Meet Caleb Kangas

We recently connected with Caleb Kangas and have shared our conversation below.

Caleb, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

It probably started when I was a kid just 6 years old. I would mow my neighbors yard for $5 each week. I took the mower down to their home, with the trimmer, and a broom. The job was hard but I kept going week after week. I loved making money and would take that money each week and save it, after I bought one pack of baseball cards for $0.50.

When I was 14 years old I started working on a framing crew for a construction company building homes. I remember the first day on the job I was carrying 24′ 2×10’s. That was such hard work and I was drenched in sweat by 7:00am. But I became so strong and learned so many things about building that summer and in the following summers that I worked. By the time I was 19 years old I knew enough to build an entire home by myself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Third Space Design Build is a great company for several reasons, particularly because of its unique approach to architecture, design, and construction. Here are some key factors that contribute to its reputation:

1. Holistic Approach
Third Space Design Build stands out by offering a comprehensive, integrated approach to design and construction. They don’t just focus on the architecture or the building process separately; instead, they merge the two, ensuring that every step is seamless. This holistic approach allows for greater collaboration between the design team and builders, leading to more thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

2. Creative and Innovative Design
The company places a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation in their design work. They think outside the box, considering not only the aesthetic but also the emotional and functional experience of a space. This allows them to create spaces that are not just beautiful, but also highly practical and comfortable for the people who use them.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Third Space Design Build is committed to sustainable design practices. They integrate eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient systems, and innovative design techniques that reduce environmental impact. This focus on sustainability is not only good for the planet but also helps clients create spaces that are cost-effective to maintain over time.

4. Client-Centric Philosophy
The company places a strong emphasis on understanding and responding to the needs of its clients. They are known for their exceptional customer service, listening closely to their clients’ desires and goals, and delivering a product that exceeds expectations. They see their work as a partnership with clients, guiding them through each phase of the project with transparency and collaboration.

5. Attention to Detail and Craftsmanship
Third Space Design Build is known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. They care deeply about the materials, finishes, and overall execution of every project, ensuring that the final result is something clients can be proud of. This commitment to quality is evident in both their residential and commercial projects.

6. Versatility Across Projects
From residential homes to commercial spaces, and from renovations to new builds, Third Space Design Build has a broad portfolio that showcases their versatility and ability to adapt to a variety of design styles and project needs. Whether it’s a modern minimalist home or a more traditional commercial space, they have the expertise to deliver a range of designs that suit different tastes and budgets.

7. End-to-End Service
One of the standout features of Third Space Design Build is that they provide an end-to-end service, meaning they handle everything from the initial concept and design phase all the way through to construction and project completion. This streamlined process can save clients time, money, and stress, as they don’t need to juggle multiple contractors or vendors.

8. Strong Reputation and Trust
Their reputation for delivering on promises, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget is something clients consistently highlight. Trust is a huge factor in the design and build industry, and Third Space Design Build has built a strong track record of delivering high-quality results while maintaining a transparent and reliable working relationship with clients.

9. Personalized Experience
Every project at Third Space is treated as unique, with designs tailored specifically to each client’s vision and needs. Whether it’s designing custom furniture pieces, incorporating personal elements into the architecture, or ensuring functionality aligns with daily life, they go the extra mile to make sure every detail is just right.

10. Passion for Crafting Unique Spaces
Finally, what makes Third Space Design Build great is their genuine passion for creating unique, transformative spaces. They see every project as an opportunity to push the boundaries of design and make a meaningful impact on the people who experience the space.

In summary, Third Space Design Build’s excellence lies in their holistic and client-focused approach to design and construction, their commitment to sustainability, quality, and craftsmanship, and their ability to deliver personalized, innovative spaces. This makes them a standout choice for anyone looking to create or renovate a space that is not only functional but truly inspiring.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I have a few thoughts on this.

1. Holistic Design Thinking
One of the core principles that helped shape Third Space Design Build’s success is the ability to approach projects holistically. This involves not just thinking about the aesthetic or the technical aspects of a space, but about how the space will be used and experienced by the people who interact with it. A holistic mindset helps anticipate challenges and opportunities at every stage of a project, from design through construction and beyond.

Advice for Beginners:
Develop a deep understanding of how design impacts human experience. Start by asking questions: How will people use the space? What emotions do you want the space to evoke? Look beyond the visual appeal and explore function, flow, and the long-term sustainability of your designs. This will give you a stronger foundation for creating spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful.

2. Project Management and Execution
While great design is the heart of what Third Space does, effective project management has been crucial to translating ideas into finished, high-quality spaces. The ability to balance design vision with the realities of construction, budgeting, and timelines is what ensures projects stay on track and clients’ expectations are met. Having solid project management skills ensures the vision is executed efficiently and without unnecessary hiccups.

Advice for Beginners:
Strengthen your project management skills early on. Familiarize yourself with timelines, budgeting, contracts, and how to manage both the creative and logistical sides of a project. Invest in tools or software to keep track of schedules, budgets, and resources. Even if you’re just starting out, learning the ropes of project management will help you avoid common pitfalls and keep clients happy.

3. Client Communication and Relationship Building
Strong communication is at the heart of Third Space’s client-centric approach. Building trust, understanding client needs, and maintaining clear and transparent communication throughout the entire process have been essential to the company’s success. This ability to listen, empathize, and respond thoughtfully ensures that clients feel heard and confident in the design and construction process.

Advice for Beginners:
Early in your career, focus on honing your communication skills, especially active listening and empathy. Building strong relationships with clients begins with understanding their vision and being able to explain how you can make it a reality. Be open to feedback, stay transparent about timelines and budgets, and cultivate a reputation for being reliable and approachable. The better you understand your clients, the more successful your projects will be.

A Final Thought:
Continuous Learning & Adaptation:
The landscape of design and construction is always evolving, with new technologies, materials, and design trends emerging regularly. The best advice for anyone starting their journey is to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Stay curious, keep refining your skills, and always be open to new ideas. By doing this, you’ll be able to adapt and stay ahead of the curve in a fast-changing industry.

In short, focusing on holistic design thinking, mastering project management, and building strong client relationships are the key pillars that have supported Third Space Design Build’s growth and success. For those just starting out, these areas are essential for long-term success and growth in the industry.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

ChatGPT
The number one obstacle that Third Space Design Build is currently facing is likely a balance between creative vision and the increasing complexity of project management—particularly as the demand for high-quality, custom design-build projects continues to grow. As the company takes on more ambitious and larger-scale projects, there’s a heightened need to maintain the high level of creativity and craftsmanship that clients expect, while also ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory standards.

Specific Challenges Include:
Project Complexity and Scale:
As the company takes on more complex, high-profile projects, there are more variables to manage—everything from logistics and subcontractors to supply chain disruptions and evolving client needs. The greater the scale of the project, the more difficult it can be to maintain the same level of meticulous attention to detail and creativity across every phase of development.
Talent Acquisition and Retention:
With the growing demand for design-build services, there’s increasing competition for skilled labor, especially in specialized areas like sustainable building practices, advanced technology integration, and high-end craftsmanship. Ensuring that the team has the right mix of talent to meet the creative and technical demands of each project is crucial for the company’s continued success.
Supply Chain and Material Availability:
The construction industry as a whole has faced ongoing challenges with supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, and delays in sourcing high-quality materials. This can affect project timelines and the ability to maintain the premium quality that Third Space Design Build prides itself on.
How Third Space Design Build is Addressing These Challenges:
Streamlining Project Management with Technology:
To better handle project complexity and ensure that each phase of development runs smoothly, Third Space is investing in more advanced project management tools and software. These tools allow for better tracking of timelines, budgets, and material procurement, as well as enhanced collaboration between design, construction, and client teams. With clearer oversight and real-time updates, they can mitigate delays and avoid cost overruns while ensuring design integrity is upheld.
Investing in Talent and Training:
Third Space Design Build is putting a strong focus on attracting and retaining top talent by offering professional development opportunities, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, and promoting from within. They are also building relationships with schools and universities to nurture the next generation of architects, designers, and construction professionals. They believe that a strong, motivated team is the key to delivering top-tier results while overcoming the challenges of increased demand.
Building Strong Supplier Relationships and Diversifying Materials:
In order to combat supply chain disruptions and material shortages, Third Space has worked to establish stronger, more diverse supplier relationships. This helps ensure access to high-quality materials even in difficult times. Additionally, the company is actively exploring new and alternative materials that are both sustainable and cost-effective, which allows for greater flexibility when certain materials become scarce or overpriced.
Client Education and Transparency:
To address issues related to delays and rising costs due to external factors (such as supply chain disruptions), Third Space Design Build is also placing more emphasis on proactive client communication. By being transparent about potential challenges and educating clients about the factors that may affect their projects, the company helps manage expectations and builds stronger, trust-based relationships. This approach ensures clients are more understanding when issues arise and helps maintain a positive overall experience.
Looking Ahead:
In the coming years, Third Space Design Build plans to further expand its capacity by refining these processes and focusing on innovation in both design and construction. They aim to stay ahead of trends in sustainability, technology, and efficiency, while maintaining the personalized, client-centric approach that has been the cornerstone of their success.

By embracing technology, investing in talent, and adapting to changing market conditions, Third Space Design Build is working hard to continue delivering exceptional projects while overcoming the challenges that come with growth and complexity in the design-build industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thirdspacekc.com
• Instagram: @ThirdSpaceKC
• Facebook: Third Space Design Build
• Linkedin: Third Space Design Build

Image Credits

Sam my office manager has provided the photos already> Please use those.