WORKSPACE WONDER

Crush alert! Looking to create a perfect space to host client meetings, the Cochran Builders brother duo, Geoffrey and Jared Cochran, hit a grand slam with their new office. Styled to perfection, we were granted a tour of this smart space that speaks volumes about their business approach. A far cry from viewing plans on the hood of a Ford F-150, we were mesmerized by the decorative details and high-tech display options and think you will be, too.

By Hayley Hill Photos Layla Lambert

We always love a catch up with Jared and Geoffrey Cochran, the talented brothers that own and operate Cochran Builders. Having covered a variety of their exclusive custom home builds from Mobile to Ono Island, we’ve come to adore and admire them. Not only are they superior craftsmen, they are just so super sweet and happy, too.

During a recent run-in they shared their excitement about their latest venture — a swanky new office for their business meetings and client interactions. And they were super proud to share they even had Cindy Meador, a local all things interior guru, decorate it for them. It didn’t register at first but once we started talking about the location and all the posh design elements, the reason we’re such big fans of this duo became crystal clear. 

As women on the move who deal with schedules to rival POTUS, we’re often dismissed, or at the very least, not even considered. And as the brothers excitedly shared all the details about their new digs, wires connected and we realized that they truly value women and go to great lengths to ensure they are seen, heard, and acknowledged when in a business relationship. Having had our full ah-ha moment, we realized this is a big part of their success.

Not wanting to sound negative, we have to ask how many men know the anguish of choosing the perfect kitchen cabinet hinges or stay up all night thinking about that just right entry hall light fixture? Heck, how many are excited about something as simple as the Ruggable concept? While there are exceptions to every rule, we think it’s pretty safe to say women make a lot of the decisions when building a family’s dream home. And the Cochran Brothers get it. Don’t get us wrong, Jared and Geoffrey aren’t even aware that they do this, but catering to women is simply part of their nature. 

Getting to the point, their new office in downtown Fairhope in the prestigious Portico building is the last thing we expected. Much to our surprise we walked into a beautiful space with high ceilings dripping with drapes we dream of, walls painted to perfection in a timeless matte dark green, a spectacular mural, a grand table we’d like to have for a dinner party, and high-end furnishings, art, and decorative items that spoke to us. 

Realizing clients deserve a nice meeting space where they can review plans, process, and perhaps bicker, is paramount. “Our overall goal was to have a place to sit with clients where they would feel relaxed and comfortable, and be able to get their vision across to us about their home build. When meeting with clients, architects, or decorators, it is important to have a big table to spread out samples, plans and pictures and we have that now,” Jared shares.

Adding tech to the mix, Geoffrey adds, “Audio Indulgence did a great job installing our 75 inch wall mounted computer which we love! It’s so nice to have a touch screen where we can pull up plans, estimates, and contracts and make notes, draw revisions, and overlay sketches on them to provide clear and precise information to our clients during meetings.” 

In terms of using a decorator, Geoffrey continues, “Contrary to popular opinion, the very best builders love decorators and know the value they bring to a project. Cindy is extremely organized and on the cutting edge of design and style. We knew she would make our space the very best it could be. For us, hiring the very best subcontractors, tradespeople, and decorators is key to make a build a success. These people have the experience and talent needed to provide our customers with the exact finishes they desire. We absolutely love Cindy and knew she would be the best person to help us make this an attractive, comfortable, functional space. We just let Cindy do what she does, and we love it.”

“Having someone keep you on point ensures success and makes the job so much more enjoyable. Cindy had a wonderful vision, as usual, for the colors, decor, drapes, and furnishings. We’ve had the pleasure of working with several talented decorators, and Cindy is among the best. It is of the utmost importance to have a top decorator when embarking on a high end build as there are so many choices that can make it confusing.,” Jared tells us. Agreeing, Geoffrey chimes in, “Cindy is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! Her vision is unbelievable and she works tirelessly until the final product is flawless. Because of her incredible attention to detail, she provides us with all the necessary information we need to implement her designs. I have zero hesitation when someone asks for my recommendation — Cindy is my go to!”

On a personal note, Geoffrey states,  “I’m a little jaded with the black and white look that’s been prevalent the last several years. We love that Cindy introduced color into our project and yes, wallpaper is back! My wife and daughter absolutely love it, which probably didn’t work out well for me as Cindy is currently working on my personal home. I guess the new boat will have to wait!”

Concluding, Jared tells us, “Having an official office space makes us more professional. Especially one as beautiful as this, we don’t mind when a client, or potential client, asks to meet at our office.  We are proud to bring them here.”  

Cochran Builders

561 Fairhope Avenue, Suite 203-A Fairhope, AL, 36532

251.423.8686 | cochran_jeff@bellsouth.net