An Unexpected Career...
It was my great good fortune to be born and raised in our uniquely beautiful Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. When I graduated from college (Haverford, 1968) with a degree in political science I didn’t have the slightest idea I would become a carpenter, builder and designer. But three years later, after working in Philadelphia (writer) and San Francisco (shipping clerk), I did know I wanted to settle down back here. I had seen a lot of this country and nothing compared.
I took a job as a carpenter’s helper with Alan Cole of Lyme, NH. Alan was both an “old-time” master of building arts and a fine human being. Helping him with a ground-up rebuild an old farmhouse for nine months, I learned a huge amount about carpentry, old houses, and honest work. I liked the work and seemed to have a talent for it. I found it physically demanding, mentally stimulating, and personally satisfying. Couldn’t I do this myself? Here was work that was creative, helpful, and fulfilling. Here was art and craft together. And independence.
I had found a passion—and an unexpected career. I reset my roots in the Upper Valley, built a little shop and went into business. I started with cabinets and furniture and then moved into general house carpentry and renovation. Soon I found myself doing full design/build contracting in a rewarding 10-year partnership with my good friend Michael Whitman as Jackson & Whitman Builders. After Michael decided to change careers in 1987, I carried on by myself—well, with a lot of help—as Chris Jackson DesignBuild. More than 30 years on now, I feel lucky to have found this calling and to have some accomplishments to show for it.
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My home, office, and cabinet shop are in Lyme village where I live with my wife Sally, two cats, and a lot of enjoyment. I have two grown sons and two grandchildren.
I want to thank my loyal family and many friends, my extraordinary partners and co-workers, and certainly all my trusting and faithful clients for their tremendous (and ongoing) support. The accomplishments I present here are not just my own.
