In the world of home renovations and designbuild construction, the measure of success usually comes down to well a builder can balance the client’s vision with the realities of design, budget, and craftsmanship. According to business partners Brett Kirkness and Luke Booyens – the leaders of the Ottawa-based Acalla Design & Build – that trust is built through communication, consistency, and care that extends far beyond the finished project. Together, Brett and Luke bring together more than a decade of hands-on building experience to every project. Before merging under the Acalla name, each operated their own company – Brett’s Pine Park Renovations, founded in 2019, and Luke’s Hendricks Construction, launched in 2016. The two had long collaborated informally, but as their partnership deepened, merging into a single entity felt like the natural next step. Within the last year, they rebranded to Acalla Design & Build Inc., uniting their shared values, complementary skills, and reputation for quality work under one banner. Luke’s journey into construction began in an unexpected way. Trained in civil engineering, he initially envisioned a future behind a drafting desk. But while helping a friend with a construction business, he discovered a different kind of satisfaction – the tangible, creative, problemsolving work of building. “I realized I didn’t want to sit behind a computer for the rest of my life,” he recalls. “I loved the idea of creating something real, something lasting.” That passion eventually led him to leave his office job and launch his own company, setting the stage for what would one day become Acalla Design & Build. Brett’s own background followed a similar path NOVEMBER 2025
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