This month, we are spotlighting Evan Dennis, one of our Lead Carpenters!
With 22 years of experience in finish carpentry, Evan is an expert in custom built-ins and woodworking. Coming from a long line of craftsmen, he began his carpentry career right out of high school in 2002.
He has worked extensively on high-end residential projects, including stair building for Boston’s brownstones and coastal New England homes. Passionate about sustainable building and conservation, he specializes in transforming spaces with custom carpentry, including high-end kitchen installations.
In his free time, Evan enjoys art, music, cooking, and rooting for the Boston Bruins. He currently lives in Gainesville with his dog, Daisy.
Get to know Evan in the Q & A below!
Tell us about your career path in carpentry.
I’ve been a carpenter for 22 years, starting out on a framing crew working on large residential projects.Early on, I realized that finish carpentry was my real passion, and since then, I’ve been involved in various forms of residential construction.
What does your typical day look like?
Right now, I’m focused on a kitchen remodel, handling demolition and reframing. I’m the first to open the site at 8 a.m., and I make sure to track deliveries and coordinate with subcontractors. At the end of each workday, I log the day’s progress in a daily field report, and take care to ensure the job site is clean, safe, and secure.
What skills do you find most essential in your role?
Attention to detail and time management are critical.
What do you love most about your work?
Seeing clients genuinely happy never gets old. Even after all these years, watching their excitement over a newly transformed space—and knowing the positive impact it will have on their lives—always feels rewarding. Plus, there’s nothing quite like a tidy job site! Hazards are minimized, and we can avoid the small, tedious setbacks that can delay a project.
What challenges are you currently working through?
Adjusting to differences in construction practices has been a bit of a hurdle. Most of my experience comes from years of work in Massachusetts, and although some details vary from state to state, I’m enjoying learning the nuances here in Virginia with the support of the Synergy team.
What advice do you have for someone starting in this field?
Learn to use the technology available for design and project organization—it makes a huge difference.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my free time, I’m into art and woodworking, and I love being outdoors with my dog, Daisy.