Our Story
Reliable Craft
Specializing in essential, medium-sized projects often overlooked by large firms but too big for a handyman. We combine professional oversight with a friendly Vashon neighborly approach.
Natural Beauty
Our approach emphasizes simplicity and the beauty of natural wood, creating quiet, durable spaces that feel at home in the rugged landscape of the Pacific Northwest
Zero Mystery
Transparency in every build. Whether we are managing the project or teaching you how to do it yourself, we provide reliable oversight and clear expectations from start to finish.
Rooted in Craft, Defined by Precision
With 15 years of experience buying, remodeling, and restoring project houses of our own, we’ve learned the value of methodical precision and structural integrity. When we came to Vashon, we took on one of our most ambitious projects so far—setting out to build a life on a cozy, little 100-year-old farm.
As we started the restoration of our own property, we realized our neighbors were looking for the same thing we were—high-caliber craft for their own projects. Whenever friends or neighbors came over, they’d ask who did the work—and soon, we were being asked to help them bring that same uncompromising quality to their own kitchens, bathrooms, and barns. Build · Grow · Play was born from that need.
A Partnership of Excellence & Care
We believe a home should be a sanctuary for you to Grow and Play, designed to be Simple, Functional, and Natural. Because we value the island’s spirit of self-reliance, we also offer a unique Work with us model. Whether we handle the full project using our team, or partner with you to teach you the craft, let us bring our 15+ years of experience to partner with you to build your dream space.
Phil Vanstone - Principal | Construction & Design
Phil is a ‘country boy’ who grew up on working farms, where self-reliance was the only way of life. He learned how to build a cow fence before he could even see over the steering wheel of the farm truck, developing a fundamental ‘maker’ mindset from the very beginning.
His expertise is built on a dual foundation: years spent refining his craft as an offsider for a master builder on projects ranging from full-scale home construction to complex barn conversions, paired with a four-year trade apprenticeship and years spent as a mechanical technician on large-scale infrastructure and wastewater management systems. Having built everything from high-stakes infrastructure to custom homes, Phil approaches every project with a mechanical eye for detail. He doesn’t just focus on the final coat of paint; he’s looking at the bones and the systems behind the walls. For Phil, a project is only as good as the quality you can’t see, ensuring every build is as solid as it is beautiful.
This deep technical knowledge was honed through fifteen years of buying, building, and flipping project houses of his own. By acting as his own client on countless personal renovations, he mastered the art of property transformation—an experience that led to a successful career as a top-tier real estate agent on Australia’s prestigious Northern Beaches. Today, he helps Vashon homeowners maximize the value of their properties without overcapitalizing, ensuring every Build · Grow · Play project is a sound investment built with uncompromising quality.
So-Lan Vanstone - Manager | Design & Operations
So-Lan grew up in the city as far away from farm life as you can imagine. As a youngster, she spent her days meticulously building scrapbooks of dream homes clipped from the pages of Vogue Living. While Phil was mastering the grit of the farm, So-Lan was developing an early obsession with the aesthetic harmony of a well-designed space.
She eventually turned that passion into a career managing training for real estate investors. She mastered the entire lifecycle of a flip—from sourcing properties and securing finance to finding reliable contractors and project managing renovations to the finish line. This path led her to a specialized role with a government agency, brokering critical information for the risk management of residential portfolios.
This background is her secret weapon for island projects. It allows her to de-risk a build by ensuring site plans are airtight and local building codes are met with absolute precision. Today, she handles the digital architecture and end-to-end project management for our clients creating the detailed site plans, interior designs, and project timelines that turn our customers’ big dreams into predictable transparent roadmaps.
On the island, So-Lan acts as the strategic engine of the team, translating complex needs into organized phases so our neighbors feel informed and relaxed. Whether refining a floor plan or sourcing materials, she ensures the logistical foundation of your project is as sturdy as the physical one.
What Our Neighbors Are Saying
We don’t just work here; we live here. We treat every kitchen remodel and structural installation as if it were for our own farm, ensuring our island neighbors receive the highest level of craftsmanship and care
“Phil was sent from Heaven. He is a fine finish carpenter with broad, deep knowledge in all aspects of building. He works fast, gives honest, helpful input, spot-on advice, and does it all with a great demeanor. You know a skilled tradesman is good when other professional tradesmen on site ask for his information to refer him on (they don’t do that often) or when your friends ask for his number too. There are plenty of contractors around, but there aren’t many like Phil.“
Linda, Vashon WA
“I was off-island when a storm brought a big tree down on my perimeter fence, in a spot that was nearly impossible to reach. Phil cleared the mess, and repaired the fence within a day while I was away. Phil can fix just about anything and is highly reliable on scheduling and proficiency. He has also become a friend.”
Michael, Vashon WA
“My horse trailer ramp was broken beyond repair. A Vashon friend told me that Phil had fixed their trailer. I call Phil and he was a miracle worker. He not only rebuilt the trailer ramp, he reworked it so it was much lighter to lift along with his great care of upgrading my trailer lights. I highly recommend Phil. He is a true craftsman.”
Char, Vashon WA