Ian approaches his projects by visualizing the finished product and then charting a path to get there. Ian feels he has been very fortunate during his career. The most rewarding aspect of his job is seeing the satisfaction on his client's face upon completion of a project.

Born in England, Ian entered a five year apprenticeship contract to become a shop-fitter for a very prestigious wood working company at the age of 15. Upon completion of this apprenticeship, Ian received two degrees - the Yorkshire Building Degree and the City and Guilds of London Degree.

Ian moved to Santa Barbara in 1973 and returned to carpentry as an independent finish carpenter. He was hired at Allen Associates in 1980 as a finish carpenter, overseeing a crew of 12. As an Associate, he manages whole house remodels and new residential construction projects. In 2000, one of his projects received both a Chrysalis Award for Best Whole House Remodel $500,000-$1,000,000 from the National Remodeling Council and the Best Residential Remodel Under $750,000 from the Santa Barbara Contractors Association.