Flagship Event: The Value of Craft

Sep 18, 2025 · 7:00 p.m.–9:15 p.m.

Appreciation and economics of craft, custom, and boutique businesses.

Welcome back after summer break! We wanna hear all about 'em!

Along with our usual pre- and post-discussion social hour, our panel will be exploring the value of craft within residential construction.

It can seem as though everyone in our industry is constantly battling the "race to the bottom" in a commodity-driven model. So how do we define "craft" (or custom, or boutique, etc...), and how do we charge appropriately for it?

It's a wide-ranging conversation and we hope you'll join us to share your perspective!

Our panel:

Dave Chalmers: Dave is the founder of Chalmers Heritage Conservation and has carved out a niche in the construction industry which is rooted in craft. He has experience investing in craftspeople and perspective as to why it's worthwhile to restore and repair vs. demolish and rebuild.

Kathy Yuen: Founder and lead designer at PhaseOne Design and Bliss Home Design. Kathy has a broad range of experience in both multi-family design and true custom design. Her company has explored both sides of the custom vs commodity debate.

Cameron Varner: Principal and Co-Owner of Banbury Lane Design Centre, where he has built a showroom that celebrates craftsmanship, quality, and thoughtful detail. As a board member of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association (DPHA), he is dedicated to elevating standards in the industry by sourcing the finest products available.

Moderator: Byron Brooks. The guy who, admittedly, helps me run Builders & Brews. The craft vs. commodity concept is the basis for this whole community, so it felt fitting that he should help guide the discussion.

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As always, we have several tables worth of BBQ coming out after the presentation, courtesy of the staff at Prairie Dog.

You can reach Stefan at hello@buildersandbrews.ca if you have any questions, or if you would like to get your name out there as a sponsor.

See you on the 18th!

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6:30. Arrival and social hour

7:30. Presentation

8:30 Food and social hour

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This post was written with one human brain, nothing more. In a world gone hyper-optimal, we're happy to be a place where people can make meaningful connection.