Kyle Little

Markdale, Ontario

Good Little Builders, Inc.

About this Affiliate

I grew up on a homestead property in the forests of Southern Ontario, Canada. Our family lived in a square post and beam log home that was built by my parents using re-cut timbers from 2 dismantled Mennonite barns. I spent the majority of my time exploring and discovering the plants and animals of the forest; learning about biology and ecology. I think my childhood really planted the seeds for some strong values that have re-surfaced later in life, and I have come to appreciate more fully in my adult years.

I was always taught to seek a living doing something that I am passionate about. Despite the insightful advice, it still took until my mid-20's to arrive at the realization that building held the key to my search; requiring equal measures of physical fitness, creativity, skill, physical and mental dexterity, flexibility, and problem solving. It also affords me the great privilege of working outside in nature on a regular basis.

I studied Building Renovation at George Brown College in Toronto, and graduated with honours in the spring of 2006. I spent the next 4 years working in Vancouver BC. Initially I spent about a year operating as a freelance carpenter - on a bicycle. I towed all of my own tools to each job in a bicycle trailer, and only accepted projects that were within a 45-minute ride of my house. Eventually I came to the realization that I needed to expand my skill-set and knowledge base in order to take advantage of some of the job offers that I was receiving. I took a job doing high-end home renovations, honing my skills as a carpenter, and cutting my teeth on project coordination. I remember being struck by the sheer volume of waste generated by construction and renovation, and thinking that there must be a better way.

I started researching natural and sustainable building technologies and practices; attending natural building workshops and seminars, and reading every book and article I could get my hands on.

In 2010 I returned to Ontario, and spent the next 3 years working as a lead hand carpenter, framing conventional houses in Collingwood, Ontario. Again I was confronted by large volumes of waste; but this time on an even larger scale.

I moved into timber frame construction, where I spent 3 years working as a full time project manager for a well-established timber frame company located near Barrie, Ontario. Having the opportunity to plan and execute such large, custom residential and commercial projects was an invaluable and deeply educational experience for me. I thrived professionally, and enjoyed many successful projects. But I still struggled with the wasteful habits of the construction industry, and all of the synthetic plastics, foams and processed materials which I was discovering to be ubiquitous throughout the construction industry.

In 2015 I had the opportunity and great pleasure of attending a 3-week intensive EcoNest workshop in Gravenhurst, Ontario. It quickly became apparent to me that I had found a building system that resonated with my own values and beliefs. The experience felt almost surreal. The structures and processes that I knew were still at play, but everything was stripped bare and exposed - there was a raw, simplified honesty. It re-ignited an internal excitement that I had not even recognized had become dormant.

Through EcoNest, I have rediscovered the spirit of building, which nourishes my own spirit. I feel that I have come full circle, back to a grounded space where I can move forward with a new sense of purpose.

I have now participated in 3 EcoNest workshops to date as of September 2016. Each experience reinforces my conviction to dedicate myself to the pursuit, development and advancement of Natural building. The holistic approach that Robert and Paula have adapted to building is truly nourishing, and I am so grateful to have the privilege to work together with them.

I highly recommend EcoNest, and I look forward to collaborating on many more homes together over the coming years.

"Kyle's resourcefulness, building experience and communication skills are what set Kyle apart as a builder and project manager. He has been a joy to work with and is directly responsible for the success of three EcoNests."    -Robert Laporte

DISCLAIMER

EcoNest recommends the Affiliates based solely on the training provided at an EcoNest professional building seminars and a completed EcoNest project in the Affiliates home region. The identification of a builder as an EcoNest Affiliate is not intended as a representation, assurance, warranty, or guarantee of the work of an Affiliate on any home the Affiliate may construct for you. Your contract for construction will be with the Affiliate and not EcoNest. It is the sole responsibility of the owner to determine the Affiliate's qualifications . EcoNest does not monitor any Affiliates' compliance with or adherence to EcoNest plans, either stock plans or custom plans, and does not inspect any work either during or after the construction. If your builder did not purchase either EcoNest stock or custom plans, your home may not be identified as an EcoNest home even though it may be built with clay/straw and timber-frame. We recommend that you to seek the advice of an attorney to review any construction contract that you enter into.