WE BUILD COOL SH!T LUXURY HOMES. BOLD DESIGN. LASTING RELATIONSHIPS.
BIRCHWOOD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HOLIDAY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025 | VOL 2. ISSUE 2 BCCFAMILY.COM
BUILDING HOMES IS A CRAFT. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IS AN ART.
BUILDING BOTH IS BIRCHWOOD.
A SEASON OF
GRATITUDE As the year draws to a close, our hearts return—once again—to gratitude. Gratitude for the remarkable relationships that shape our work, elevate every project, and remind us why we do what we do. To our homeowners, partners, and subcontractors: you have each added something extraordinary to this year, and we’re deeply thankful. This season, we’re celebrating far more than the homes we build. We’re celebrating the quiet poetry of a winter sunrise over the lake, the energy of summer gatherings that linger long after dusk, and the friendships formed in hallway conversations, design meetings, and countless moments on site. Every home is a shared vision, and it’s an honor to craft spaces that reflect the lives and legacies of the people who inhabit them. To our homeowners: Thank you for trusting us to bring your vision to life. It’s a privilege we hold with both care and enthusiasm—from those first sketches to the moment your home becomes a part of your story. To our subcontractors and trusted partners: Your expertise, integrity, and craftsmanship continue to elevate our work in ways that inspire us daily. Collaborating with professionals who care as deeply as we do is one of the greatest gifts of this industry. From our family to yours, we wish you a season filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful moments. As we look ahead, may the coming year bring fresh possibilities, new beginnings, and an even deeper appreciation for the spaces that gather and ground us. As you turn the page into a new year, we invite you to explore a selection of custom projects that defined this season for us—each one a testament to creativity, craft, and the relationships that make every Birchwood home uniquely its own.
Kenny Provost
THE NEXT CHAPTER
W
e are honored to share two meaningful
milestones at Birchwood Construction—each shaped by the same spirit that guides every home we build: thoughtful craftsmanship,
quiet care, and an unwavering commitment to creating extraordinary spaces.
A NEW CHAPTER IN LEADERSHIP Kenny Provost has assumed full ownership of Birchwood
Construction. His stewardship reflects the very heart of our
work—intentional, relationship-driven, and deeply rooted in Northern Michigan.
This moment also carries our profound gratitude for Tom Adams. His leadership, vision, and relentless pursuit of
excellence helped shape Birchwood into the respected,
highly detailed builder it is today. Tom’s legacy lives in every project, every partnership, and every standard we uphold. While we will miss him in our daily rhythm, we proudly
celebrate his well-earned retirement and the indelible mark he leaves behind.
With Kenny guiding the next chapter, our promise remains steadfast: to create exceptional homes and foster lasting
relationships with the families who place their trust in us.
A DIGITAL HOME THAT REFLECTS THE HOMES WE BUILD We’re also pleased to unveil our newly designed website—a refined, beautifully curated space that mirrors the elevated
craftsmanship found in our homes across Northern Michigan. Thoughtfully built and intentionally streamlined, it offers a closer look at our process, our people, and the work that
defines us. We invite you to explore our new digital home at bccfamily.com. Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue to build remarkable spaces—and meaningful relationships.
BIRCHWOOD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | DECEMBER 2025
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
BCC CONTINUUM
W
e are proud to announce the launch of BCC Continuum, a white-glove property management division designed to extend the company’s signature craftsmanship and client care well beyond the final walk-through. With BCC Continuum, Birchwood Construction enters a new chapter—one where stewardship, peace of mind, and elevated service continue long after the keys are handed over.
BCC Continuum offers discreet, high-touch property management and home care services tailored for discerning homeowners who expect the same excellence that defines Birchwood’s custom builds. Services include:
Seasonal maintenance Vendor coordination Emergency response Proactive home health checks
All overseen by a dedicated team committed to protecting the beauty, functionality, and value of each home. Rooted in Birchwood’s core belief that “Building homes is a craft. Building
relationships is an art,” this new division ensures clients experience continuity, trust, and attention to detail in every aspect of homeownership.
Unlike transactional service providers, BCC Continuum is relationship-based. Our team
understands every home we manage because, in many cases, we built it. We serve as caretakers, advocates, and long-term partners. In an industry often driven by checklists and volume,
Birchwood sets itself apart by continuing to deliver handcrafted service, one family at a time. BIRCHWOOD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | DECEMBER 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Katelyn Hansen has been appointed as Director of Continuity and Care for our new BCC
Continuum division. In this role, Katelyn will lead the vision and execution of whiteglove property management services for our homeowners, providing the same level of attentiveness, trust, and craftsmanship that define every Birchwood home. As the primary point of contact for BCC Continuum, she will oversee homeowner relationships, service delivery, and the evolving offerings that ensure each home continues to be cared for long after the build is complete. Katelyn joined Birchwood as our Director of First Impressions, and quickly became an indispensable part of our operations team. Her calm presence, organizational skill, and gift for relationship-building make her the ideal leader to bring BCC Continuum to life.
Katelyn has been wonderful to work with
and has taken great care of my home in Bay Harbor. She’s very responsive, easy to
communicate with, and consistently on
top of the details. I feel confident knowing things are being handled smoothly, which has made the entire experience excellent. It’s clear she cares about the properties
she manages and the people she works with. I would absolutely recommend
Katelyn to anyone looking for a reliable and extremely professional property manager. - Renee
BCC CONTINUUM A BIRCHWOOD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
LEARN MORE ABOUT BCC CONTINUUM
AWARD WINNING
MASTERPIECE
FIRST PLACE, BOLD VISION: OUR AWARD-WINNING NAUTICAL BUNKROOM SETS SAIL AT THE DETROIT DESIGN AWARDS One of our most beloved projects—a custom bunk room designed for a nautical lakefront home in Northern Michigan—has been awarded First Place in the Children’s Room category at the 2025 Detroit Design Awards. This award-winning bunkroom was designed as part of a full-scale remodel for a luxury second home, where the goal was clear: create a space that’s functional, whimsical, and timeless—a place where grandkids and guests could dream, play, and make lasting memories. Let's take a closer look at the details of this custom room: Custom made built-in bunk beds with brass railings inspired by vintage yachts Custom porthole mirrors and nautical lighting details Integrated storage with deep drawers, leather pulls, and rich wood inlays Hand-selected sailboat wallpaper and custom trim that nod to maritime tradition Floor plan designed to sleep four while maximizing space and light Every element of this custom luxury bunk room was intentionally chosen to reflect the home’s lakeside location and the client’s vision. We partnered with the design experts at Studio M Interiors to pull all the elements together to design this space with both sophistication and playfulness in mind.
What makes this children’s room award-worthy isn’t just the detailing—it’s the way the room makes you feel. It’s a thoughtfully designed kids' space that speaks to the joy of being up north, the charm of coastal living, and the enduring power of great design. We’re deeply honored to have this space recognized by Detroit Design Magazine, and even more grateful to the clients who trusted us to bring their vision to life.
CUSTOM WOODSHOP
I
nside our Northern Michigan woodshop, craftsmanship isn’t a phase of the build—it’s the foundation. Led by Master Craftsman Ivan Cole, the woodshop embodies everything Birchwood stands for: thoughtful design, timeless execution, and an uncompromising respect for the homes we build.
This is where ideas move seamlessly from concept to creation, under the same roof as the teams shaping the structure itself. We design and build custom bunks, furniture, cabinetry, shelving, stair parts, mantels, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Grain direction, proportion, and function are evaluated in real time. When something needs to feel warmer, quieter, or more bold, we adjust with purpose—not compromise.
Most importantly, it’s personal. The craftsmen shaping
these pieces understand the homes they’re creating for— the light through the windows, the views beyond the walls, and the families who will live there. They carry the responsibility of building something that endures.
Because behind every custom bunk, every cabinet, every shelf, and every oak table is a belief we hold firmly: craftsmanship still matters. Always has. Always will.
IVAN COLE, MASTER CRAFTSMAN
DETAILS THAT MOVE THE BUILD
FORWARD
BCC PAINT LEADS
Levi Mudri, Travis Murray, Lisa Pike (Director of Paint), Jack Parinello, Chris Hartley
For nearly three decades, McCaffrey Painting has been part of the Birchwood family, bringing care, consistency, and craftsmanship to homes across Northern Michigan.
With a discerning eye and steady hand, our paint division
approaches every project with intention. Whether refreshing a well-loved family home or adding depth and definition to a new custom build, their work is guided by the belief that the
details matter—especially in the spaces where life is lived most fully.
At the heart of their process is thoughtful preparation. From carefully managing temperature and humidity to selecting premium coatings tailored to each surface, every step is
considered. The result is a finish that feels timeless and enduring —one that enhances the architecture, elevates the interior, and reflects the personality of the home it protects.
This past year, that commitment to excellence continued with
advanced training through Fine Paints of Europe in Manchester, New Hampshire. Shop Manager Travis immersed himself in
hands-on education focused on high-gloss finishes, refined
surface preparation, and elevated techniques that bring depth and durability to every application. The experience also
introduced new equipment, improved airflow strategies for cleaner finishes, and innovative 3M products that will be
thoughtfully integrated into McCaffrey’s process in the years ahead.
PURPOSEFUL IMPACT THROUGH
MEANINGFUL CONNECTION
CAMP PARADISE: WHERE TIME, TRADITION, AND CONNECTION TAKE ROOT In 2014, I was invited by Tom Adams to
volunteer at Camp Paradise, a faith-based camp
in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula designed to help dads and their children connect in meaningful ways. That summer, the Chapel was under
construction and they needed all the help they
could get. When I arrived, I met Tim VanDenbos,
the Camp Director, whose passion for the mission of Camp Paradise was immediately evident — a passion not often seen in today’s busy world. As we worked alongside other volunteers, I
quickly realized many of them were fathers who had attended the camp with their own children.
They carried a special lightness, a joy that reflected the impact the camp had on their families.
A few years later, my daughter Ellie was old enough for us to attend together. From the
moment we arrived — greeted by enthusiastic counselors, the boat ride across the lake, the
rustic cabins, the pure joy on the kids’ faces — we
were immersed in an experience unlike any other. The absence of cell phones allowed us to be fully
present, to slow down, listen, and say "yes" more often than "no."
That first evening, a father addressed the group with tears in his eyes. His youngest daughter was
aging out of camp, and he spoke about the profound role Camp Paradise had played in their lives. I remember being struck when he said the camp was “anointed.” At first, I was almost taken aback by such a strong statement — but he was right.
In every way, Camp Paradise is a place where God’s work is evident. Camp Paradise is a truly
special place, one that changes lives every time someone steps foot there. For me personally, it serves as a much-needed reset from the stresses of everyday life and a powerful reminder of what matters most: family.
One of the things I love most about Camp
Paradise is the complete break from screens and cell phones. That absence of digital
distractions brings a refreshing simplicity
that feels rare today. It reminds me of my
own childhood, when kids played outside, built friendships face to face, and stayed
present in the moment. Watching our kids experience that same joy and freedom is something I deeply treasure.
At Birchwood, we believe deeply in the value of experiences like these. In today’s world of constant busyness and screen time, it is increasingly difficult to carve out intentional time with our kids.
Camp Paradise has transformed my relationships with both of my daughters, Ellie and Maggie, and remains one of the greatest gifts in our lives.
Over the years, members of the Birchwood team have contributed to Camp Paradise by
volunteering to build cabins, help finish the beautiful new chapel, and share the opportunity with other fathers in the Petoskey and Harbor Springs community. We’re proud to support this
incredible place and encourage others to create their own unforgettable memories at Camp Paradise. - Kenny Provost
“Camp Paradise means the absolute world to me. It’s more than just a place – it’s my second home, filled with some of the most meaningful memories I’ve ever made. For nearly five years, I’ve been going to this camp, and every summer I feel closer to my dad, to God, and to the people around me. One of the most unforgettable parts is the rock wall and all the climbing activities. They’ve pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me face fears I never thought I’d conquer. And nothing beats ending the day at the big campfire, laughing with my dad and playing “Gorilla Beats the Man.” Camp Paradise will always have a permanent place in my heart.” – Heidi, age 12, Daughter to Justin, BCC Superintendent
“Camp Paradise for me is a time and a place, when I can stop the
world from spinning so fast and just focus on my daughter. I get to see a side of her I don’t think I would get to see if we didn’t go to
camp for that week. Each year we go, I see a new part/side to my little girl and each year I am blown away. Also, it is a topic of
conversation 200+ days a year in our house. It has helped me make a stronger bond with her in so MANY ways. I feel it is one of my
best choices as a dad so far to be part of Camp Paradise.” – Jimmy, BCC Superintendent
“Camp Paradise is a truly special place, one that changes lives every time someone steps foot there. For me personally, it serves as a much-needed reset from the stresses of everyday life and a powerful reminder of what matters most: family. One of the things I love most about Camp Paradise is the complete break from screens and cell phones. That absence of digital distractions brings a refreshing simplicity that feels rare today. It reminds me of my own childhood, when kids played outside, built friendships face to face, and stayed present in the moment. Watching our kids experience that same joy and freedom is something I deeply treasure.” - Ryan Friske, Director of Operations
LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP PARADISE
COOL SH!T IN PROGRESS
T
here’s something especially fitting about
reflecting on a home like this during the holiday season—a time marked by tradition, gathering, and the spaces that hold our most meaningful
moments. Last year, this Lake Charlevoix retreat was just getting started—its foundation in place
and the vision clear: a lakeside home meant to feel
timeless, welcoming, and right at home on the water. Today, that vision has taken shape.The structure now rises confidently from the land, its form defined by layered
rooflines, classic dormers, and a warm cedar shake roof
that already feels at home among the trees. From above and from the drive, the home reveals a quiet elegance— one that feels intentional, grounded, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Every line of this residence was designed with purpose.
Sightlines draw the eye naturally toward Lake Charlevoix,
inviting the water, the light, and the changing seasons into daily life. Large window openings promise mornings filled with soft lake light and evenings gathered indoors while the horizon fades to blue. This home was not designed around the view—it was designed with it.
At this stage, the craftsmanship becomes visible in new ways. Brickwork, exterior detailing, and
material transitions reflect months of thoughtful planning and collaboration. The bones are strong. The details are emerging. And the personality of the home—quietly confident and enduring—is impossible to miss.
As we close out the year, this project stands as a beautiful reminder of what it means to build with
intention. Homes like this aren’t rushed. They’re layered. They’re considered. And they’re created
with the understanding that they will one day hold holidays, traditions, and generations of memories. Architect: Gary Nance | Interior Designer: Amanda Lantz | Kitchen/Cabinetry Designer: Christopher Peacock Kitchens Bathroom/Laundry Design: Kitchens by Design, Jill Brecheisen | Landscape Architect: Outdoor Environments Group | Electrician: Little Traverse Electric | Mason: Hayes Masonry
WELCOME TO THE
FAMILY
Every team member is part of a deeply connected to the BCC Family—united by purpose, trust, and craftsmanship. We’d like to extend a warm welcome to new office staff at Birchwood Construction this year.
VICKI MILLARD DREAM MANAGER
KELLIE AMABILE
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KYLIE TUNCAP
OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
ROB BLAIR
PROJECT MANAGER
2025 BCC MEMORIES
WISHING YOU AND YOURS A VERY
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! -THE BIRCHWOOD CONSTRUCTION FAMILY