ABOUT VANILLAWOOD

We craft spaces that showcase who you are and how you live and work. We value the trust you place in us with your vision, and we'll transform it into something extraordinary and unmistakably yours. We're dedicated to making the transformation of your home or business a reality - not just building a structure, but creating a haven that calls you back. Our mission is rooted in the joy of learning about you, exceptional design, quality construction and blending careful attention to detail with ingenuity and style.

Meet the Team

We're designers and builders, creatives and planners. We're risk takers, problem-solvers and tastemakers. We create trends. We get our hands dirty. We are nimble, flexible and communicate like crazy. We take a holistic approach because we love what we do - every part of the design, construction and interior design process.

Co-Founder | Principal Designer

KRICKEN YAKER

What inspires you:
Traveling and seeing new places, new ways of living, new cultures and traditions. My friends and Family.

Favorite problem to solve:
The one right in front of me

Every space needs:
Great art and statement lighting

Co-Founder | Principal Designer | General Contractor

JAMES YAKER

What inspires you:
Love has the undeniable ability to inspire us by paving the way toward a deep understanding of what truly matters.

Favorite problem to solve:
Inevitably we will be confronted with many problems and challenges over the years. Whatever that problem is in the moment, the solution or path chosen must be made considering if we will be proud of it looking back years from now.

Every space needs:
To be designed and built just for you.

Senior Designer

BRANDON WALTER

What inspires you:
Inspiration can come from anywhere and I think about everything that calls my attention, whether it’s painting, architecture, music, a thoughtfully planned garden, or my kid’s drawings. I’m always inspired by unique materials and how we can apply them in design in an interesting way. I love working alongside our team and am inspired every day by the joy it brings me.

Favorite problem to solve:
I love problems that at the outset seem unsolvable. Those are the most rewarding, because as it turns out, there’s always a solution, and it can reveal itself in the most unexpected ways.

Every space needs:
A healthy dose of individual style. Be brave! Protest against the rising tide of conformity. Design is a deeply human experience, and should be driven by self-determination, not participation in trends. Make the space something that is truly yours and suits your needs, a sanctuary that is genuinely for your individual self.

Senior Building Designer

ERIC LADOUCEUR

What inspires you:

Being a part of transforming a space into a home. Every family functions and lives differently, and should be comfortable and excited about where they live.

Favorite problem to solve:
I love puzzles of all kinds. My favorite part of designing is space planning. Every project is unique and comes with its own layout challenges. I enjoy finding creative solutions that help clients maximize the potential of their home.

Every space needs:

Great flow and thoughtful usability. Establishing these elements early sets the stage for everything that follows.

Designer

ALEX SAND

What Inspires You:

I get really inspired and energized by traveling, trying new restaurants, staying at a cool hotel or experiencing nature. I’ve gotten some of my best design ideas from just being out in the world and taking the time to stop and appreciate my surroundings. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places if you’re open to it.

Favorite problem to solve:

The ones that call for all hands on deck. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from everyone sitting down together, fleshing out ideas and getting creative to solve big problems.

Every Space Needs:

Statement lighting, texture and layering (oh and good music helps too!).