ABOUT US

Our story

To us our work with clients is more than a transaction, it’s a relationship. A relationship we build by being excellent communicators, setting realistic expectations and delivering on them.

In this process, we look to change the stereotype and set the new standard for the modern day designer-builder. Our goal is to change the “three-bid” stigma in our industry. Our mission is to create a trusting relationship with our clients, help them develop realistic goals for their project and deliver a top tier product that’s on-time & on-budget.

We strive to deliver the dream home our clients have always envisioned, their forever home that will last for generations to come! To sum it up, it’s simple - we care deeply about modernizing this industry & delivering immense value.

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.

Chris Atwood is co-owner & co-founder of Otter Creek Homes with his wife, Lauren. Born and raised in the seacoast area, Chris graduated from Middlebury College with a burning passion to start his own business. As a third generation craftsman who spent many childhood days on the job site, Chris always knew where his heart lied. He longed to get his hands dirty and build something he could be proud of.

His work is rooted in an impeccable attention to detail with a healthy dose of hard work learned over the years from the generations that came before him.

Time to get to know us a little better:

1. What’s your most favorite part about running Otter Creek Homes?

   Leading our team and delivering an exceptional product! We’re working to turn the industry on it’s head and being the leader of the team that’s doing that is invigorating.

2. If you could give your clients one piece of advice what would it be?

   Trust us. You won’t be disappointed!

3. If you weren’t a business owner what would you be?

   A hockey coach.

4. What’s the best part about working with your wife?

   She can’t get mad that i’m obsessed with my work because she’s right beside me!

5. If you could change one thing about this world what would it be?

   I think often times we care too much about what others think of us. I hope for a world where people embrace themselves & pursue their dreams without hesitation or judgement.

Lauren Atwood is co-owner & co-founder of Otter Creek Homes with her husband, Chris. Born and raised in the seacoast area, Lauren graduated from The University of New Hampshire with a deep passion to fuel her creative spirit.

Lauren’s creative direction is rooted in warmth and natural materials. She brings her passion for natural light, organic textures and warm contrast to every space she designs. Lauren works to create a cohesive design blending function with aesthetic seamlessly in every project. OCH is known for an elevated aesthetic that brings living finishes to the forefront of all designs. Lauren prides herself on delivering a lived-in west coast aesthetic to the seacoast area.

Time to get to know us a little better:

1. What’s your most favorite part about running Otter Creek Homes?

   Building a team of kind, genuine people who care deeply about their craft. Our people are what makes us the brand we’re known to be!

2. If you could give your clients one piece of advice what would it be?

   Don’t chase the trends, stay true to a grounded authentic aesthetic that will stand the test of time!

3. If you weren’t a designer what would you be?

   Hmm, this is hard. I truly love what I do so deeply but if I had to choose, a personal stylist!

4. What’s the best part about working with your Husband?

   Constant laughter. There’s no one I would rather spend all of my days with!

5. If you could change one thing about this world what would it be?

   Love and kindness goes a long way. My wish is that one day we as a society can accept and embrace all for who they are.

Each member of our team is hired not just because they’re good at what they do but because they’re good people first and foremost.

LUKE

Lead Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“No two jobs are the same! Taking on the challenges of each project and watching them come to life make it fun and rewarding to pick up the tools each day.”

CHARLIE

Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love being part of a team that prides itself on integrity, and always strives to produce a truly exceptional product, not just one that looks good at surface level.”

JARED

Project Coordinator

What do you love most about what we do?:

"I love the way we transform a space. From our inhouse team to our trade partners, we take incredible pride in our work to turn out the highest quality product for our clients. The before and after pictures truly speak for themselves."

RYAN

Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love being able to stand back at the end of the day and admire the work i’ve created.”

ADEN

Journeyman Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“My favorite part of what we do is being involved from start to finish of every project and being able to watch them transform over time into their finished products. It's a great feeling of accomplishment along the way and it's an exciting process to be involved in.”

ERICA

Designer

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love working alongside such talented and positive people who aren't afraid to push the boundaries of design. Being able to work alongside in-house carpenters allows for such a seamless bridge between our vision and execution, which is really special!”

KYLIE

Jr. Designer

What do you love most about what we do?:

“Having both construction and design teams work together on a project from the beginning to the end makes for a really creative and collaborative approach to problem solving. Every team member here is incredibly talented and came to OCH with their own unique and specific skill sets. Working with a team like this bridges the gap between the design realm and the built environment in a very innovative and inspiring way”

SETH

Lead Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love being able to be a part of the whole project! From demo and framing to finish carpentry & cabinets. Working closely with a well-rounded group of craftsmen and creatives to create spaces people are excited to call home is the best part!”

AJ

Office Manager

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love seeing the team work together to bring a project to life! Every member of the team contributes to each project in a different way and it all comes together to make a client's dream a reality!”

RYAN D.

Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

Coming soon

Why did we choose the name Otter Creek?

Well, Otter Creek happens to be the river that the town of Middlebury, Vermont sits on. This town holds a special place in our hearts. It’s where Chris went to college and where countless memories were made for us as a couple. Four years of long distance dating solidified our love and commitment to one another. Looking back, those years gave us the foundation we needed to launch our journey that led us here today.