The Zen of construction in Sisters

Scott Stoery is a local craftsman and builder who imbues his projects with a Zen-like quality, whether he is installing stones in the landscape or building a tiny house on wheels.

This engineer turned stay-at-home-dad, who then worked for a local builder learning about everything from foundations to doorknobs, has also assisted seniors and the disabled to stay in their homes while working for the Home Help Team in Sisters. Prior to starting his current business, Builder of Special Spaces, Stoery worked for Nomadics Teepee Makers in Tumalo for four years.

A Chicago native, Stoery graduated from Michigan Technological University with a degree in forestry at a time when jobs in forestry were scarce, so he worked as an engineer. He has lived in Memphis, Atlanta, northern Vermont where he built his own timber-frame house, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Stoery headed west to Sisters with his wife and two sons in 2002 when they decided to leave the corporate world and the eastern U.S. behind.

Stoery related how much he enjoys helping people on the Home Help Team.

"It was so rewarding to even just change a light bulb for an elderly woman who was so appreciative," he said.

His venture into the tiny house world began when the owners of Home Help Team had him build one to be used as temporary housing for clients who needed to be out of their homes while work was done making repairs and improvements.

Unfortunately, just as the tiny house was completed, the 2008 recession hit and everything stopped. Raven House, so named for the Native American raven created by local wood sculptor Skip Armstrong and attached to the front peak of the house, won a first-place sustainability award at the Eugene Good Earth Home, Garden and Living Show.

The house incorporated knotty pine paneling throughout, many special finishes, a propane boat heater, a metal roof, and abundant insulation to aid in heating and cooling. Jay Shafer, the "father of tiny houses," gave Stoery one of his blueprints to use in constructing Raven House. The house was eventually sold and moved to Whidbey Island, Washington.

Stoery, who is of Swiss and Swedish descent, incorporates sacred geometry in his projects. He takes on one job at a time in order to provide undivided attention to his current clients and their project, with no time wasted packing and unpacking tools and materials to move between jobs.

He is presently working on a home remodel east of town, and his next project will be constructing a 12-by-16-foot space to be used for private community gatherings and as a meditation space.

Stoery has no "five-year plan" for his business or his life, but will be staying in Sisters.

"I believe in manifesting what I want and trusting in what comes next," he explained.

He approaches his special spaces building business with a different level of consciousness. His current ads in The Nugget have showcased those qualities that Stoery brings to his projects. He has integrity and is creative and, together with his clients, he will create something that is fulfilling, imaginative, collaborative and sustainable.

Stoery has a cabinet shop on his property in Plainview where he is able to construct stunning original cabinets, storage units, and unique windows and doors. He created a hexagonal window with specialty glass, incorporating an old large metal gear belonging to the homeowners. His doors and windows are works of art, with obvious attention to detail.

Stoery met his wife, Emily, at Breitenbush Hot Springs and they were married in 2006. She came from Utah where she had worked with people with disabilities to prepare them to live independent lives. Here in Sisters she does custom homecare for both private homes and rentals.

Contact Stoery at 541-280-6692, email to [email protected]