They Call Him ‘The Quintessential Craftsman When It Comes To Building Homes, John Roehm Knows No Shortcuts

Like the 50-year-old Stanley hand saws and planes he cherishes, John Roehm is something of an anachronism a stickler for excellence in an age of expedience.

“My father was very explicit about his guiding philosophy,” says Roehm (rhymes with “fame”), a fifth-generation carpenter. “On his stationery it said, ‘We build fine homes - for a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine homes.’

“That’s my philosophy, too,” says Roehm. “You can’t compromise on quality.”

Thirty-six years ago the St. Louis chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recognized the dedication of Roehm and his three brothers with a craftsmanship award.

Roehm moved to Spokane in 1971 and continued building custom homes, along with a reputation for excellence.

Earlier this year, when the Spokane AIA chapter decided to resurrect its own long-dormant Master Craftsmanship Award program, three architects and a contractor each nominated Roehm to be the first local recipient since 1954. Roehm received the award Saturday night during the AIA’s Christmas banquet.

Architect Stephen Clark calls Roehm “the quintessential craftsman.”

“With John, there’s no compromise,” says Clark. “There’s only one way of doing things, and that’s the best way.”

Clark recalls a residential project he and Roehm worked on together several years ago. “The owners and I were trying to cut costs after the initial estimates came in over budget, and we felt the bid from the Sheetrock guy John wanted to use was out of line - he was the best, but the budget couldn’t support it.”

So Roehm got another, cheaper bid, and the project went ahead. “But when we got to the Sheetrock stage,” says Clark, “John brought in his man, and paid the difference (between the two bids) out of his own pocket.

“John’s attitude is that he’s building forever, so he insists on doing things right.”

Fellow architect Glen Cloninger says Roehm’s attitude epitomizes the spirit of the AIA’s craftsmanship award.

“By giving this award,” explains Cloninger, “we’re trying to say that good architecture isn’t just the result of the person who designed it. A lot of people contribute to the final project - suppliers, engineers, artists and general contractors.”

Cloninger describes Roehm as a “master carpenter” who excels at every stage of construction, from framing to finish work. “He has a feel for the overall intent of the architect.”

Roehm went to work for his father when he was 16. “I still have the first tools I ever bought,” he says proudly. “I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

After serving in the Navy during World War II - as a builder, of course - Roehm returned to St. Louis and formed a partnership with his brothers. But the Midwest’s humidity drove him West, and Roehm eventually settled in Spokane.

Over the course of his career, Roehm has noticed a decline in the quality of lumber available for construction. In many ways, though, homes have never been better, he says.

“They’re safer and much more energy-efficient. They have lots of conveniences, like thermopane windows - things we didn’t dream of 50 years ago.”

Will contemporary houses be appreciated by future generations the way Craftsman bungalows are by today’s?

A few will, Roehm predicts.

“My father helped build some of the homes designed in the ‘30s by Frank Lloyd Wright, and today they’re treasures. The materials used in those homes weren’t always the best. But good design goes a long way - I’d say that’s 30 to 50 percent of a home’s quality.

“Some of the houses built today will be worth saving 100 years from now. But I suspect people will look back on the bigger homes and realize they aren’t very practical. Homes will get smaller.”

At the age of 73, Roehm wouldn’t mind his workload getting smaller, too. But he still does remodels and other jobs for former clients, always showing up for work driving a plain-but-pristine pickup and dressed in clean, well-broken-in white overalls.

“Every time I say I’m retired,” he jokes, “someone finds me.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo