About Us
PASSION FOR QUALITY, RESPECT FOR TRADITION
Since 1971, the HBJL team has been guided by the highest standards of quality and craftmanship, constructing buildings as distinctive as the vision of our clients. Our team of gifted designers and crew work together to make your building experience as enjoyable as possible. Driven by the indelible Maine work ethic, you can count us to be engaged and responsive until the final punch list item is complete. Honestly, some clients hate to see us leave.
The timber-frame construction specialists
There is nothing like the beauty of a timber frame. Wood-to-wood joinery offers superior strength and durability as it celebrates the material. At HBJL all of our frames are hand-cut in our Freeport shop.
Today, the timber-frame aesthetic comes with the latest advancements in engineering, insulation, and fastening techniques. Advanced capabilities open the door to intriguing architectural possibilities and give us the freedom to create virtually any building you can conceive. Coordinating design and engineering using 3D modeling allows for exacting precision in beam-sizing and joinery. And improved tooling for hand-cutting has increased the efficiency of pre-assembling frames in the shop, which leads to trouble-free field-raisings.
Our Team
Lee Proscia | President
Lee Proscia became the president of Houses & Barns by John Libby in 2024, after seven years leading operations at the company. He has spent more than 20 years in the Maine construction industry, working in managerial positions for some of the region’s leading, high-end residential general contractors. He’s also spent time honing his craft as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. With a degree in finance and formal training in preservation, Lee’s extensive experience in the field—at the workbench and in the office—make him the ideal person to lead HBJL into the future. Known for his excellent communication and sense of humor, Lee develops strong client and vendor relationships and ensures an enjoyable building experience for all.
John A. Libby | Founder
Master builder John A. Libby began his business in 1971 restoring vintage timber frame barns. As his company expanded, John combined the artisan craftsmanship he learned through barn restoration with modern design and construction technologies. A founding member of the Timber Framers Guild, John became one of the most respected custom builders in New England. John retired from HBJL in 2024 after handing over the leadership role to Lee Proscia. He continues to sit on the Board of Directors.
Peter Anderson, AIA | Lead Architect
Peter believes the practice of architecture is the melding of art and science in the service of community. With degrees in both the fine arts and architecture, he has a foot planted in both worlds. His professional experience encompasses many building types and scales. He maintains a passion for residential design, a common thread throughout his career, having designed many homes across the state of Maine.
Peter is on the AIA Maine Chapter Board of Directors and has served as visiting critic for design programs at the University of Maine Augusta and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Cindy Drake | Business Manager
Cindy still appreciates the aroma of fresh cut timbers in shop after 20 years with the company. Her early career in advertising, commercial banking and running her own businesses provided the perfect foundation for managing the company’s accounting system, contract preparation, marketing, human resources and all other general business activities.
Jamie Nadeau | Lead Timber Framer
If you ask Jamie what he loves about the company he will answer with an emphatic….”Everything!”. Jamie studied and worked with Peter Truslow for many years, learning the craft of timber-framing from one of the best. With roots in artisan workmanship, a gift for math and twenty years with the company, Jamie is the company’s Lead Timber Framer. He ensures that the job gets done efficiently and with his trademark smile.
Mike Shipley | Site Supervisor
Mike is a talented project manager, skilled carpenter, timber framer and knows how to keep the momentum going while delivering the quality that clients expect. His ‘can do’ upbeat approach and attention to detail makes him a favorite with clients and co-workers alike. Before grounding his family in Maine he pursued a career as a commercial pilot.
Rob Grygiel | Timber Framer
Rob began working for the company as an apprentice in 2017 after studying timber frame carpentry at Kennebec Valley Community College. While a student at KVCC, Rob gained a solid foundation in the craft of timber framing, learning everything from hand chiseling and joinery techniques to architectural engineering and computer-assisted drafting. With seven years of experience learning from Jamie, Rob’s work is key to building beautiful timber frames..
Tim Morin | Carpenter
Tim’s deep carpentry knowledge and skills, from frame to finish and historic to new construction, made him the perfect fit for Houses and Barns by John Libby. Born and raised on a farm in Fort Kent, Maine, he learned his rigorous work ethic from his family. In earlier years he used his creative edge touring as a drummer for several bands in the U.S. and U.K. He lived in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong before settling with his wife in Freeport in 2016.
Jim Morrell | Carpenter
Seeking more creative projects, Jimmy started working for our company in 2017, bringing 15 years of skilled carpentry experience to the team. He embraces the diversity of our projects and says that for the first time in years he absolutely loves coming to work. The welcoming atmosphere, team camaraderie, and quality projects all contribute to his job satisfaction.
Joe Thomas | Carpenter
With formal schooling in the Construction Technology program at SMCC, Joe began work in the construction field applying his training in energy efficient homes, finish carpentry, timber framing and masonry. Using his broad skill set he joined Houses & Barns by John Libby in 2019 and has quickly become an integral part of our team. He enjoys tackling the unique challenges on each of our projects. When he’s not at work, Joe spends a lot of time fishing on his boat. We all love the loaves of homemade sweet bread he bakes for everyone each holiday season.