Mar 27, 2026

Alair Homes

Alair Homes has expanded its presence in the Pacific Northwest with the launch of Alair Seattle, bringing the company's collaborative approach to custom homebuilding to one of the most architecturally dynamic cities in the United States.

The new location is led by Jed Drenguis, owner and partner of Alair Seattle, who joins the Alair network under the regional leadership of Stacy Eakman, regional partner for Washington and partner at Alair Kirkland. The addition strengthens Alair's growing presence in Washington state, where the company has steadily built a reputation for custom homes and strong partnerships with architects, designers and skilled trades throughout the region.

“I'm incredibly proud to have been invited to join the Alair network and to introduce the brand to Seattle,” Drenguis said. “This is a city that values design, artistry, and the experience of living in a home that feels connected to its surroundings. My goal is to build homes that reflect that spirit while creating a collaborative process where clients, architects, designers, and trades work together in a transparent and meaningful way. Being part of Alair allows us to bring that approach to the market while learning from an incredible community of builders across North America.”

Founded in 2007, Alair Homes is a privately held custom home building and renovation company with an expanding network of independently owned and operated franchises across Canada and the United States.

Mar 17, 2026

Washington Patriot Construction

Powell

Florance

Washington Patriot Construction (WA Patriot), a Gig Harbor based general contractor, has promoted Zerah Florance to director of Preconstruction and Alex Powell to senior project manager and assistant operations manager.

Florance was the first employee hired to WA Patriot in 2010 and has been managing constructions projects for 16 years with over a decade leading design-build preconstruction efforts. Florance holds a DBIA professional designation and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Notable projects include Tool Gauge Expansion, University of Puget Sound Athletics and Aquatics Center, and the almost complete Helpline House on Bainbridge Island.

Powell joined WA Patriot as project engineer and later became a project manager. Notable design-build projects he's led include the Gig Harbor 7 Seas Waterfront Taproom and the Gig Harbor Peninsula Food Bank. In 2025, Powell shifted his focus to managing federal projects for the AYKO-WA Patriot Joint Venture, while also overseeing work with Tacoma Public Schools.