Honoring John Steel: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Collaboration

The recent completion of the custom home, Chateau W, marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in the building history of Lamoille County and surrounding areas: a partnership spanning three decades with John Steel and the team at Steel Construction. We wish him well in his retirement as we reflect on our long-term relationship.

John Steel assists Milford Cushman and Terri Gregory of Cushman Design Group to present siding color samples to our client. 

John is a master. As the leader of Steel Construction, he understood the process and the methodology of building and brought a rare combination of precision, practicality, and pride to the work. Details mattered. He was especially particular about mechanical systems.

John Steel attends onsite meeting with Terri Gregory of Cushman Design Group.

Every job was approached with integrity, driven by quality, and a genuine care for the people involved, whether they were clients, craftspeople, or collaborators.

As designers, he provided guidance on how to build our design intent considering cost effectiveness, as well as, the beauty of craftsmanship.

Chad Forcier of Cushman Design Group discusses project details with John Steel on site of a new home construction.

A partnership rooted in mutual respect, we developed a rhythm, anticipating each other's expectations and aligning on what mattered most: creating homes that would stand the test of time and reflected the spirit of those who would live in them.

John Steel on site of various construction projects.

Of course, no builder does it alone. We would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible crew that supported John through the years, as well as the subcontractors and collaborators who shared in the work and the vision. Steel Construction was a team of dedicated, talented professionals who understood what it meant to build not just houses, but homes.

As we look back, we also look forward. The legacy that John built continues in the hands of new teams and familiar faces. Forged by a partnership with Patterson & Smith, a number of his remarkable and talented team have continued their craft, skills and careers, building on the foundation he laid so solidly.

John Steel meeting with Brad Robertson of Iron Art and construction crew.

 John Steel 

John Steel greets Terri Gregory of Cushman Design Group at a CDG open house.

We celebrate the many homes John has helped us craft over the years. Below is only a fraction of the work we have completed together: 

Homecoming - Photo by Jim Westphalen

 

Chateau W - Photo by Ryan Bent

 

Lone Ash Lookout - Photo by Ryan Bent

 

57 Depot Street - Photo by Ryan Bent

 

Hilltop - Photo by Susan Teare

Ridge View - Photo by Lindsay Selin

 

Landmark Meadow Farmhouse - Photo by Susan Teare

 

Celebrating the completion of Ridge View with Bruce Paine, Chad Forcier, John Hudgens, Paul Kartluke, John Steel, and our clients.

John, thank you for your craftsmanship, partnership, your collaboration, and your friendship. Your imprint is lasting, not only in the homes across this region, but in the hearts and hands of those you worked with.

Wishing you all the best in your next chapter.

— Milford Cushman, Founder & President, Cushman Design Group & the entire CDG team