Our Story
The story of how Highland Design + Build became one of the top home renovation contractors in the region began many years ago. From early on, founder Tom Coan realized he was mechanically inclined and loved working with his hands. Tom says, “My father, an engineer, saw things in the world as logical systems that could, and should be, understood and mastered. I loved working with him and he taught me how to think systematically about how things work.”
High school shop classes and working with a contractor honed Tom’s passion as he watched homes be built from the ground up. He learned a variety of skills and trades to acquire excellent, real-world, hands-on experience.
After college and in addition to a career in business, Tom settled in Birmingham and kept up home remodeling as a hobby, fulfilling his desire to do work with his hands and his brain. Reflecting on his experiences with hiring home renovation contractors over the years, Tom had his share of negative experiences: contractors not showing up, showing up but not providing a quote, etc. He knew there had to be a better way. He decided to take his skill set and combine his business knowledge with a love for trade work and start Highland Design/Build.
At Highland Design + Build, we relish the challenge of developing a meaningful understanding of what a client needs, then crafting the plan and team to make it happen.
