We take pride in the certainty that what is well-made will outlive us. We believe in a smooth and methodical process, with innovative problem solving, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional craftsmanship. We treat every project as a chance to build something extraordinary.
Craft is about the relationship between a maker and their work. Our skilled in-house team brings a deep understanding of time-honored techniques, an exacting attention to detail, and mastery developed from many years and building experiences.
Working with High Camp Custom is a transparent, collaborative, and educational building process, with clear communication and client advocacy. We listen closely to our clients goals, provide our expertise, and carefully manage and build to meet their goals.
When you work with us, you will have our full attention for the duration of your project, and it will be properly staffed with a team of construction managers and skilled trades. We prioritize craftsmanship and durability over high volume, allowing us to focus on the management and execution of each detail.
Leading High Camp Custom is Founder and Owner, Derrick Whitby, a hands-on builder with a deep passion for craftsmanship, time-honored techniques, and intuitive approaches. Derrick Whitby’s passion for homebuilding is authentic, and has stood the test of time. Raised in Northern Vermont, among many talented builders and craftspeople, he was immersed in building at an early age. With his exposure to fine homebuilding, and an interest in creating, his path took him through an apprenticeship in traditional dry-stack stone masonry, to working for a master custom builder on the shores of Lake Champlain where he developed a respect for quality work and a love for craftsmanship. Looking West, he attended Montana State University, earning a degree in Construction Engineering Technology with an internship with another respected legacy building firm in Bozeman, Montana, adding an academic and formal education in structural engineering, budgeting & estimating, and management that has provided a solid foundation for his work. Driven to continue developing as a carpenter, he found a formal carpentry apprenticeship with a traditional mortise & tenon timber framer where he developed skill in structural timber-framing, fine woodwork,and layout techniques. With a desire to return to homebuilding, he worked towards developing his own building company, uniting his carpentry and traditional trade skills with his construction management skills, and has been building enduring homes ever since. Derrick approaches every project with refined expertise, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to educate clients and team members. He maintains an engaged on-site presence, personally managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring every home is built to reflect High Camp Custom’s standards. Raised among homes that lasted centuries, Derrick takes pride in building enduring homes with first-class craftsmanship and detailing that provides durability, resiliency, and authentic beauty.
Luke brings a diverse design/build background to High Camp. The son of a Vermont-based General Contractor, he spent his summers working on job sites ranging from custom homes to historic restorations. Luke furthered his knowledge at Montana State University, then worked at several engineering firms where he focused on site development and vertical construction projects, acting as both a Project Manager and Owner’s Representative, earning his Professional Engineer title. Luke made the decision to return to residential construction and his carpentry roots in 2021. His experience in carpentry, project management, design management, and client management make him an invaluable member of the High Camp team.
Levi has worked in construction for years, and his focus is on building quality homes. He most enjoys the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish. When not working, he’s usually snowboarding up at the mountain or out riding dirt bikes with buddies.
Jonathan Hall, based in Montana, is a jack of all trades. Coming from a family of skilled tradespeople—his mother a renowned bricklayer, his father an insulator and carpenter, his uncle a drywall expert, and his grandfather a refrigeration technician—Jonathan developed a passion for construction early on. After exploring auto mechanics and the medical field, he found his calling in construction, gaining seven years of hands-on experience in everything from roofing and framing to concrete, siding, stonewalls, and tree felling.
Mark grew up in a late-1700s Vermont farmhouse, which taught him early on how valuable maintenance, problem-solving, and a good set of tools can be. His old home always had a project going, which is where he first picked up mechanical and building skills. As a young adult he worked different trades before earning a Business degree from Bryant University and starting a career in the corporate world. Even during those years, he kept finding his way back to building, whether helping friends and family construct new homes or renovate and restore old ones. The building trade was the work he truly had a passion for, which is why he joined High Camp Custom, where he continues learning and growing his skillset alongside their accomplished crew.
In the summer of 2016 I woke up to a major problem in my small cabin outside Whitefish; the balcony was disintegrating, with ongoing water damage to the corner logs adjoining the balcony. Derrick was working next door and had good suggestions for a cure; when I saw the quality of work they were doing I asked if they could move to my project when they finished. Log cabins seem to have ‘unique problems’ which they took in stride with ‘unique solutions’ that I would never have thought of myself. I found them a pleasure to work with, discussing each step with me so it became a pleasant learning experience. The end product was far better than I had hoped for, or could have done myself, on schedule, and the final cost was precisely the bid amount. I highly recommend their work.