The projects showcased below represent a selection of residential, commercial, hospitality, aviation, and specialty construction projects completed throughout the San Juan Islands and beyond. From luxury custom homes and mixed-use developments to boutique hospitality destinations and one-of-a-kind specialty structures, these projects reflect the diverse experience and problem-solving approach that define San Juan Building Solutions.
While this gallery highlights some of the more notable projects I've been involved with, it represents only a small portion of the many projects completed throughout my career in design, permitting, project management, and construction.
Project Type: Custom Luxury Residence
Location: San Juan Island, Washington
Services Provided: Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
Architect: Turkel Design
Designed by Turkel Design, the Deerhaven Residence is a contemporary luxury home carefully positioned within the natural landscape of San Juan Island's west side. Tucked among mature trees and anchored into the site's existing bedrock, the residence demonstrates how thoughtful design and construction can work in harmony with a challenging environment while maximizing views and privacy.
Jayson Schmidt provided project management throughout the project, coordinating with the project team the complex details required to successfully execute a highly customized architectural vision. Extensive collaboration between the owner, architect, consultants, and construction team was essential to integrating the home into the site's unique topography and natural features.
The residence incorporates a wide range of premium features including expansive walls of glass, large lift-and-slide doors, automated shading systems, radiant heated concrete floors, covered outdoor living spaces with integrated heating, and a fully automated home control system. A custom illuminated Viewrail staircase serves as a focal point within the home, complementing the clean architectural lines and refined material palette.
Throughout the project, careful attention was given to balancing modern design, energy efficiency, comfort, and craftsmanship. The result is a sophisticated waterfront retreat that seamlessly blends luxury living with the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands.
Deerhaven showcases experience delivering architecturally significant custom homes where complex construction, advanced building systems, and exceptional craftsmanship must come together to achieve a world-class result.
Project Type: Hospitality & Event Venue Development
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Services Provided: Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
Recognition: Featured in Dwell, ArchDaily, and Archello
Saltwater Farm is a premier hospitality and event destination located on San Juan Island, combining luxury accommodations, event spaces, and thoughtfully designed support facilities into a one-of-a-kind guest experience.
Jayson Schmidt provided project management and leadership during the development of numerous components throughout the property, helping coordinate the delivery of a highly complex hospitality campus that includes event venues, lodging, agricultural structures, and recreational amenities.
One of the property's signature features is the Event Barn, an expansive gathering space designed to host weddings, retreats, and special events. Integrated within the structure is a unique three-story residential suite overlooking the barn through interior viewing windows. Due to the mixed-use nature of the building, significant coordination was required between residential and assembly occupancies, including specialized fire protection systems, fire-rated auto drop steel door assemblies, and large-scale sprinkler infrastructure. Additional architectural features include an oversized steel accent wall and a commercial-grade kitchen supporting event operations.
The property also includes The Inn, which provides gathering spaces, guest accommodations, and upper-level suites overlooking Griffin Bay and the Friday Harbor Airport. Beyond the main buildings, the project incorporated five distinctive guest cabins, each offering a unique guest experience through features such as elevated construction, cedar hot tubs, and carefully integrated site design.
Additional facilities constructed throughout the development included agricultural support buildings, maintenance facilities, animal shelters, and wellness amenities including sauna and hot tub areas. The result is a cohesive hospitality destination that successfully blends lodging, events, recreation, and agricultural character into a uniquely San Juan Island experience.
Saltwater Farm has been featured by Dwell, ArchDaily, Archello, and other leading architectural publications, highlighting the project's unique approach to hospitality, events, and island living.
Project Type: Boutique Vacation Rental Development
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Services Provided: Design • Permitting • Project Management • Construction
Units: 4 Luxury Tiny Home Suites
San Juan Tiny Suites is a boutique vacation rental development designed and built by Jayson Schmidt. As both designer and part-owner, Jayson envisioned a unique hospitality experience that combines thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and innovative use of space.
4 Tiny homes were built on 26-foot trailers, each suite features a cantilevered deck and extended roof structure that expands the overall footprint to 30 feet. Despite their compact size, these homes are packed with custom details including spiral staircases, custom fabricated metal railings, integrated dining spaces featuring handcrafted Madrona wood tables, and inverted living arrangements with sleeping quarters tucked beneath the kitchen to maximize usable space.
Additional features include refurbished Ironwood decking, SIP wall and roof construction for superior efficiency, and custom White Oak bathroom countertops that bring warmth and character to the interior. Every element was carefully considered to create a premium guest experience while demonstrating how high-end design and craftsmanship can thrive within a small footprint.
Today, San Juan Tiny Suites welcomes visitors from around the world and continues to demonstrate how thoughtful design and efficient use of space can create an exceptional guest experience.
Project Type: Private Glamping Wall Tent Structure
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Services Provided: Design • Permitting • Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
The Glamping Tent project was created for a client seeking an elevated camping experience that blended the character of a traditional wall tent with the comfort and convenience of a permanent structure.
Jayson designed a custom bathroom building and exterior timber roof structure that seamlessly integrated with a wall tent manufactured by Davis Tent. Working directly with the tent manufacturer, the tent and supporting structure were custom designed to align interior doorways and create a cohesive indoor-outdoor living experience.
The project incorporated numerous custom features including a heated concrete bathroom floor, custom corrugated metal shower surround, propane fireplace, outdoor shower area, and a large exterior deck overlooking a thoughtfully landscaped gathering space. Working closely with the owner, Jayson also helped integrate a reclaimed wooden aircraft propeller into a custom propane fire pit feature, creating a unique focal point that reflected the owner's passion for aviation. Locally sourced oyster shell was used to create a distinctive ground surface around the fire pit, complemented by custom milled heavy timber benches designed specifically for the site.
Additional site improvements included a grass paver system with irrigation, creating the appearance of a traditional lawn while maintaining full vehicle access. The project also included a dedicated parking area for the owner's ICON A5 amphibious aircraft.
This one-of-a-kind project showcases how thoughtful design, creative problem solving, and attention to detail can transform a simple camping concept into a memorable luxury retreat.
Project Type: Detached Garage & Studio Apartment
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Services Provided: Design • Permitting • Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
The Cessna Garage & Apartment was designed to provide flexible storage, workshop space, guest accommodations, and support for the owner's active island lifestyle.
Designed by Jayson Schmidt, the two-story structure features two carriage-style garage doors providing convenient access for vehicles, boats, bicycles, golf carts, and the many tools and toys that support year-round recreation. A welcoming entry foyer leads to a second-story studio apartment designed with simplicity, efficiency, and comfort in mind.
The upper level incorporates tall vaulted ceilings, shiplap accent walls, and custom royal blue cabinetry that create a bright and inviting living space while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Careful attention was given to maximizing functionality without sacrificing character or comfort.
One of the project's most unique features is the garage flooring system. Rather than a traditional concrete finish, the floor utilizes a commercial-grade flooring designed to replicate the appearance of natural wood while maintaining the durability and performance required for vehicle traffic and workshop use.
As part of the broader property vision, the project also included site improvements designed to support the owner's ICON A5 amphibious aircraft. A custom grass-paver system with irrigation was installed to create the appearance of a traditional lawn while providing a durable, driveable surface for aircraft access and parking.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a simple garage into a highly functional multi-purpose structure that supports aviation, recreation, guest accommodations, and the unique lifestyle opportunities available in the San Juan Islands.
Project Type: Aircraft Hangar Renovation & Expansion
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Services Provided: Design • Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
The Hangar Retreat began as a functional aircraft hangar but evolved into a highly customized aviation lifestyle space designed to support both recreation and aircraft storage.
One of the primary project goals was accommodating a larger aircraft that could not fully fit within the existing hangar footprint. To solve this challenge, Jayson designed a strategic rear expansion that extended the building envelope just enough to accommodate the aircraft nose while preserving the overall character of the structure. Rather than leaving the new space as a simple bump-out, the owner embraced the opportunity to create something truly unique.
Working alongside a specialty climbing wall designer, the expansion was transformed into a full-height indoor climbing wall that became a focal point of the project. Additional interior improvements included a guest suite with a full bathroom and laundry facilities, an indoor pickleball court, oversized Big Ass Fans, and integrated lighting designed to create a comfortable and inviting gathering space.
The exterior renovation was equally transformative. Existing metal siding was replaced with rustic cedar siding, the roof was completely renewed, and the hangar door underwent a significant redesign. A new Schweiss strap-lift door system was installed, custom windows were integrated into the door structure, and a custom corten steel veneer with faux barn door detailing was added to create a distinctive architectural statement.
This project demonstrates how creative design and problem solving can transform a purely functional structure into a one-of-a-kind destination that supports aviation, recreation, hospitality, and everyday enjoyment.
Project Type: Mixed-Use Commercial & Hospitality Development
Location: Friday Harbor, Washington
Services Provided: Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
Duration: Approximately 12 Months
Located in the heart of downtown Friday Harbor, The Web Suites is a modern mixed-use development designed to serve both the local business community and island visitors. The project combines commercial space on the main level with boutique hospitality accommodations above, creating an efficient and highly functional use of a compact downtown site.
The ground floor is home to Guardian Veterinary Care, providing modern commercial space designed to support a growing local business. Above, three private studio-style vacation rental suites offer visitors a unique lodging experience within walking distance of the ferry terminal, restaurants, shops, and waterfront amenities.
A signature feature of the project is the rooftop deck, known as "The Crow's Nest," which is accessed by a custom spiral staircase and provides panoramic views of Friday Harbor, the surrounding marina, and the San Juan Islands. The rooftop gathering space creates a unique amenity rarely found in downtown hospitality developments and serves as a focal point for guests enjoying the island experience.
Jayson Schmidt provided project management and construction leadership throughout the development process, coordinating project teams, maintaining schedules, and helping deliver the project from groundbreaking through occupancy in approximately one year.
This project demonstrates experience delivering commercial and hospitality developments while balancing schedule, quality, functionality, and the unique challenges of building in a downtown island environment.
Project Type: Custom Residence
Location: San Juan Island, Washington
Services Provided: Project Management • Construction (Former Employer)
Architect: PBW Architects
Designed by PBW Architects, the Eagle Cove Residence is a striking home that combines modern architectural design with exceptional craftsmanship and structural complexity.
Jayson Schmidt provided project management and leadership throughout the project, helping coordinate the many trades, materials, and details required to successfully execute a highly customized residence. The home's design features dramatic cantilevered structural elements that support portions of the second floor while creating expansive covered outdoor living spaces and unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
A defining feature of the residence is a two-story concrete fireplace that serves as both a structural and architectural centerpiece. Throughout the home, extensive custom millwork, premium interior paneling, and carefully detailed finishes contribute to a refined and highly personalized living environment.
The project required close collaboration between the owner, architect, consultants, and construction team to successfully deliver the design vision while maintaining the high level of quality expected in a luxury residence.
Eagle Cove demonstrates experience managing complex residential construction projects where architecture, structural design, craftsmanship, and execution must work seamlessly together to achieve an exceptional result.
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