Today we’d like to introduce you to Damien Pearson.
Hi Damien, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Starting Pearson Building in Austin, Texas, was not on my radar when I began my carpentry career in Australia in 2009. I received a well-rounded education on all aspects of building and trade relations, working alongside experienced carpenters from England, Italy, and Australia. In 2015, I organized a move to England to reconnect and work alongside one of my mentors. The plan was to backpack for a few months in Central America before flying to the UK. While scuba diving on the small Honduran island of Utila for a couple of weeks, I met an American girl named Kate in a bar one night. I never made it to England. We married on the beach in Sydney the following year and welcomed our son in 2019. Due to the uncertainty of work in Australia during the pandemic, we moved to my wife’s hometown of Austin in July 2021. After working alongside a high-end firm in town and adjusting to the imperial system, I realized the building practices were similar, just approached differently. I strived for a “craft with intention” mentality and struggled to find companies with the same ethos. This led me to start Pearson Building in November of that year. With Austin’s amazing building science network, I have increased my knowledge and improved my craft.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
It certainly has been a challenging road. However, a smooth road is a road rarely traveled. After moving to the States, my main struggle was adapting to the imperial system! Working with fractions instead of whole numbers has been quite a struggle. Getting acquainted with new trades in a new country and adjusting to how they operate has been a learning curve, but it is all a part of the experience of moving overseas. Networking, community building, and finding mentors are generally slow, but Austin has been fantastic at opening its doors. The mentality within the building science community aligns with my own. There is a real camaraderie, and a ‘rising tide raises all ships’ attitude.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
With my education and training as a residential carpenter and joiner, I learned how to build every aspect of a house from the ground up. I don’t specialize in one thing, which sets me apart from other builders in Austin. Builders often have to subcontract each aspect of a build, which generally results in more errors and shifting of responsibilities. With my ability to build a house from start to finish – from the framing to the finished work – I can minimize sub-contractors and maintain high quality throughout the project. Much of my work includes renovations and additions, especially with the current housing market in Austin. The approach to a renovation is entirely different from that of a new build. Working with an existing structure provides other challenges and processes, but my high standards and attention to detail remain the same. I enjoy learning new techniques in the industry and have leaned into the building science and application of creating a balance between functionality and aesthetics – all with a bit of Aussie flair.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My wife and I are currently renovating our 1980s house. It’s quite the experience to be both a client and a builder. It’s a much slower process, and living in a renovation isn’t glamorous, but we love designing the space and seeing it come to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pearsonbuilding.co
- Instagram: pearsonbuilding
