Our crew is amazing, their skills are hard-won, and they’ve got some really cool backgrounds! We’d like to introduce you to…Mike!
Who is Mike? He’s an artist, husband, friend, and an amazingly skilled builder. Building a custom home is both an art and a science, and Mike Ayres, a Site Lead at Chuckanut Builders, is a master of the mix. Before he was managing jobsites, Mike studied fine art and anthropology in college, which led to work in sculpture and archaeology. He spent years working with a world-renowned bronze sculptor, traveling the country, and creating lost wax molds. All of these experiences shape how he approaches building today, from his deep respect for process to the systematic way he manages job sites.
How did he get into construction? Mike spent years doing random, small construction projects as side gigs, but he really jumped into building when a friend asked him to build a new home. Mike asked friends for advice, researched construction techniques, and picked up tools (and skills!) as he went. Working on older homes still feels like archaeology to him. Discovering what’s there, learning the story, and responding with care. He jokes that he builds a project six times in his head before ever picking up a tool, saying; “If you can deconstruct it, you can likely construct it.”
Why Chuckanut? Mike came to Chuckanut after years of running his own business. He was ready for a change. Joining a team meant less stress and more focus on what he loves: the work itself. He appreciates the shared responsibility, the skill, and the high emotional intelligence of the crew. In his words, “I love sharing the wins and challenges with people I respect – and not having to do accounting is a huge bonus.”
What keeps him going? What keeps Mike motivated is simple: the learning never stops. He truly believes that “Every project teaches me something new.” He holds himself to an incredibly high standard and cares deeply about the client experience and says, “I care a lot about the people we’re building for. I set the bar high, and I want clients to walk away feeling genuinely happy with the work.” Trust is everything. When clients feel confident enough to step back and let the team do what they do best, the results speak for themselves.
What does “committed to the craft” mean to Mike? There are clear signs of great craftsmanship. Especially when it comes to remodels and historic homes. In his words, that means “the goal is seamless work: spaces that feel right without calling attention to what changed.” He believes his role as a builder is to execute the designer’s and architect’s vision clearly, on time, and on budget, saying: “Everyone has a role, and when those roles are respected, the process runs smoother, and the result is better for everyone involved.”
“You can tell when a project is going well long before the final walkthrough,” says Mike. “The site is clean and organized. The crew is in good spirits. Clients feel at ease.” He will often point out small details that the client might not notice, helping them see the work through his eyes, pointing out the care and attention to detail they might miss. This also helps ensure that he isn’t missing anything! He’s found that this simple step goes a long way in building trust.
What’s the most out-of-the-box build Mike’s seen? In a lifetime of building, he’s seen some creative solutions for job site challenges. When he was working in Alaska, he knew a crew who built a timber-frame warming shelter at Camp Denali. The pieces were fabricated, loaded onto an old school bus, and staged for assembly. Finally, they recruited a local helicopter pilot to function as a crane! The building came together and everyone involved was reminded of how satisfying creative problem-solving can be.
What he wants to pass on to the next generation of builders: When asked what he wishes he knew sooner, he shared one lesson that stood out, “Most of the things we worry about never actually happen.” Mike knows that thorough planning, clear communication, and mutual respect go a long way. When you’re in people’s lives day in and day out, that responsibility matters.
Over his many years doing this work, Mike is proud to have built both great houses and lasting relationships. And Chuckanut is proud to have him as a part of the team!