WHY HEXEM.

Building a custom home or major renovation is a significant investment. From the first conversation to final completion, the process should feel clear, organized, and enjoyable.

At Hexem Construction, we believe exceptional projects are shaped by the decisions made long before construction begins. Through thoughtful planning, transparent budgeting, open communication, and close collaboration between clients, designers, and builders, we help you make informed decisions with confidence from the very beginning.

Whether we're partnering with your architect or providing an integrated design-build experience, our role is to guide you through each stage of the project—keeping design, budget, schedule, and construction aligned from beginning to end.

The result is more than a completed home. It's the confidence that comes from working with a team committed to thoughtful planning, honest communication, and decisions that reflect what matters most to you.

OUR STORY & TEAM

Hexem Construction was founded on the belief that building a home should be as thoughtfully managed as it is thoughtfully built.

With backgrounds in construction management, engineering, and design, our team brings together complementary perspectives to create a more collaborative building experience. By aligning planning, design, budgeting, and construction from the very beginning, we help clients navigate complex projects with clarity and confidence.

Today, we specialize in custom homes and major renovations throughout the Columbia Gorge, partnering with homeowners and clients who value thoughtful design, open communication, and a well-organized process.

Portrait of a smiling man with dark hair, a beard, wearing a brown jacket over a blue shirt against a plain white background.
Portrait of a smiling man with dark hair, a beard, wearing a brown jacket over a blue shirt against a plain white background.

JOSE ZARCO

OWNER

Jose is a civil engineer, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He grew up in Comala, a small town in Mexico. In 2015, he received his Master's degree from the University of Washington in Seattle. Over the last ten years, Jose has successfully planned and managed large and complex construction projects along the west coast.

In 2020, Jose and his wife Marit made the decision to return to her hometown of Hood River, which has proven to be the best decision they have ever made. With a strong background in construction project management and a deep love for the community, Jose is excited to apply his construction expertise in the Gorge.

A woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing glasses and a denim shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.
A woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing glasses and a denim shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

MARIT KNAPP

DESIGN PRINCIPAL

A Hood River native, Marit leads the design process at Hexem, guiding clients from the earliest stages of site planning and floor plan development through exterior material selections, cabinetry, lighting, finishes, and interior detailing. With a background in engineering and design, she brings creativity and technical precision to every project, creating homes that are functional, timeless, and deeply connected to the people who live in them.

Marit believes the best projects begin with listening. By combining thoughtful planning with open communication and a structured design process, she helps clients make informed decisions while enjoying the journey of creating a home that's uniquely their own.

Portrait of a middle-aged man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a black quilted vest over a maroon long-sleeve shirt, standing against a plain white background.
Portrait of a middle-aged man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a black quilted vest over a maroon long-sleeve shirt, standing against a plain white background.

ALBERTO LOPEZ

SUPERINTENDENT

Alberto Lopez has been working in construction, building homes for 18 years. He has a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that families can enjoy for years to come. In 2018, Alberto moved to Hood River, where he has continued to hone his skills as a builder and contractor.

With over a decade and a half of experience in the construction industry, Alberto brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.

Six men stand together outdoors, smiling and with arms around each other, wearing matching blue shirts with a company logo, with trees and mountains including a snow-capped peak in the background.