At Harmon Builders, every home we create is a reflection of our family’s passion for craftsmanship. From the design table to the final detail in the woodshop, each project is truly a family effort. This time, we’re bringing you a closer look at that process — through the eyes of our son, Emerson.
A Family Builds at Harmon
Emerson is a high school senior who’s grown up around sawdust, blueprints, and building sites. As he prepares for college, he’s taking on a new role: documenting one of our upcoming build projects. He’ll be sharing his perspective as the build takes shape — what goes into each stage, what he learns, and what makes a Harmon build unique.
Photo: The Harmon Family – Melani, Jesse, Paul and Emerson at City Lab in Berlin, Germany.
Workshop and Art Gallery Kickoff in Sharpsburg, MD.
By Emerson Harmon — October 13, 2025
Project Overview:
Permits in hand, ground-breaking next. Harmon Builders is excited to launch a new project: a bespoke workshop and art gallery in the Sharpsburg area—a space tailored for a pilot’s kit-aircraft builds alongside a refined gallery for the owners’ photography interests. With the well drilled last month, the septic system designed, and the building permit approved last week, we’re aligning schedules to break ground.
Site & Design Details:
The property to house the workshop is beautifully positioned on a hillside along the Potomac River, near Taylor’s Landing in Sharpsburg, MD. The building will feature not only a working shop for building small aircraft but also its own well and septic system, a fully equipped kitchen, ample storage, a full bathroom, and a gallery space to host the owner’s photographic work and artful gatherings comfortably. A dedicated workshop, finishing room, and ample storage ensure clean, efficient craftwork. Our kickoff meeting last week, which coordinated with trades, helped set the groundwork for breaking ground, foundation plans, and construction sequencing.
Looking Ahead
With the groundwork now clearly defined and communication lines open, the project is positioned for a strong start. The next couple of weeks will be dedicated to final preparations—securing materials and preparing the site—so that once work begins, everything proceeds smoothly.
Follow along as we shape this multi-use space from the ground up—where craftsmanship meets curation.
Next Up:
Excavation, foundation prep, and utilities.
Note from Melani: Many thanks to our long-time friend and fellow artisan Kirke Martin, owner of M4 Studios. Kirke played a pivotal role in bringing Harmon Builders into this project to assist with design, project management, and job supervision.
P.S. – Watch the process of another of our builds – an Industrial Cabin in the Mountains See the property on Airbnb
About Emerson’s Journal
A behind-the-scenes look at Harmon Builders projects through the next generation’s eyes. Emerson Harmon documents the craftsmanship, process, and creativity that go into every custom build.
Ceiling Fans for All Seasons
I can remember back in the days of watching Trading Spaces designers ripping out fans on nearly every show. Coming from Texas, I was always thinking, "There is no way these homeowners will stay sane and happy without that thing!" The truth is that the fan is your...
Snow Day! Tips for Digging Out
As I sit watching rapidly accumulating snow, I realize I am already breaking maybe the most important rule of snow removal. I definitely should have made a pass...or three...over the walk out front to stay ahead of this thing. This storm is going to be a tough workout...
Windows and Indoor Comfort
As I sat here without electricity, I found myself (for at least the tenth time this winter) glad for our lucky timing. We replaced our old nearly 100 year old windows for modern, low-E, double paned ones just this past summer. Ahhhh. Summer. But I digress. Immediately...
Piping Hot Water!
Whether building a new home or replacing a worn out appliance, a staggering array of water heater technology is available for modern households. Water heater selection may seem like the dullest of tasks, but choose wisely and you can see tremendous energy savings....
Four Seasons on Your Deck or Patio
Now that it is the season to consider construction projects that may come to completion during the warmer months, this tends to be the time for homeowners to start dreaming of a new deck or patio. As you think about this while it is still chilly outside, it is...
Energy Efficient Lighting
LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are currently the most efficient light bulb technology available. Compact fluorescent light, or CFL, bulbs are an efficiency improvement over incandescent lights as well, though not as efficient as LEDs. CFLs also contain a small amount...
Basement Remodeling
One of the joys of a basement remodel is the opportunity to work on a space that is enclosed from the elements and not subject to the whims of the weather. These can be relatively economical projects that enhance the livable area of a home without the expenses...
Lionel Lloyd of The Painted Finish
It is a great feeling when someone working on your home becomes a person you look forward to chatting with every day. Lionel Lloyd of The Painted Finish is just that kind of guy. Lionel's house painting company evolved out of a business partnership with a friend. They...
