Here are two things I’ve come to appreciate about Ian Schwandt, podcast regular and author at Fine Homebuilding and Greenbuildingadvisor.com: First, he believes that we should be building homes to the highest performance standards possible, and that those performance metrics should not be reserved for expensive, luxury homes.
Second, he believes that a career in the trades can be rewarding and that for more young people to consider it, it is incumbent on industry elders to create not just jobs but careers for those young people to learn and grow. What I like even more about Ian is that he has put his money where his mouth is.
Ian’s career includes stints as a union carpenter in commercial construction, the operator of an architectural millwork shop, and a lead carpenter focused on historic restoration work. When he became interested in high-performance homes and realized that he wanted to build his own home to a high standard of durability, comfort, efficiency, and healthfulness, he did the Passive House Builder training.
Today, Ian brings all his experience together in his role as production manager at TDS Design/Build in Madison, Wis., where, recognizing the need for leadership in the building industry, he has made the transition from a master builder to a spreadsheet savant a point of passion.
That’s what I mean when I say that Ian puts his money where his mouth is. Ian recognizes the inextricable link between the economics of building homes and the potential to build to high standards, and the economics of a building business and its ability to not only do great work but to hire and train future industry leaders.
In fact, he’s written a lot about these things for FHB and GBA and will be speaking about these topics at the Fine Homebuilding Summit in 2026. And if this all sounds a bit serious, I suggest logging on to the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, where you’ll probably agree with me on the last thing I love about Ian: He’s funny!
— Brian Pontolilo
We recently reached out to Ian to learn a little bit more about him. Here are his answers to a few of our questions:
When did you know you wanted to work in your trade—not when did you start working in it, but when did you know you wanted to work in it?
For carpentry it was probably a year into my apprenticeship when I realized that being a carpenter was a serious occupation. When it comes to me being a construction financial professional, it was when I heard David Gerstel speak at JLC Live right after he had released the book Nail Your Numbers.
How did you learn the most? From a mentor, by reading, watching YouTube or other social media, by making mistakes?
I’ve had some excellent mentors along the way, but I think where I learned the most was at the Southeast Wisconsin Carpentry Training Center, where I took my union carpentry apprenticeship. At the time, that facility was staffed with some excellent teachers who really cared about developing young people into tradespeople.
What skill came easiest to you, and what have you struggled to master?
Building layout and using math came easiest for me. Tilework is something that I just can’t seem to find the patience to master.
What have you been right about when it comes to your trade?
I don’t believe that you can have an absolutist mentality when it comes to anything about doing trade work, since it’s always changing. I will offer a favorite quote of mine from investor Howard Marks: “Being right too early is indistinguishable from being wrong.”
If I became your apprentice, what would I be surprised to learn about your work?
That it is more focused on being efficient than being perfect.
What tool do you use the most, what tool do you like the most, and what tool do you wish you never had to use again?
Tape measure, hammer, multitool.
What are we getting wrong with houses today?
Trying to apply technology without first considering the climate where we are building.
What are we getting right?
Considering the long-term operating cost of our builds.
— Photos courtesy of Ian Schwandt, except where noted.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Ian in the Fine Homebuilding forum where he’s helping answer all your residential building questions. |
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Keep Craft Alive is our campaign celebrating those who have chosen to passionately pursue a career in design, building, and remodeling. Find out more and show your support by visiting KeepCraftAlive.org, and use #KeepCraftAlive to share your passion for the cause.
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