Setting the New Home Construction Standard

Client-Centered Design-Build Firm in
Portsmouth, NH

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Behind
Otter Creek Homes

To us, our work with clients is more than a transaction, it’s a relationship. A relationship we build by being excellent communicators, setting realistic expectations, and sharing authentically. 

Traditionally, design and build were not integrated. Husband-and-wife team, Chris and Lauren Atwood, recognized that this old-school approach put a lot of onus on the client to manage the many moving pieces of their project. This led to our belief that design-build is the ideal model and the future of our industry. 

To that end, we aim to change the stereotype and deliver a modern residential construction experience, one that:

  • Sets a new standard for the industry

  • Streamlines communication

  • Delivers projects on time

  • Fosters transparency around budgeting and finances

  • Delivers a high-quality product

  • Ensures the experience feels good to both our clients and team

Bringing the entire process in-house, from design to architecture to management, enables us to deliver projects on time and on budget. We provide homeowners with a one-stop shop for their projects, facilitating a communicative, proactive process that mitigates issues down the line.

We strive to deliver the dream home our clients have always envisioned, their forever home that will last for generations to come! Homeowners who value high-quality craftsmanship, respect our expertise, and trust us to execute their vision light us up.

Why did we choose the name Otter Creek?

Well, Otter Creek happens to be the river that the town of Middlebury, Vermont, sits on. This town holds a special place in our hearts. It’s where Chris went to college and where countless memories were made for us as a couple. Four years of long-distance dating solidified our love and commitment to one another. Looking back, those years gave us the foundation we needed to launch the journey that led us here today.

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Our Mission

To deliver a modern, streamlined experience for our clients built on a trusting relationship, realistic goals, and providing as much value within their budget as possible.

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Our Vision

To change the "three-bid" stigma in our industry with transparent pricing, high-quality boutique service, and the latest technology.

The founders

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Chris Atwood
Co-Founder & CEO

Chris Atwood is co-owner & co-founder of Otter Creek Homes with his wife, Lauren. Born and raised in the seacoast area, Chris graduated from Middlebury College with a burning passion to start his own business. As a third-generation craftsman (his grandfather, father, and uncle are all builders!) who spent many childhood days on the job site, Chris always knew where his heart lay. He longed to get his hands dirty and build something he could be proud of. 

After years of seeing the traditional construction model, Chris knew a more client-centric approach was possible. His work is rooted in impeccable attention to detail, with a healthy dose of hard work learned over the years from the generations that came before him.

A woman with long blonde hair and a gentle smile, wearing a black blazer and lace dress, sitting on a beige sofa with decorative pillows, in a bright room with white curtains.

Lauren Atwood
Co-Founder & Creative Director/Lead Designer

Lauren Atwood is co-owner & co-founder of Otter Creek Homes with her husband, Chris. Born and raised in the Seacoast area, Lauren graduated from The University of New Hampshire with a deep passion to fuel her creative spirit. 

Lauren’s creative direction is rooted in warmth and natural materials. She loves natural light, organic textures, and warm neutrals and wants every space she designs to feel welcoming and grounding, like an extension of the family OCH is working with. Lauren prides herself on creating lasting connections with each client she works with and adores creating spaces where all are welcome.

 
 
 

OUR TEAM

Each member of our team is hired not just because they’re good at what they do but because they’re good people first and foremost.

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LUKE

Site Superintendent

What do you love most about what we do?:

“No two jobs are the same! Taking on the challenges of each project and watching them come to life make it fun and rewarding to pick up the tools each day.”

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CHARLIE

Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love being part of a team that prides itself on integrity, and always strives to produce a truly exceptional product, not just one that looks good at surface level.”

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JARED

Project Coordinator

What do you love most about what we do?:

"I love the way we transform a space. From our inhouse team to our trade partners, we take incredible pride in our work to turn out the highest quality product for our clients. The before and after pictures truly speak for themselves."

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RYAN

Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love being able to stand back at the end of the day and admire the work i’ve created.”

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ADEN

Journeyman Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“My favorite part of what we do is being involved from start to finish of every project and being able to watch them transform over time into their finished products. It's a great feeling of accomplishment along the way and it's an exciting process to be involved in.”

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ERICA

Designer

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love working alongside such talented and positive people who aren't afraid to push the boundaries of design. Being able to work alongside in-house carpenters allows for such a seamless bridge between our vision and execution, which is really special!”

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KYLIE

Jr. Designer

What do you love most about what we do?:

“Having both construction and design teams work together on a project from the beginning to the end makes for a really creative and collaborative approach to problem solving. Every team member here is incredibly talented and came to OCH with their own unique and specific skill sets. Working with a team like this bridges the gap between the design realm and the built environment in a very innovative and inspiring way”

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SETH

Lead Carpenter

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love being able to be a part of the whole project! From demo and framing to finish carpentry & cabinets. Working closely with a well-rounded group of craftsmen and creatives to create spaces people are excited to call home is the best part!”

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AJ

Office Manager

What do you love most about what we do?:

“I love seeing the team work together to bring a project to life! Every member of the team contributes to each project in a different way and it all comes together to make a client's dream a reality!”

Let’s elevate your home to suit
your modern lifestyle.