vision and the interior design, and Jonathon providing the craftsmanship and project management the project grew into something of remarkable beauty and refinement. I confess there were times during my site visits when I wondered if they would be able to pull it all together; whether they had set the bar too high and if they would need to compromise their standards just to get it done. I'm happy to report my concerns were unnecessary. The finished house manages to balance the sometimes competing qualities of being original yet mature, eclectic yet consistent. It is a very fine home.
We are an architectural firm specializing in high-end custom homes, and with almost 20 years designing for the needs and tastes of Central California - Pebble Beach and Carmel in particular - and in terms of aesthetic, commitment, and craftsmanship I'd put Abby and Jon up against anyone.
-Craig Holdren
Holdren + Lietzke Architecture
Monterey, California
This year I represented Buck Construction in the sale of a property they renovated. The renovation was so spectacular that the home sold the first day on the market! Unfortunately there were several interested buyers but only one home for me to market. The Bucks are talented, responsive & professional. I highly recommend Buck Construction!
-Shane Masaschi
Chatham, Massachusetts
Carmel Woodcraft LLC contracted with Buck Construction to build a California classic home in the Green and Green arts and crafts style. The home featured significant custom wood work skillfully executed by and/or under the direction of Jonathan Buck. The home includes numerous hand crafted features from handmade rafter tails, to butterfly jointed walnut staircase edging, to hand carved shelving and a solid walnut hand shaped bar countertop. Following the vision of the interior designer Abigail Sholl, Buck construction successfully built a one of its kind ageless heritage home. The house uniquely stands alone in the Carmel California neighborhood of classic cottages and Mediterranean style homes.
Carmel Woodcraft was very pleased and impressed with the final result.
-Sue Harlander + Jeff Sholl
Carmel Woodcraft LLC
Carmel California