Experienced Trio Forms CW Venture

New team with local roots blends skills for broad project perspective.  A talented triumvirate with strong Central Oregon links has pooled their skills together to combine construction, development, architectural and interior design services under one roof.

The new venture, named CW, operates out of offices on NW Carlon Avenue in Bend, and features construction specialist Charles Cushman, architect David Waldron and his wife, interior designer Veronique Waldron, with the multi-faceted team offering to produce custom residential and commercial projects utilizing a comprehensive, balanced approach.

Cushman said: “I knew David from around 30 years ago and after we reconnected in recent history we felt the timing was right to do something together, especially in light of improving market conditions and opportunities. We also share the same interests and goals.

“By combining my real estate and construction background with David’s extensive architectural and project management experience, and Veronique’s interior design stylings, I think we can offer a full cycle of expertise and a quality product in a kind of ‘one-stop shop’ environment, and we are all excited and enthusiastic about the new venture.”

David Waldron, who graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Oregon, has over 40 years of professional experience, beginning with the formation of his own company in Bend in 1971.

He went on to join other associates in Waldron-Huston-Barber Architects in 1976 and was involved in diverse retail, housing, educational, medical, commercial and alpine recreational projects, before joining a Portland partnership in the mid-80s that undertook work from Alaska to Arizona.

Waldron struck out on his own in the development and architectural field thereafter, steering commercial and recreational projects in Oregon, including a 20,000 commercial complex in Cannon Beach, and more recently managed the construction of a 45,000 square foot retail center in Hailey, Idaho, as well as working on residential projects in several other areas of the state, including Sun Valley, and Boise, from where the Waldrons’ relocated back to Bend.

He said: “I was part of a committee that (Mt. Bachelor ski resort founder) Bill Healy put together in the 1970s to discuss initiatives to get business going in Bend in an effort to stimulate activity.

“I don’t think any of us foresaw how the city would grow to the extent that it has in the interim, including through such visionary projects as the Old Mill District.

“Now it seems with our new business we all got put together at the right time and we would like to complement what has gone on in the last couple of decades.

“We are glad to be back in Central Oregon, particularly as my daughter lives in the area, and energized about creative business prospects which we can pursue with a full circle of expertise that we have between us.

“We have a good balance of real estate knowledge and services, and really can cover the whole spectrum, emphasizing quality and optimizing budgets.

“There is also a more willing financial climate currently and we see a lot of positive aspects to the market to which we can apply energy and creativity.”

On her approach to the creative process with clients, Veronique Waldron – who was born and raised in the French speaking region of Belgium – commented: “Listen carefully and then imagine the multitude of ideas available for creating wonderful new design environments.

“It is so easy to repeat what has been done before in the past, but that is missing the opportunity for the freshness and excitement of original design concepts.”

She specializes in bringing an international sensibility to the American vernacular, blending old and new world ideas honed through her training and extensive travels, adding: “I first developed my sense of style and flair for color from my early life traveling with my parents throughout much of Europe.

“I also understand construction having been around my father’s kitchen and bath systems business, and through working with David on multiple project phases over a number of years.

“My ambition as a designer is to fulfill the dreams of my clients; to surprise them in the most positive way in providing for them a happy new living environment, while keeping both feet on the ground when it comes to budget and time constraints.

“I am also always picking up a broad sweep of different influences from our travels to cities around the world, and keep up with continuing education and up to date on the latest trends, designers and the best products and services.”

Waldron added that she is open to considering the full spectrum of styles, from antique to contemporary to traditional, and is capable of working on a wide range of assignments, from residential to commercial and hospitality projects.

Cushman added: “With the ‘one-stop’ approach, we can be involved from the earliest project point, including counseling at the lot purchasing stage to help articulate the vision for clients.

“We analyze the lot at morning, noon and night to help determine best orientations, and cover everything from exterior to interior design to see how best to fit client lifestyles.

“We have also been involved in so many different facets of the process, that we know where to get the right information.”

One of the Cushman-Waldron team’s fledgling projects is a fairway-side 4,600 square foot showcase home under construction at Bend’s Tetherow community.

Highlights include a spa-like master bathroom, functional, elegant kitchen and a host of other features one may want in a light, fresh, quality Northwest contemporary home, complete with the latest innovations, right down to a “pet shower” adjoining the laundry room – which Cushman observed seems especially apt given that Bend was recently voted top “Dog Town USA” in a national magazine!