Creative Building Concepts ✓
Company Background
Central Pennsylvania’s premier Design+Build contractor specializing in historic home renovations
About Creative Building Concepts
Based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Creative Building Concepts (CBC) excels in revitalizing the heart of historic homes, turning them into remarkable living spaces that honor their historical roots while catering to contemporary lifestyles. With 15 years of industry experience and a keen eye for detail and superior craftsmanship, CBC prioritizes preserving architectural features while seamlessly integrating modern amenities and systems.
The Design+Build Advantage
CBC’s Design+Build approach represents a cohesive strategy where their team manages the entire trajectory of your project—from custom design through construction to completion. This streamlines the process for better coordination and creates a collaborative atmosphere ensuring your vision is realized effectively. Their in-house architectural designers are committed to capturing and executing your vision with precision and dedication from the initial consultation.
Award-Winning Historic Renovation Expertise
CBC has earned numerous Pyramid Awards from the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg for historic renovation excellence, including Best Residential Historical Renovation awards from 2021-2024. Additional recognition includes Harrisburg Magazine’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Remodeling Specialist, Susquehanna Style Magazine’s Best Commercial and Residential Contractor (2023 & 2024), and Central Penn Business Journal’s Power100 recognition.
Preserving History with Modern Comfort
Whether your goal is to breathe new life into a forgotten historic home or enhance a well-maintained property, CBC is the go-to team for unlocking your home’s full potential. They incorporate sustainable materials and cutting-edge technologies to update living spaces without diluting historical essence. Their specialists conduct thorough research to learn about your home’s original materials, designs, and construction techniques to ensure historically accurate plans.
Historic Home Renovation Process
A meticulous approach that honors your home’s heritage while meeting modern needs
Step 1: Planning
Initial consultation addresses concerns and discusses ideas. Historic renovation specialists conduct thorough research to learn about your home’s original materials, designs, and construction techniques for historically accurate plans.
Step 2: Design
Preserve special details like original tile, wavy glass, and unique nooks while personalizing your style. Designers complement your home’s existing architecture and character while developing a custom look you love.
Modern Systems Integration
Modern plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems integrated seamlessly. Increase energy efficiency with new doors, window treatments, and insulation while minimizing impact on historical character.
Structural Assessment
Address stability and longevity concerns including foundational problems, damaged framing, or weak beams. Necessary repairs protect your home’s value over time.
Step 3: Renovations
Restore deteriorating or damaged original materials with utmost care. Repair or replace features with luxurious moldings, woodwork, windows, and floors using era-appropriate materials and finishes.
JobTread Project Tracking
Stay informed throughout all project stages via CBC’s JobTread platform. Review documents and track progress in real-time while they adhere to local and state historic preservation guidelines.
Renovation Services
Comprehensive design-build solutions for homes and businesses
Historic Renovations
Preserve original features while adding new amenities. Create seamless transitions from old to new with award-winning historic restoration expertise.
Whole Home Transformations
Enhance comfort through structural changes and design updates. Complete home renovations for spaces you enjoy coming home to.
Kitchen Renovations
Multiple Pyramid Award-winning kitchen designs. Transform the heart of your home with expert craftsmanship and thoughtful layouts.
Home Additions
Expand your space while blending additions with your current layout. Extra bedrooms, owner’s suites, closet space, and more.
Basement Renovations
Transform basements into perfect hangout spots. Guest bedrooms, full baths, additional living space, or bar areas.
Bars & Restaurants
Commercial design-build expertise. Reimagine spaces with the ideal atmosphere while focusing on durability and functionality.
The CBC Family
Licensed Pennsylvania contractors with diverse experiences and creative determination
Creative Building Concepts Leadership
The CBC team is led by co-owners Ross Garner (Operations, Central Penn Business Journal Power100 2025) and Ben Havens (Field Operations), bringing business excellence and hands-on construction expertise. Harmony Morris, two-time Architectural Designer of the Year from the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, leads design alongside Finishes Curator Kristi Rapak who guides material selections.
Project Managers Elias Pepito and Andrew Glenn oversee execution, while Lead Carpenters Chris, Mitch, Mike, Doug, and Jacob deliver the exceptional craftsmanship CBC is known for. Every team member is a full-time employee and licensed Pennsylvania contractor with appropriate insurance coverage, committed to helping you make a statement through their custom Design+Build process.
Awards & Recognition
A legacy of excellence recognized by industry associations and publications
2024 Pyramid Awards
Architectural Designer of the Year, Best Kitchen Renovation $100k-150k, Best Historic Restoration $150k-200k, Best Architectural Design $150k-200k, Best Specialty Spaces $200k-300k
2023 Pyramid Awards
Interior Designer of the Year, Best Exterior Design $25k-50k, Best Bathroom Renovation $75k-100k, Best Historic Renovation $150k, Best Kitchen Renovation over $150k
2022 Pyramid Awards
Historic Renovation over $100k, Best Bathroom Renovation over $100k, Best Outdoor Living Space $75-100k, Best Architectural Design over $100k, Architect/Designer of the Year
2021 Pyramid Awards
Best Kitchen Renovation over $100K, Best Total Home Renovation over $100K, Best Commercial Renovation over $100K, Best Residential Historical Renovation over $100K
Harrisburg Magazine 2024
Readers’ Choice – Remodeling Specialist. Voted by the community as the top remodeling contractor in the greater Harrisburg area.
Additional Recognition
Susquehanna Style Magazine Best Commercial and Residential Contractor (2023 & 2024). Central Penn Business Journal Power100 – Ross Garner (2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about historic home renovation with Creative Building Concepts
Historic Renovation Questions
Essential information about preserving and transforming historic homes
Why choose Creative Building Concepts for historic home renovation?
CBC has won multiple Pyramid Awards for Best Residential Historical Renovation from 2021-2024, demonstrating consistent excellence in preserving and transforming historic properties. Their Design+Build approach provides seamless coordination from design through construction, with thorough research into original materials, designs, and construction techniques to ensure historically accurate results.
How does CBC preserve historic character while adding modern amenities?
CBC’s specialists carefully evaluate original features like tile, wavy glass, and architectural details, developing plans to preserve these elements while integrating modern plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They use era-appropriate materials and finishes, salvage and repurpose original materials when possible, and adhere to local and state historic preservation guidelines throughout the project.
What areas does Creative Building Concepts serve?
CBC is located in Carlisle and serves homeowners throughout Central Pennsylvania, including the greater Harrisburg area. Their recognition as Harrisburg Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Remodeling Specialist demonstrates their strong presence and reputation throughout the region.
What is the Design+Build process?
Design+Build is a cohesive strategy where CBC’s team manages the entire project trajectory—from custom design through construction to completion. This streamlines coordination, creates collaboration, and ensures your vision is realized effectively. Their in-house architectural designers, led by two-time Designer of the Year Harmony Morris, capture and execute your vision with precision.
How do I start a historic renovation project with CBC?
Call CBC at (717) 789-7473 or schedule a consultation through their website. During your initial meeting, they’ll address concerns, discuss ideas, and conduct research about your home’s original materials and construction techniques. Their team is available weekdays 7am-4pm and by appointment on Saturdays.
Client Success Stories
Real experiences from homeowners in Central Pennsylvania
Resources & Next Steps
Explore CBC’s work and start your historic renovation journey
