Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Van Veen.
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Foyer Build was founded by Justin Van Veen, a second-generation craftsman with a background in both engineering and residential construction.
Justin was raised in Langley, British Columbia, in a family of four boys. His father worked as a drywall taper and his mother as a nurse. From an early age, he was exposed to hands-on trades work and developed a strong work ethic rooted in discipline, problem-solving, and accountability.
He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering & Design from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). After graduating, he worked for a luxury residential construction company in Whistler, BC, where he trained in finish carpentry and trim work. This experience provided a foundation in high-end residential craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Justin later started his own millwork and trim company serving the greater Vancouver area, working primarily with custom home builders.
In 2016, he relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he formally established Foyer Build as a general contracting business. Over the next six years, he managed residential construction projects ranging from kitchen renovations to full home remodels. During this period, he expanded the company’s capabilities to include project management, budgeting, scheduling, and client coordination.
In 2022, Foyer Build relocated to Austin, Texas. With the move, Justin made a strategic decision to narrow the company’s focus to custom cabinetry and finish carpentry. The shift allowed the company to concentrate on its core strengths in craftsmanship and detailed millwork.
Since relocating to Austin, Foyer Build has grown through partnerships with local cabinet makers, developers, architects, designers, and homeowners. The company now focuses primarily on custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and high-quality finish carpentry services within the residential market.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been smooth.
Relocating meant rebuilding the business from scratch more than once…new markets, new relationships, new trust to earn.
There was also a learning curve in shifting from tradesman to business owner. Running projects is one thing; running a company is another.
And narrowing our focus in Austin to custom cabinetry was a deliberate risk. It required patience and a long-term mindset.
The challenges have been real, but each one helped clarify the direction of the business.
At the end of the day, it’s still about doing good work and standing behind it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Foyer Build specializes in custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and finish carpentry for residential projects in the Austin area. We work closely with homeowners, cabinet makers, designers, and builders to bring detailed, well-executed craftsmanship to each space.
What sets us apart is our background. Justin started in high-end finish carpentry and later ran full residential construction projects, so we understand both the fine details and the bigger picture. That perspective helps us collaborate well and anticipate challenges before they become problems.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of building something focused and intentional. We’re not trying to do everything — we’ve narrowed our scope to what we do best. Our goal is simple: deliver quality work, communicate clearly, and be a reliable partner on every project.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
From Justin: “Never be too proud to learn from anyone on a job site. Try to have as many mentors as possible early on. Learn as much as you can from as many people as you can.
One thing that will move you up quickly is being undeniable. That starts with showing up on time and participating fully in whatever you’re doing.
Don’t treat it like just a job. Treat it like a learning opportunity.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foyerbuild.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/foyerbuild
Image Credits
Armadillo Architectural Photography
