Lifespan Home Modifications is owned and operated by Chris and Jennifer McDonald. They have called Olympia their home since 1991 and have come to love our community a great deal.
Chris McDonald - Co-Owner
Chris has been working in the construction industry since 1988 when he took his first job as a carpenter, building homes from the ground up in Grays Harbor County. Through the years, Chris has been involved in all aspects of the residential building industry.
Jennie McDonald - Co-Owner
Jennie has always had a passion for the home. She earned a degree from South Puget Sound Community College in Horticulture Technology and quickly established herself as Dragonfly Landscape Design. Her beautiful designs are present all over Thurston County in hundreds of local yards.
Contracting History
In 1998, after graduating from Saint Martin’s College, working for several contractors, and even an enjoyable year building wooden boats, Chris teamed up with Randy Foster and started The Artisans Group. What began as a two man team and one work van, grew into one of the premier design/build firms in our region, winning local, state, and national awards.
Chris has been an active member in local trade groups such as Olympia Master Builders, the Northwest Eco Builders Guild, the National Kitchen and Bath Association. In 2005, Chris was honored in Washington D.C. as one of Remodeling Magazines Big 50 Remodelers. One of Chris’ nicest honors was to be awarded South Sound’s Top Places to Work 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the Business Examiner.
Our passion for creating a safe home for you or your loved ones will be immediately apparent. We can’t wait to get to know you and see how we can help!
Education, Awards and Affiliations:
Saint Martin’s College – Graduate Cum Laude 1997 – Chris
South Puget Sound Comm College – Horticulture Technology – Jennie
Certified Graduate Remodelor – NAHB – 2004
Certified Aging in Place Specialist – NAHB – 2005
Golden Hammer Award – Olympia Master Builders – 2002
Remodeler of the Year – Olympia Master Builders – 2003
Big 50 – Remodeling Magazine – 2005
Best Place to Work – Business Examiner- 2006, 2007 and 2008
Remodeling Excellence Awards (REX) – 1999-2009
Tour Of Homes Awards – 2000-2009
Olympia Master Builders – Member since 1998
National Association of Home Builders – Member since 1998
Northwest Eco Builders Guild – Member since 2006
Projects and Articles Featured in numerous magazines and trade publications
Founding Board Member, Past President – Rebuilding Together Thurston County
A quote from Paul Muldoon of Edward Jones:
“In my business career, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with hundreds of business owners around the world. I have never met one with more integrity and care for his customers than Chris McDonald. As an leader, Chris values the contribution of each person and encourages people to stretch out of their comfort zones. I have seen this in practice as a vendor to The Artisans Group, and as a fellow board member for Rebuilding Together where Chris was a founder of the local affiliate. Anyone working on a project with Chris will find him to be a true collaborative partner who really listens to others and always strives to exceed expectations.”
Paul Muldoon, Edward Jones
Chris and Jennie enjoying the Oregon Coast
Lifespan Gives Back to the Community!
In 2003, while a member of the Olympia Master Builders Remodelors Council, I brought Rebuilding Together to Thurston County as a public service project. It has been a great addition to our county and over the years we have helped over 40 low income and elderly homeowners with much needed repairs.
In 2010, Lifepsan worked on the Williams project south of Tumwater. Alex, my son, and I spent a long day tearing siding off and installing new siding and windows on Polly’s home. How rewarding! Here are a few pictures (courtesy of Ross Irwin of Cabinets by Trivonna) for you to see.
Alex and Chris removing siding
Chris leaning into a good caulk job!
