Program founder Kevin Russell joins the best as BIAW’s newest Certified Builder
August 21, 2023
BIAW’s newest Certified Builder, Kevin Russell, started his career in the building industry in the late 70s in Southern California. After pursuing other career opportunities, he returned to construction in 2003 and started Pacific Northwest Log Homes in Port Angeles.
Log homes to green homes
Russell’s new company built numerous log homes around Washington state before developing into a full-service construction company in 2005. It was at the same time he partnered with a friend and added on the building of stick homes as well as light commercial.
In 2003, Russell joined the boards of the North Peninsula Building Association (NPBA) and BIAW and has served on both ever since, including as president for both associations. Russell won the Chairman of the Board Log Home of the Year in 2004, BIAW Builder of the Year in 2018 and was awarded NPBA Life Director status in 2020.
Together with other BIAW members, Russell helped start Built Green of Washington. He served as charter chair of Built Green of Clallam County and earned his Certified Green Professional (CGP) and Master Certified Green Professional (MCGP).
Russell joined forces with fellow NPBA members and the Future Builders Foundation to build the first Low Impact Development (LID) neighborhood in the City of Port Angeles.
In 2007 Russell started the development company The DC Margene Company and built the first two dual-certified Built Green and Energy Star homes on the Olympic Peninsula.
Founding the Certified Builder Program
In 2007 as chair of BIAW’s Legislative Policy Committee, Russell initiated a discussion of contractor licensing that would require a demonstration of knowledge to acquire a General Contractor’s License in Washington. Several years later, during his time as a senior officer, he worked with BIAW staff to develop the Certified Builder Program. Now he joins the list of most proven and accountable builders in Washington state by earning the designation of Certified Builder himself.
* This article was originally published in the July/August 2023 issue of Building Insight magazine.