Chip Harley
An Extraordinary Builder
By Cheryl Stevens
Prepare to be delighted when you enter the doors of our new Studio at 724 Camelia Street, Berkeley. Guided by the vision of our architects, Stromberg Architecture, our contractor, Holland & Harley (“H&H”) turned a former machine factory and marijuana grow house into our new beautiful Potters’ Studio in less than eight months. Immediately after signing the contract with H&H in October 2024, H&H began demolition because they knew our construction schedule was tight and that we had to vacate our current location by June 2025. Although demolition was completed by the end of the year, construction was paused for more than two months while we waited for the City to issue the necessary permit. However, as soon as the permit was approved H&H got busy transforming the space into our custom potters’ studio. There was more than a fresh coat of paint and new electrical fixtures that was necessary. In fact, we needed entirely new infrastructure to accommodate placing the gas kilns indoors, improving the lighting and providing heat in the winter while carefully venting silica dust. Over the course of the next four months, each tradesman and subcontractor moved through the space as adroit performers in a perfectly choreographed dance to create the necessary infrastructure and personal touches in our new home.
From, the plumbers, to the electricians, to the tile guy, welders and the cabinet makers, each person lending their sweat, skill, and expertise to creating our beautiful new studio. The man behind this carefully choreographed performance is Chip Harley one of the principals of H&H. Chip was committed to transforming the space into the Studio we envisioned by our summer deadline. Despite the occasional delay that were not of his making, Chip kept the construction machine rolling along moving sub-contractors around the space so as to avoid collisions while ensuring the work was being done and things were moving smoothly towards completion. Chip was always available to provide direction to the various trades and answer our questions or make cost-saving and aesthetic suggestions. As the General Contractor, Chip made sure each cubby, tile, brush stroke and countertop were installed and applied with care and precision. Chip understood and interpreted the architect’s drawings and considered our time and cost constraints. Chip worked with all of the subs and made sure we understood how he would turn those drawings and ideas into a functioning studio. Chip was patient and cooperative and made every effort to keep costs down in the wake of rising expenses due to tariff threats and availability of materials. He advocated on our behalf with the electrical and structural engineers to reduce construction costs and he recommended work arounds when necessary. I cannot imagine another contractor would have handled this project as well or with as much care as Chip and H&H. I cannot imagine another contractor would have been able to deliver such a beautifully finished space within the limited time period we had and I cannot imagine we would have enjoyed working with another contractor as much as we enjoyed working with Chip and H&H.
While I was prepared for construction delays and change orders and even other possible hiccups along the way, I was not prepared to enjoy the experience of working on this project with Chip. We asked a lot from Chip and H&H and they delivered on every level. I cannot sing Chip’s praises enough and the quality work all the subs put into creating our new space. As I walk around the Studio, I know that every special touch and important addition that might not be visible to the naked eye, exists because of the care and attention he gave our project. We demanded a great deal from H&H and were rewarded with more than we could have ever imagined.
There is no doubt in my mind that Chip was completely committed to this project from day one and for that, we are grateful. Months ago, I was delighted to discover Chip and H&H were the contractors behind my favorite Mexican restaurant, Comal and H&H were the contractors who built our neighbor, Trumer Brewery; and just one week ago, I learned that Chip was the contractor responsible for Yoshi’s in Jack London Square. When I looked around those venues, I see the same attention to details and fine craftsmanship that exists in our Studio. I am proud that our Studio is now part of the H&H construction legacy, and I am so happy Chip was available and willing to lend his expertise and attention to our project. So if you ever you ever need a contractor take it from me you cannot go wrong with Chip and H&H. Also if you ever meet Chip, please be sure to thank him for all that he did to turn the manufacturing plant and former grow house into this beautiful creative space that we will be able to enjoy for years to come because of his commitment and hard work.