Our Heritage
Three Generations of Builders
We have always loved to build things. It’s simply what we do… Hands On.
Grandpops
Grandpop Henry was a Harvard Grad and would have an illustrious career as an architect in San Francisco. He designed a pre flight school for the Navy during World War II and went on to design numerous projects throughout the City. His primary clients became the Bank of Italy (which eventually became Bank of America) and the Catholic Church. Many of his buildings stand today.
Pops
Pop Hanley’s garage shop was filled with all kinds of tools and there was always an ongoing project. As soon as one project finished, another started. “Pops” was a carpenter by trade and would eventually retire from this profession. He loved building furniture and his pieces filled our home. He built things his entire life.
John
John studied City and Regional Planning at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and then Architecture at the University of Hawaii. He found that he loved to design draw things then build them. Hence the formation of Cantona (welcome home) where the firm works to provide quality construction and or design/build services. We work to bridge the gap between architect and builder with a comprehensive knowledge of both.
John’s Story
It was while working with Pop in the garage that I was exposed to some of the old “blue line” drawings of my grandfather. I was fascinated by the old detailed prints and his effort required to pen such drawings. Combining the love of ongoing carpentry projects in our garage and the drawings of grandpops, I would really develop two life long passions – great architecture and great carpentry. “Hands On”, The path was clear.
Following our long tradition in the construction industry, we continue to integrate quality carpentry with drawings we believe reflect how things should be made. We continue to improve and evolve in this effort.
What is “Hands On”?
Simply put, it is what separates us from other builders. No middle men, No consultants, No administrators, No job trailers, No offices, Nobody on our jobsites without a toolbelt. We work with our tools in the field or in the shop with our crews and equipment. Many of our projects are designed, drafted and built by us. This is our competitive advantage and we are good at what we do. We simply build things better.
Get in touch with us, we would love to build your vision.