Structures That Honor Earth, Spirit & the Highest Craft

General Contractor  ·  Bellingham, Washington

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Kindness is Our Singular Core Value

The inherent traits of quality, integrity, craftsmanship and care exist within all of us. It is through trusting that we will always be met with kindness, even if we disagree, that we are able to offer our craft. The task becomes easy when we are working together. Kindness is the truest edge.

Craftsmen at work in the Instinct Builders workshop

We Build Special Structures

Using the highest quality and intelligent building practices and materials, in harmony with historical construction knowledge and the highest levels of craftsmanship.

Our deepest guiding principle is to honor the Earth and stars in the spaces that we build — bringing together a broad range of disciplines to create the most resonant structure possible. Spaces that feel good to your spirit, look good to your eyes, and comfort your body.

How We Work

01
We Listen To The Earth

Using site-sourced, salvaged, and responsibly manufactured materials whenever possible. Every project seeks to upgrade structures with the highest energy efficiency and modern systems.

02
We Listen To You

Honest conversations at every step to continually refine the design, budget, and essence of what we create together — bringing your dreams and true intentions into form.

03
Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts

A vast network of craftsmen of the highest caliber — architects, engineers, permaculturalists, renewable energy experts, artisans, and skilled laborers united by one vision.

04
We Educate

Large projects include an apprenticeship for one or more builders — continuing the legacy of building with quality. It is when you teach something that you truly begin to understand it.

05
We Are Efficient

Instinct carpenters are involved in almost all aspects of the build, from foundations to finish carpentry — maintaining quality control and hands-on precision throughout.

06
We Contract Cleanly

Operating on open-book Time and Materials contracts with no up-charges on subcontractors, materials, or overhead. On budget, on time, and adaptable to a project's evolving needs.

07
Sustainable by Conviction

2022 Green Builder of the Year. Members of Sustainable Connections and the Sustainable Eco-Builders network — committed to responsible, earth-honoring construction practices.

08
Masters of Craft

Every project is multifaceted and seeks to stand the test of time — an exquisite, completely unique creation born from the convergence of skill, intention, and reverence for the material world.

Meet the Team

Jonah
Jonah
General Manager
Scott Dartt
Scott Dartt
General Foreman
Noah Beardsley
Noah Beardsley
Foreman
Tim Curtis
Tim Curtis
Project Manager
Matt Vest
Matt Vest
Assistant Project Manager
Matt
Matt
Project Manager
Stewart
Stewart
Project Technician
Andres Ramirez
Andres Ramirez
CAD Lead
Derek
Derek
CAD Technician
Jesse Selch
Jesse Selch
CAD Tech
Minda
Minda
Administrator
Jackson Campbell
Jackson Campbell
Junior Lead
Chandler Clack
Chandler Clack
Journeyman Carpenter
Jarid Greene
Jarid Greene
Journeyman Carpenter
Jose Guerra
Jose Guerra
Journeyman Carpenter
Kacie
Kacie
Carpenter
Davy
Davy
Millwright
Troy
Troy
Millwright
Yossarian
Yossarian
Millwright
Jake Quigley
Jake Quigley
Apprentice Carpenter
Cole Stockman
Cole Stockman
Apprentice + Millworker
Isaac Tubon
Isaac Tubon
Apprentice Carpenter
Coco Ryan
Coco Ryan
Apprentice Carpenter
Tim Ice
Tim Ice
Apprentice Carpenter
George Pacheco
George Pacheco
Apprentice + Machine Operator
Zac Moran
Zac Moran
Apprentice Carpenter
Ben Kubicki
Ben Kubicki
Apprentice Carpenter
Ashton Hovorka
Ashton Hovorka
Apprentice Carpenter
Andy Housden
Andy Housden
Apprentice Carpenter
Harrison Fitch
Harrison Fitch
Apprentice Carpenter
Malachi Stack
Malachi Stack
Apprentice Carpenter
Michael Lopez
Michael Lopez
Apprentice Carpenter
Kelsey
Kelsey
Apprentice Carpenter
Sage
Sage
Apprentice Carpenter
Sean
Sean
Apprentice Carpenter
Lucas
Lucas
Apprentice Carpenter
Eli
Eli
Apprentice Carpenter
Scott Marx
Scott Marx
Machine Operator
Jason Wheeler — Founder of Instinct Builders
Creator & Carpenter  ·  Founder

Jason Wheeler

"My son is a ninja, my daughter is a dancer, my wife is a healer, and I am a builder."

Jason was born onto a 60-acre working farm and has been a professional carpenter for 14 years — 10 as a company owner. After graduating college he traveled the world for a decade as a mountaineering and rock climbing guide. When it came time to put down roots he started Instinct Builders to bring his skills and passions to the built environment. Inspired through a profound connection to the Earth, Jason is merging all his skills and education into creating inspiring structures built with the highest level of craftsmanship, integrity, and knowledge. Instinct relocated to Bellingham, WA in 2016.

Current Projects

Team at work in the workshop
Workshop  ·  Bellingham, WA
Precision at Every Step
Craftsman detail work
Detail Work
The Craft
Elevated warehouse view
Workshop  ·  Bellingham, WA
Warehouse Build-Out
Overhead assembly of wood panels
Fabrication
Panel Assembly
Wood slat detail
Materials
Wood & Finish

Our Portfolio

From high-efficiency new construction to historic renovations — each project is a reflection of our commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the unique vision of our clients.

Felicity — new construction cedar home
Grand Overall Winner 2022  ·  Green Builder
March 2021  ·  Bellingham, WA

Felicity

New construction of a high-efficiency home. Awarded 'Grand Overall Winner 2022' by Green Builder — a recognition of our most sustainable build to date.

Custom built saunas
Ongoing  ·  Bellingham, WA

Saunas

Made to each client's space and wishes, these custom built saunas are exemplary snapshots of our craftsmanship and joy of building.

Donovan — high efficiency new construction
Winter 2022  ·  Bellingham, WA

Donovan

New construction of a high-efficiency home. Included in the Sustainable Connection 2023 Greenhome tour as a model for responsible residential building.

Cove Road remodel with custom cabinetry
Winter 2023  ·  Bellingham, WA

Cove Road

1,700 sf remodel with custom cabinetry install — a full transformation of kitchen, living, and upper-level spaces.

Briar Remodel
Spring 2022  ·  Bellingham, WA

Briar Remodel

Complete remodel spanning kitchen, dining, and living areas — modern finishes rooted in thoughtful, livable design.

Governors Point Road — concrete road and guardrails
Fall 2022  ·  Bellingham, WA

Governors Point Road

1.5 miles of custom concrete road and guardrails — infrastructure built to endure for generations.

Northshore Mandala Home
Winter 2021  ·  Bellingham, WA

Northshore Mandala Home

A thoughtfully designed home that brings light, warmth, and deep intention to every detail — inside and out.

Rose Studio and Garage — cedar siding with curved staircase
Nov 2020  ·  Bellingham, Happy Valley

Rose Studio + Garage

Laminated curved staircase with live edge stair treads. Board + batt cedar siding garage with a finished 2nd floor studio above.

Fairhaven Cottages — 1900's sister cottages
Jan 2020  ·  Bellingham, South Hill

Fairhaven Cottages

1900's original construction sister cottages — restored and reimagined while honoring their historic character, overlooking Boulevard Park.

Columbia Historic Renovation — 1910 Victorian
May–Sept 2019  ·  Bellingham

Columbia Historic Renovation

1910 original construction. All new siding with matching period detailing, and lifting the house to excavate a new 9-foot deep daylight basement.

Cedar pergola with tempered glass panels
May–Sept 2019  ·  Bellingham, South Hill

Renovation + Concrete

Cedar pergola with tempered glass panels. Custom concrete raised planter beds with embedded lighting — outdoor living built for the senses.

Winter 2022  ·  Bellingham, WA

Liberty "Garage-majal"

Victorian inspired 2-story garage and future carriage house — a structure as striking in character as the craftsmanship it took to build it.

Mill House — 1890's historic home remodel
May 2018  ·  Bellingham, South Hill

Mill House

Remodel and additions to an 1890's historic home — preserving the soul of the original structure while modernizing every system within it.

Spring 2021  ·  Bellingham, WA

Briar Rd. Music Studio

A dedicated creative space built for sonic excellence — acoustically engineered and finished with the same care as every Instinct Builders project.

June–Nov 2018  ·  Bellingham, Fairhaven

100 Acre Wood Remodel

A full remodel in the Fairhaven neighborhood, thoughtfully restored and renewed with Instinct Builders' signature attention to quality and detail.

Columbia Bungalow Addition — cross-gable with metal roof
Aug–Oct 2018  ·  Bellingham, Columbia

Columbia Bungalow Addition

New cross-gable volume with double dormers and a custom metal roof. Master bedroom, office, and master bathroom addition to a cherished neighborhood bungalow.

Recognized By
Green Builder of the Year
2022
Sustainable Connections
Member
Sustainable Eco-Builders
Certified Member

Let's Build Something Together

We believe the best structures begin with honest conversations. Tell us about your vision and we'll show you what's possible.

hello@instinctbuilders.com