Hugh Stearns: President, Owner and Founder

Hugh is typically the second person you will speak to after you call the office. He is the President and Founder of Stearns Design Build.  Hugh ran Stearns Design-Build as a one-person operation when he founded it in 1993. He has been the first employee of virtually every position in the company. He grew up in College Station and Bryan and graduated from Texas A&M.

His background in philosophy and psychology has helped develop the design theory that drives the company’s unique approach to residential design and green building. He took his first class in green building in 1976 and has remained a student of building science ever since. His passion for remodeling and custom home design are a large part of what has driven our growth and award-winning recognition for customer service. When you meet with Hugh, he will answer any questions you have, explain how our process works, and discuss what you would like to do with your remodeling project.

Joseph Garavito: Designer

Joseph is most likely the fourth team member you will meet. He is the Designer.  Joseph received his Bachelors of Architecture in 2001 from the Universidad Regiomontana in Mexico. Prior to joining the Stearns Design-Build, he was a Designer for Mirador in Houston, Texas. Prior to that, Joseph worked for Archodesign; a multi-disciplinary firm in Monterrey, Mexico.  His work history provides Joseph with a diverse knowledge of many projects including residential, restaurants, office and furniture. Much of his on-site working knowledge has provided a deep understanding of the construction process.  Joseph views architecture not, as a creation of static three-dimensional objects, but one that includes time and the movement of people.

His strengths are in the creation of habitat spaces and of functional geometries with a pleasing aesthetic. Joseph focuses on the human-side of design and takes great care understanding the needs of the end-user. In his free time, he actively participates in the Scouts and values teamwork and a strong sense of ethics, which is cast onto all of his projects.

Ben Herrington: Job Manager

Ben is one of the Job Managers for the company and the last member of our team you will meet. He has been in construction for several years and thoroughly enjoys remodeling. In Ben’s free time, he enjoys woodworking/to make furniture, being outdoors to camp and hike, and spending time with his family.

Once a contract has been signed, Ben will be your on-site point of contact responsible for the day to day production/advancement of the project, and he will be the one to make all the cabinetry for your project. He is also responsible for coordinating all work on the project, communicating between the client and the office, and resolving any project issues that may arise.

Gene Hutson: Carpenter’s Apprentice

Gene is one of the Carpenter’s Apprentice for the company and the last member of our team you will meet. He has been in construction for several years and thoroughly enjoys remodeling. In Gene’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Caylee, playing & listening to music, camping, hiking, and drawing.

Once your project has begun, Gene assists the Job Manager for your project. He also assists our cabinet maker at the shop. Gene helps with the day to day tasks along with helping our cabinet maker in our shop. He is also another point of contact for you to be able to ask questions or get updates from.