OUR MISSION

TO FOSTER SUSTAINABILITY, EQUITY & COMMUNITY THROUGH THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Karen’s interest in sustainability and the built environment started at an early age, leading her to get a Masters of City and Regional Planning, focusing on real estate development and sustainable affordable housing. She transitioned into the commercial construction industry shortly after graduation where she attained LEED Accreditation and was a founding member of her company’s Sustainability Committee, implementing ways to make the jobsite and office operations more sustainable. Since 2006, she has successfully managed over $150M in construction projects.

Over the years Karen has made time to pursue personal interests such as getting her Permaculture Design Certificate, working at several indoor and outdoor farms, attending the Earthship Building Academy at Earthship Biotecture in Taos, NM and is now turning her focus to Hemp-Lime construction. 

After moving to Bend in 2018, she founded Perennial Building to pursue her goal of building sustainable homes. Her ultimate vision is to build an off-grid community where people can comfortably and affordably age-in-place and be part of a supportive community focused on self-sufficiency, quality of life, and wellness for themselves, their neighbors and the planet. 

The daughter of a builder in Iowa, Ashley found her love of construction at a very young age.  She would use every piece of scrap wood and hardware she came across to build around the family farm. By age 15 she was working as a builder for her dad’s construction company and thus her hobby transitioned into a creative lifestyle and profession.  While living in Iowa, Ashley had a series of house flips, completed an exterior remodel of a large 1920’s round-top milk barn and started her own general contracting business focused on residential and commercial remodels. While a GC in Iowa, she was certified to perform both plumbing and electrical work.  

After several years of non-stop work, Ashley took some time to travel and made her way to Central Oregon.  There was no doubt this is where she wanted to settle and continue her passion for innovative construction and building beautiful things. Once in Bend, Ashley spent 2 ½ years working for a local contractor and designer.  There she was given a chance to focus on creative construction and high-end design that included custom cabinetry & aesthetic wood-working.  Ashley’s previous work, a large house remodel that involved significant structural changes and custom-built pieces throughout the home, was featured in Central Oregon Western Home Journal.