Larry Harkness, owner and founder of Harkness Builders, Inc. brings to the position a unique set of talents and life experiences that make him especially well suited to manage and oversee remodeling projects.
A native Charlottean, he attended both Charlotte Country Day School and Myers Park High School. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cooper Union in New York City as well as an M.A. in education from New York University. He worked for several years in New York, first as a project manager with an architectural woodworking firm and then as a co-owner of what had been a third generation custom furniture manufacturing business. One notable project completed by the custom furniture company was the new boardroom table for NationsBank in their corporate headquarters. He often worked with the top design firms in New York City, bringing their designs to life.
In 1994 he and his wife decided it was time to return to their roots in the Charlotte area. He got his general contractor’s license in 1995 and set up shop as a remodeling contractor.
His background in art and design has served him well. It is especially helpful working with clients and designers to implement solutions to sometimes thorny design problems. Larry is often drawn to the projects that are a little different or “outside the box.” It is very satisfying to work with older homes and create new updated spaces which compliment the original home.
His customers say that he has a keen attention to detail and design. He is considerate of the life going on in the home during construction. Larry considers clear communication key to a good working relationship with the customer. Foundational to communication is the ability and willingness to listen carefully to the hopes and needs of the client.
He has successfully gathered a support staff of employees and tradespeople who share the same values.
Harkness Builders, Inc. is committed to making the experience of remodeling the home as enjoyable and satisfying as using the completed project