Meet Ian Schwandt, TDS Design Build Production Manager
Ian Schwandt brings clarity, foresight, and a deep respect for the trades to his role as Production Manager at TDS Design Build. A former union carpenter with more than two decades of experience, Ian oversees the project delivery process and serves as a mentor to the field team, ensuring each project runs smoothly from foundation to final trim.
Building Structures and Systems
Before joining TDS, Ian spent years honing his skills across the construction spectrum—from framing and cabinetry to architectural woodworking. He ran his own shop for a time and later worked in commercial construction, where he developed a deep appreciation for operational systems and the importance of financial fluency. That curiosity ultimately led him to production leadership, where his calm, systems-based approach is now essential to how TDS delivers consistency and quality across every job.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Craftspeople
Ian is deeply committed to supporting and growing the next generation of builders. Whether he’s problem-solving with a lead carpenter or coaching a new team member through an unfamiliar detail, he approaches every interaction as an opportunity to build both confidence and competence. His financial modeling and forecasting skills have helped align field operations with long-term strategy, bringing peace of mind not just to his teammates, but to clients as well.
From Farm Boy to Modern Homesteader
Ian and his wife Sara live on the same farm where he grew up, in a house he designed and built himself. Read the feature in Fine Homebuilding. Set into the sloped topography of the land, the home blends effortlessly with its rural surroundings—its exterior nods to the vernacular of farmsteads, while its interior hints at the industrial elegance of a New York loft. Built to Passive House standards, the design features an upside-down floor plan that places the living spaces on the upper level, maximizing light, views, and vaulted ceilings.
With the house complete, Ian now spends his downtime in the woodworking shop or tending the couple’s three-quarter-acre garden. One of its highlights is a steel-hooped squash tunnel—wide enough to drive a small tractor through—a perfect marriage of function, engineering, and whimsy.
Back at TDS, he brings that same philosophy into his work with clients. One of his favorite recent projects wasn’t flashy—it was a modest addition for a family who needed a mudroom and a better home office. “It’s the kind of project that might look simple on paper,” he says. But what it represented was huge—they wanted to stay in their neighborhood, keep their kids in the same school, and make the house work for the long term.
That’s what we do here. We help people enjoy their home, now and in the future.
Ian Schwandt
Production Manager
From the Field to the Forecast
At TDS Design Build, Ian’s role as Production Manager is equal parts strategist, coach, and craftsman. He’s responsible for guiding projects through the often unpredictable terrain of construction, from schedule logistics and budget oversight to mentoring lead carpenters and troubleshooting in the field.
Ian bridges the gap between long-range planning and day-to-day execution, making sure the company’s forecasting models align with what’s happening on job sites.
“It’s not just about hitting deadlines. It’s about building a system where people can do their best work and clients can trust the process.”
What sets Ian apart is his ability to stay grounded in both the numbers and the materials. He understands what it takes to build with quality because he’s done it—from flipping houses to framing and cabinetry to running his own woodworking business. That practical experience informs every meeting, site walk, and detail review.
He especially enjoys the moments that push his team’s problem-solving skills. A recent favorite? Coaching a lead carpenter through a complex addition on a tight urban lot—a puzzle of historic architecture, updated codes, and ambitious client goals.
“Watching someone level up in real time, that’s the best part of the job.”
Fun Facts about Ian
Voice of the Industry
As a contributing editor and recurring voice on the Fine Homebuilding podcast, Ian shares insights from the field on everything from jobsite logistics to high-performance construction.
Woodworking Devotee
Ian’s favorite way to unwind is in the shop, working with his hands. His most ambitious project? An 11-foot kitchen island topped with an end-grain butcher block—designed, milled, and built entirely by hand.
Commute Scholar
With a long daily drive from his home in Dodge County, Ian turns his truck into a mobile classroom. His audiobook queue includes construction finance, small-business strategy, and the occasional deep-dive podcast on building science or shop techniques.
Dog Dad
Ian and his wife share their home with two Boston Terriers—Chalky and Woody—who take their jobs as snack patrol and lap-warmers very seriously.
Why Ian Embodies the TDS Vision
At TDS Design Build, our goal isn’t just about creating beautiful, functional homes—it’s about craftsmanship with purpose, collaboration with integrity, and a long-term partnership with both clients and colleagues. Ian Schwandt lives that vision every day.
With more than two decades in the trades and a lived understanding of what it takes to build—not just a structure, but a career—Ian brings hard-won expertise to every facet of his work. He thinks like a craftsman, leads like a coach, and operates with the precision of someone who has failed, learned, and grown. His ability to translate big-picture planning into on-the-ground execution is what allows TDS to consistently deliver on its promise of a smooth, thoughtful, and high-quality remodeling experience.
But it’s more than technical skill that makes Ian a cornerstone of the TDS team. It’s his belief in people—his dedication to mentoring carpenters, his plainspoken communication style with clients, and his commitment to long-term relationships well after the last nail is driven. Whether he’s troubleshooting on site, refining a financial forecast, or helping a former client navigate a roof replacement five years later, Ian shows up with the same quiet conviction: that building well is about trust, consistency, and care.
In a company rooted in values like curiosity, craftsmanship, and community, Ian doesn’t just fit—he sets the standard.
This Madison basement remodel includes a brand-new bathroom, guest bedroom, and flexible space for family life.
See how we transformed it from dark and dated to bright and functional
When past clients in Madison’s charming and historic Nakoma neighborhood sought to reimagine their home’s layout, they turned once again to TDS Design Build. Their goal: a remodel that would enhance the daily functionality and flow of their home while preserving its classic character.
The client, a sports and craft cocktail enthusiast, dreamed of a bespoke bar space within their home that could serve as a rathskeller-inspired sanctuary for gatherings during games. Their vision included a full bar with high-end finishes and appliances, capturing a warm yet refined aesthetic without compromising functionality.
Erika & Levi’s second-story addition allowed space for their growing family, making their house a home for the years ahead in the neighborhood they love.
Doug and Kate’s home addition and renovation gave them a functional space to grow their family in the neighborhood they love—making their space a home for years to come.
Our renovation for Joanna and Jack’s home has re-invigorated the space while preserving their personality. Remodeling their kitchen and living spaces has increased the enjoyment and functionality of their home – goals that TDS ensures for all of our clients.
TDS Design Build received the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2020 Award for Exceptional Interior Preservation for our restoration work on the Governor’s Mansion Inn and Café. Turning Madison’s original governor’s mansion into a charming bed and breakfast with modern amenities, while preserving historical details, was an epic undertaking that yielded stunning results.
This custom new home built just outside of Madison completed in 2018 was designed using passive house principles and building practices. The design features two bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, an open living room/kitchen, and a mudroom connector between the home and adjacent barn/living space built by the homeowner.
One of our more challenging space planning projects, TDS redesigned a portion of this home’s first floor to accommodate a primary suite, laundry/mudroom, and butler’s pantry.
The chief goal of this kitchen remodel was to create a space that would accommodate a busy family and allow for multiple cooks. The original u-shape kitchen with soffits and peninsula wall cabinets felt dark and cramped despite the large amount of windows. By installing new shorter windows in the dinette space, we were able to extend the counter into that area.
When David decided to add a garage to his backyard, he saw an opportunity to go beyond basic storage; he envisioned a true backyard retreat. TDS Design Build brought this vision to life with expert craftsmanship and precision finishing, creating a meticulously executed ADU. This purposeful addition not only provides additional living space but also increases the value of the property. It seamlessly combines a studio, office space, and garage, exemplifying the highest standards in new construction.
We embarked on the restoration of the third floor of this 1880’s Second Empire Victorian home. Originally the house had 10 dormers; a previous re-roofing had eliminated them altogether. We fully recreated 9 dormers guided by the evidence of the original framing found within the roof structure.
Designed with the future in mind, this super energy efficient high performance home incorporates a 5.4KW photovoltaic solar system, passive solar orientation, double exterior walls and super thick levels of insulation. All materials were selected for their durability and non-toxic quality. Universal/aging-in-place design standards are infused throughout the home–including an elevator– which will provide a truly sustainable, safe, and healthy home for generations to come.
This lower level family room and laundry room turned a previously small and dark walk-out basement area to a comfortable space for the entire family. The white-washed tongue-and-groove pine walls are inspired by the family historic Monona cottage, also remodeled by TDS Design Build. Daybeds with roll-out storage and built-in bookcases make this basement an appealing and cozy spot for plopping down with a book or having a sleep-over.
Fulfilling the homeowner’s objectives, a spacious primary bedroom with abundant closet space, an en suite bathroom, and a guest bedroom were delivered. The modern bathroom was universally designed and is accessible to guests through the second door opening to the hallway. The final result greatly improved the functionality and ambiance of the interior space.
This Madison remodel was designed to replace a dark and poorly planned kitchen which was ill-suited to the owners needs. By rebuilding the porch and pantry, the kitchen gained square footage and room for an island. The arch between the dining room and kitchen was widened to bring in more light and unite the two spaces.
This handsome brick home, a City of Madison Historic Landmark, received many restoration and upgrades after a chronic case of “deferred maintenance”. A historically sensitive, single-story addition, with an exposed basement, was added to increase living space while maximizing lake views. An additional half-bathroom was added over the new foundation, utilizing salvaged brick to maintain the historical essence of the home. Select interior walls were also removed for better flow and views.
In 2012, TDS designed and built a high-performance new home using Universal Design/Aging-in-place standards. The 2016 addition of a pool house, complete with a heated resistance pool by Endless Pools® and an underwater treadmill ensures a lifetime of low weight-bearing exercise any time of the year. The addition is a great feature for a home designed with the client’s long-term health in mind.
With preservation in mind, a living space was converted back to the original garage, the three-story spiral staircase was refinished, and the birds-eye maple, Brazilian cherry, and black walnut inlay floors were refinished. Updated bathrooms throughout and a new kitchen brought this home up to date without sacrificing its historic appeal.
A screened in porch offers the ‘best of both worlds’ living space in a home – both inside and out. The screen porch addition to this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home gives this family a restful place to enjoy meals outdoors in the warmer months without the pesky intrusion of summer insects.
This Monona home is hardly recognizable after a whole house remodel! No additional square footage was added to this property, but an open floor plan and smart design make the 1,000 sq. foot home feel spacious.
Two bathrooms were remodeled in this Maple Bluff home; the ensuite bath off of the primary bedroom, and the family/kids bathroom. In both, the family of five was looking for additional storage and an updated look.
A family of four was feeling cramped in their 1930’s near east side home but loved their neighborhood—close to Lake Monona, many parks, restaurants, and just a stroll away from the grocery store. They contacted TDS to design and build an addition appropriate to the period and style of the home that would give them a first-floor bathroom and the additional space they needed without having to relocate.
The close-knit lots on the near west side give a great sense of community, but making adjustments to the small and often historically protected sites can be a challenge for builders. Hoping to design a new garage with their future home exterior updates in mind, the owners of this beautiful Wisconsin landmark home contacted TDS due to our reputation for working with historically sensitive homes.
A family of four purchased a small 1948 ranch in Nakoma, a desirable west side neighborhood. The home was in need of updates and creative solutions in an existing primary suite in the basement that would bring the room up to code.
A busy family of five was looking for ways to increase comfort for frequent guests. Like many younger families today, they decided to utilize the existing unfinished lower level of their home to gain living space without having to add on to their 1910 Swiss Chalet.
This near west-side, two-story, 1960’s home had been remodeled in the 1990s. The kitchen was comprised of cabinets in a strange and uncomfortable layout. The homeowners were eager to renovate the space to better fit their family’s needs. Working within the existing footprint, TDS gutted the area down to the studs and added a large picture window to make the kitchen feel roomy and open.
We restored the home with an open floor plan and two bedrooms to be energy efficient, very comfortable, and smartly designed. We rebuilt the existing rear “addition” as a combination entryway and sunny sitting room with new stairs to the basement. The result? This eastside bungalow got a much needed overhaul!
