When Dave Prutting started Prutting + Co. in 1975 as a one-man roofing company, he could scarcely imagine the luxury, custom construction firm it would blossom into. In the following decades, Prutting grew the business working with architects to remodel homes and soon gained a strong reputation for restoring significant moderns. Now, 50 years later, notable design professionals nationwide are eager to work with this industry expert, whose seasoned team meticulously crafts new constructions and executes historic renovations using the best technologies available.
Looking back at his New Canaan-based firm’s unexpected but incredible journey, the company founder muses, “With hard work, dutiful customer service, and great moral and ethical guidance from my partner and deeply principled wife, Debbie, the company has gone onward to accomplish a great deal and been involved in many spectacular projects with great people.”
Recently, we sat down with Prutting to hear all about his career, some of his most memorable projects, and the release of his upcoming book, A Builder’s Life Done Well: The Story of Prutting + Co. Here’s what he had to say.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your first book, which beautifully displays and gives insight into your projects. What inspired you to create this book now?
I had this in mind for many years as the photos kept piling up around here; and I recognized that we had an interesting opportunity for a unique architecture-oriented coffee table book with a wide variety of designers/architects represented, and great photos of their work.
In your long career leading Prutting + Co. and building custom homes, how has the luxury design industry changed and what has stayed the same as you work with top architects and designers?
I think most of these types of clients hiring a higher-profile design team and committed to building something unique understand that recovering their investment in resale is unlikely. Therefore, elaborate purchases that fulfill the desire for uniqueness and comfort are easier to rationalize. The more attentive and discerning the build team is to the client’s wishes and needs, results in the most fulfilling relationships and happy outcomes.
What has steadily evolved, and continues to evolve, is a more conscientious and literate buying public regarding healthy home and energy-efficient building practices.
How has your perspective on design evolved over the years and what is your personal home style like?
Great question: My first serious exposure in becoming critically aware of architecture and housing occurred in Cape Cod where I started as a carpenter. The simple Cape house, Half Cape buildings, and Saltboxes—sagging and bending over many years—are charming, graceful, and eye-pleasing in their simplicity. With the tradition of chimneys aligning with the front doors and six over six double hung windows, many over 100-year-old buildings still stand today, often covered with climbing roses.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many skilled architects and learned a lot about tasteful design in many diverse forms. Personally, I’ve taken to “less is more” design most of the time and away from non-functional, constructed things and overly decorative, “birthday cake” type buildings.
Presently I live in a super slick penthouse apartment that I gutted and renovated to become my personal gallery showroom for the treasured crafts and artworks we collected for many years; mostly done by friends.
What words of wisdom can you offer to people considering building a custom home in Fairfield County, Westchester County, or the Hudson Valley and about to buy a property?
They must be brave, ideally rich, have a vision, choose their team wisely, and inspire and trust their selected architect/design/build group. Then, be able to endure the inevitable delays, challenges, and finish date extensions. Increasing regulation complicates the architect’s work and the costs to achieve. That said: It is likely the finished project will be spectacularly satisfying and rewarding.
What challenges, in particular, can arise at sites in these beautiful and historic areas?
Weather, of course, can affect progress and finish dates. Uncooperative neighbors, bear sightings, and tough inspectors and regulators can all cause a fuss. We need access to the building location and a path for utilities to come in, such as water and sewer resources. We have done several mile-long roadway entrances, one involving a bridge over a large watercourse. So, perhaps look for a tear-down with nice landscaping, location, and easy access!
You’ve been trusted with many sensitive and special projects. Can you share what it was like to collaborate with Toshiko Mori Architect on the remodel of renowned modernist architect Marcel Breuer’s circa-1951 personal home in New Canaan?
That’s a beautiful place. Toshiko is quite accomplished and admired for her firm’s achievements and sensibility. The project architect was a talented and delightful young woman named Jolie Kerns, with whom we worked closely to make complex details work successfully. The mission was to preserve many of the original components such as the mosaic stone floor while simultaneously building this ethereal glass addition, partially cantilevered and hovering over the rear yard. Mission accomplished and we really enjoyed working with them.
No matter what project you’re working on, your team offers clients and architects top-quality craftsmanship, thorough attention to detail, and consistent excellence. What is the secret to your firm’s great success over the past 50 years?
Start with the basics: Work hard, listen well, do what you promise, show up on time, pay your bills, develop good working relationships. Acquiring abilities through experience to know what is good, looks good, works and ages well, and how to achieve excellence.
In my case, I pride myself on finding great employees and about being a good teacher and guide. I advise our talented, resourceful staff to listen very carefully to our clients and their representatives’ requests and concerns and to respond promptly and effectively. And, having a sharp carpenter’s eye helps a lot.
Can you tell us about some of the most memorable moments or projects in your career so far? What makes them stand out to you?
If you read my book, you’ll see many. Instances where I was owner and builder, and there have been several, really stand out. Notably, a New Canaan modern and our town house on Park Street.
Working closely with intensely committed architects—such as Jim Cutler, Steven Holl, and many others—to achieve their vision brings genuine excitement and satisfaction to our talented team here. Being on speaking terms with all of our clients is personally very satisfying. Sometimes it takes a huge effort to get past the disappointments that can occur in these often-intense relationships. But we are always ready for the next challenge!
What do the next 50 years look like for Prutting + Co. and what do you hope for the company’s legacy?
Well, for sure it won’t physically include me! I have a partner named Jack Truman who is a great leader here and will have command along with my heirs presumably for many more productive years.
I believe we are on the cusp of bigger commercial level construction projects and perhaps even some developments where we can outline the design and building principles and methods we’ve discovered and support. My wife and partner, Deborah, was very a principled and scrupulous person and I’m confident that those moral guidelines she espoused will continue on indefinitely.
Whether building a striking custom home or restoring a modern masterpiece, Prutting + Co. is committed to helping architects achieve the full potential of their plans. The pioneering firm is highly-organized, detailed, and thorough from delivering initial drawings to installing the final touches. Architects and clients know the result is always consistent: A finished home with solid and enduring value, built right by top-notch experts.
In Dave Prutting’s stunning new book, he’s taking readers behind the scenes to offer a unique perspective on building some of the most distinguished contemporary homes in the United States. Be sure to get your copy of A Builder’s Life Done Well: The Story of Prutting + Co., available at local bookstores and on Amazon, to have it on your living room or office table soon.
