Since 1997

Timber Frame &
Construction Services

828.264.8971

custom timber frame designer and builder

Private Home
Banner Elk, NC

Serving the construction industry since 1997, we offer tailor-made timber construction services for your specific needs, built to the highest quality and utmost standards of craftsmanship by our experienced timber framers and staff carpenters.

We take great pride in the unique projects we are able to help create - from one with simple timber trusses to a large timber frame home or post and beam commercial project. Our philosophy is the same today as it has been since our founding in 1997, treat each and every client the way we desire to be treated - with honesty, consideration and respect and to exceed our client's expectations in both the quality of construction and the level of customer service we provide.

In addition to our timber frame servvices, we are also a fully insured, licensed general contractor specializing in the design and construction of energy efficient, high performance homes. (select areas) If you haven't found a builder that fits your style and personality, we invite you to contact us to see if we are the company that fits your style and personality. We can take your project from concept to completion.

More About options for working with us.

Co-Founders

High Country Timberframe and Gallery Woodworking was found in 1997 by Tom Owens and Peter Jankowski. At the end of 2023, after 23 years of dedicated service, Pete officially laid aside his chisels and hammer. We are very grateful for the time, passion and hard work Pete invested in helping make High Country Timberframe a successful business. His leadership, work ethic, knowledge and sense of humor will be sincerely missed. Congratulations on a job well done and a retirement well deserved.

We wish Pete and Dorene the best as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.

Owner, High Country Timberframe
Tom Owens

Owner, Designer, Woodworker, Timber Framer

Tom Owens has been a woodworker since 1984, both as a furniture designer/maker and as a timber frame designer and carpenter. Tom apprenticed with a Master Japanese carpenter in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California building a traditional Japanese "minka" (farmhouse) style home as well as studying teahouse and sukiya style carpentry and fine studio furniture.

Tom was invited to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina by friends. He fell in love with the area and never left. In 1997 Tom
co-founded High Country Timberframe & Gallery Woodworking Co.
with business partner Peter Jankowski.

While Tom is the principal timber frame and home designer, he also spends a considerable amount of time considering every aspect of the project from the lot access and home orientation to the final landscaping.

His "hands on" experience in timber framing, fine woodworking and construction combined with his design skills allow him to "think outside the box" when considering potential improvements or "pitfalls." Clients, builders and architects are very appreciative of this extra insight and effort.

In 2010, under Tom's leadership, High Country Timberframe added a Design/Build Division that focuses on the design/construction of high performance homes. Utilizing the latest in building science methods and materials including High Country Timberframe's proprietary ShopBuiltTM Prefabricated Panelized Wall Systems

Tom's furniture was featured in the book, "The Custom Furniture Source Book, A Guide to 125 Craftsmen" by Kerry Pierce and published by Taunton Press and in other fine furniture compilations. Tom has written for "Sukiya Living: The Journal of Japanese Gardening", on the topic of traditional Japanese carpentry.

Tom and his wife Patricia reside in Boone, NC. When not reviewing plans or designing a timber frame home, Tom, a motorcycle and Moto Grand Prix enthusiast, will most likely be found "going up the country" on his Triumph Tiger and enjoying all that the twisty two lane Blue Ridge Mountain roads have to offer.

Founder, High Country Timberframe
Peter Jankowski

Co-Founder, Timber Framer, Woodworker, Project Manager

Pete still maintains just a "touch" of his original accent which leaves some asking the typical question, "where are you from?"

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Peter found himself leaving the paper mill life for the cold Arctic waters on a Coast Guard Cutter and then to the warmer climate of Florida.

Finding Florida a little too warm, Peter moved to North Carolina in 1992 and spent a couple of years as a diver for the NC Dept of Transportation. Growing up in Massachusetts, he had developed both an appreciation for and skills in timber framing and carpentry and realized he had a desire to return to those roots.

In 1994, Pete moved to the High Country of NC and worked as a carpenter for a local company. In 1997 he co-founded High Country Timberframe & Gallery Woodworking with business partner, Tom Owens.

Pete is usually found in the shop, hand cutting the timbers or outdoors scaling the frame during the timber raising phase of the construction process. If a design/build project he will most likely be found on-site enjoying the role of Construction Manager.

Due to his knowledge, integrity, honesty and humor Pete is well-liked and respected by clients, suppliers, sub-contractors, employees and
co-workers.

In addition to be being a timber framer, Peter is also a farmer. Along with his wife Dorene, they specialize in growing hot peppers and tomatoes for homemade salsas and hot sauces. The products are sold at various retail locations under the label, "Fire from the Mountain".


Partners, Associations & Accrediations

VandeMusser Design

Green Building Certification & Inspector

Woodbourne Design

Associate

Dawes Arboretum

Associate

NAHB

Member

NCHBA

Member

Energy Star 3

Certification

BPI

Certification

HERS

Certification

SIPA

Member