Ian Schwandt

Alt Job Title: The Bean Counter

“I bring a tradesperson’s perspective to understanding the myriad of costs associated with every construction project and a willingness to view my work from the perspective of others.”

Ian joined the TDS team in 2020. He is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and has completed the Net Zero Building Program at Yestermorrow School in Vermont.

Ian brings a wealth of experience to his work at TDS—from his traditional carpentry apprenticeship, to his work leading large scale commercial construction projects in the health care sector; from his historic preservation work as a self-employed tradesperson, to writing for trade publications like Fine Homebuilding and JLC. Through all these experiences, he learned first hand what can be accomplished by talented tradespeople dedicated to lifelong learning.

Ian grew up as the sixth generation on his family’s farm, and then moved to the Hudson Valley region of New York where he lived for 13 years. Living and working in a densely populated area gave him the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse group of people from around the world. Ian says he would not be who he is today, or living back on the farm where he grew up, without many of these relationships. In his spare time he enjoys reading, woodworking, and furniture making.

Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): 

Hammer. It was the first tool I was given as a small child on the farm.