Small-Scale Building, Thoughtfully Done
Daley Design/Build focuses on small, human-scale structures—sheds, studios, workshops, outbuildings, and simple dwellings—built with care, restraint, and long-term durability in mind. We take an integrated approach to design and building, understanding structures as part of larger land, material, and human systems. Our work considers how a building relates to its site, climate, and use, and we aim to collaborate with those who are thinking beyond the structure itself and toward long-term regenerative land care.
Materials & Methods
Our work emphasizes traditional timber framing, straightforward assemblies, and materials chosen for durability, repairability, and low toxicity. We prioritize solid wood, natural and mineral-based finishes, and simple systems that perform well over time without relying on complex or chemical-heavy products. Where possible, we favor methods and materials that can be understood, maintained, and repaired by future stewards rather than sealed, disposable systems.
Rich Daley
I’m a designer and builder focused on traditional and natural building methods. Over the years, my work has ranged from community-based projects through Sunray Sustainability to private commissions through Daley Design/Build. I teach at Hudson Valley Community College and the Yestermorrow Design/Build School, and my writing has appeared in several publications. I hold a degree in Green Building from the State University of New York and have studied with craftspeople throughout the Northeast and beyond. At the heart of my work is a love for the more-than-human world and a belief that thoughtful design—of structures, land, and systems—is essential to living well on Earth.
