Silent Rivers Design+Build

Design-Build Firms

About Us

Silent Rivers, winner of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, is a highly respected design+build company with more than 25 years experience in kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels, custom new homes, additions, outdoor spaces, historic preservation, custom cabinetry and custom furniture. From concept to completion, the Silent Rivers approach is about creating a space that inspires. We connect people to their home, themselves and their family through considerate aesthetics, exceptional craft and a caring experience with our team of makers. Chaden Halfhill founded Silent Rivers in 1993 to elevate "the art of building and the building of art". As an entrepreneur, artist, community leader, environmental and sustainability advocate, Chaden's vision is to shift the paradigm of design and construction. Art and beauty, when part of our daily lives, help people to better understand themselves and their higher purpose. By blending art, remodeling and sustainability, Silent Rivers inspires clients toward a deeper connection between home, community and planet. Our design+build process integrates design, construction, estimating and management services within one comprehensive and caring team to create value that is second to none. This powerfully collaborative approach between our designers and artisans ensures efficient communication, intelligently creative solutions, accurate pricing and detailed completion schedules. Our team collaborates with you to deliver a customized solution to fit your creative vision, budget and lifestyle. The integrity and continuity of this holistic team approach is foundational to our successful history and loyal following. Every Silent Rivers project reflects our core values by incorporating artistry, integrity and sustainability. We are always mindful of ways to make your home healthier and more energy efficient, while creating a space that inspires you on a daily basis.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Architectural Design, Attic Conversion, Basement Design, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling, Building Design, Custom Home Bars, Custom Storage, Deck Building, Deck Design, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Garage Building, Garage Design, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Handicap-Accessible Design, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Theater Design, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Laundry Room Design, Mudroom Design, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Design, Passive Solar Heating & Cooling, Pool House Design & Construction, Porch Design & Construction, Rooftop Deck Installation, Shed Design & Construction, Space Planning, Sunroom Design & Construction, Sustainable Design, Swimming Pool Construction, Universal Design, Custom Homes, Construction Drawings, Custom Cabinets, Window Installation, Small Projects, Care & Repair

Areas Served

Ankeny, Beaverdale, Clive, Cumming, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Saylorville, Urbandale, Van Meter, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Central Iowa, Ames

Awards

Professional Remodeler, Qualified Remodeler, Chrysalis, NARI, Remodeling Magazine, Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics for integrity and honesty. LEED AP, Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) from the National Association of Home Builders, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

56 Projects

Bathroom - small traditional bathroom idea in Other

Original Hexagonal Tile in Vintage Bathroom Inspires Penny Round Tile Choice

Example of a large trendy front yard patio fountain design in Other with a pergola

Zen-Style Fountain Makes a Statement

Inspiration for a small transitional galley vinyl floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Small Kitchen Remodel Increases Function and Space

Example of a large trendy two-story exterior home design in Other

Backyard Makeover Creates Multiple Entertainment Areas

Large elegant kitchen photo in Other with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Spacious Kitchen Revamp with Lots of Functional Accessories + More

Example of a huge cottage red two-story exterior home design in Other

Custom Home Inspired by Client's Love of Barns

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Business Details

Business Name

Silent Rivers Design+Build

Phone Number

(515) 266-6702

Website

silentrivers.com

Address

9205 Swanson Blvd.
Clive, IA 50325

Typical Job Cost

$5,000 - 1 million

At Silent Rivers, we pride ourselves on our accurate pricing model and thoughtful collaboration with clients to understand and achieve the project budget by presenting options and solutions based on our expertise. We specialize in projects ranging from care-and-repair to full-scale remodels and custom new homes. Therefore budget range is relative to project scope and finish selections.

Followers

226 Followers

Socials

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Credentials

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Write a Review

17 Reviews for Silent Rivers Design+Build

Newest first

malu95

We are so happy that we chose Silent Rivers to transform our backyard. They took the time to understand our needs to deliver above and beyond what we expected. From Molly’s vision in the design phase to Craig’s skilled craftsmanship in the building phase, we were impressed by the level of quality and attention to detail. Thank you for creating a space that we can enjoy for years to come.

November 10, 2018

Emily PIper

From the initial planning and design to the construction of our deck and outdoor living room, Silent Rivers was top notch. They listened to our wants and needs, offered suggestions to improve our ideas and created a showcase for us. The construction crew was professional and does high quality work. They clearly take pride in the work that they do. More importantly, they stayed within the budget and clearly communicated with us every step of the project.

August 1, 2017

Steve Sikkink

Silent Rivers did a wonderful job completing our backyard work shed professionally and in a timely manner. I highly recommend their work!

January 2, 2017

Laura Leszczynski

This was not my first custom home, but it is by far my most favorite home and the experience with Silent Rivers was beyond what I could have dreamed of. The entire team was like family by the time we were completed with our home. Extremely professional, innovative, personal, caring, neat on the job site and very well organized. Also impressed with the teams of contractors they brought to the project. It felt like they cared as much or more than I did about the quality and craftsmanship. We experience almost no downtime throughout the project. Every aspect of the design and build process was a pleasure. I had this design in my head for 8 years. The design team captured my dreams and wished better than i can imagine. With my crude drawings, spreadsheets, binders, texts, emails and of course the Houzz app, the design and build team were in tune with my desires for the feeling of the barn house. Of course not every project goes perfectly as planned, but the one issues with a tile order was turned into one of my most favorite features in the house. The American flag in the kitchen. The designer turned the problem into the best possible opportunity I could have imagined. The house was finished on time and slightly over budget, but that was me, not Silent Rivers. I cannot give them enough stars for the rating. I can say with the most sincerity that I love my builder. I loved the entire project.

December 21, 2016

judy9555

Purchased a mid-century condo with spectacular views but very dated interior. Friends recommended Silent Rivers and we have been delighted with our experience and finished product! This was going to be a major overhaul to actually determine what we wanted and how to go about it. No worries - at Silent Rivers you start with a designer who guides you through the creative/design process and in fact is with you through the entire renovation as well. The workmen are craftsmen not just tradesmen. The service and respect we were shown during the whole process by the entire company was awesome. They even notified our new neighbors about who they were and what they were going to be doing in our unit as a courtesy when they began the project - very impressive! We gutted the kitchen and the master bath; reconfigured a closet as a walk-in; installed wood floors on most of the floors; opened up a covered window and redesigned an awkward space into an intimate spot where one can read, watch TV or just enjoy the view. The transformation of the interior (especially the kitchen & bath) resulted in a bright, open, light filled space that is both beautiful and highly efficient. Another important feature of working with Silent Rivers is that we were aware throughout the entire project of the costs involved. They took great care in the design process so that we could work within our budget and avoid costly change orders.

March 18, 2016

mcdaver

Ok, so I have never done this before, however as a result of the service I received from Silent Rivers I feel compelled to recognize it. Having never worked with an architecture firm I went into this blind. All I had was a vision for what I wanted ( Theatre & Wine Cellar ). At my initial meeting I became somewhat concerned that they had neither designed or built either. Their project lead Steve convinced me to trust them? AS a result of their great reputation and the confidence displayed by Steve I opted to move forward. One of the best decisions I have made. From the expertise in the various area's to the high Quality of sub contractors they used. My wife was even impressed as to how clean they kept the work area on a daily basis! End result is we enjoy daily an award winning entertainment area ( which evolved outside of the initial scope of just a Theatre & Wine Cellar ). Best advice to you is trust them, you wont regret it. Thank you Silent Rivers! Dave R

November 9, 2015

Comment from Silent Rivers Design+Build:

Thank you for your kind words. Working with you on this project has been a highlight for our company - we truly enjoyed the collaborative approach to design and take very seriously the trust you placed in us to deliver a unique and meaningful space!

jrand54840

We hired Silent Rivers to design and build our basement. Beginning with the design process, Silent Rivers was great to work with. We were looking for a few personal touches to make our basement feel unique and this is precisely was achieved. The design process ensured sufficient lighting, functional rooms and spaces and created a wonderful, custom entertainment center. It was nice to have full size blueprints to help visualize the finished space. Silent Rivers carpenters turned out a high quality finish. The materials themselves were high quality and were built/installed by experienced carpenters that truly wanted the finish to be a reflection on them. During the build phase it was reassuring having the same carpenter here every day. He did a great job keeping us informed and maintained clean workspaces. We thoroughly enjoy our new basement.

October 30, 2015

Comment from Silent Rivers Design+Build:

Thank you for the kind words - we also enjoyed working with you on your basement remodel project! Here are a couple "after" photos that showcase the cabinetry with the custom cherry top and the bathroom finish.

Lynette Rasmussen

We have had 4 major remodeling projects on our mid-century home in Johnston Iowa. Each one has been spectacular as it relates to design and quality of workmanship. I give free artistic license to the team and stay out of their way. The latest kitchen remodel was best in the show for all divisions at a recent remodeling competition. Silent Rivers can certainly compete on the highest level of excellence.

October 30, 2015

kateeslug

I have had Silent Rivers do several projects on my home. I am a somewhat unusual client for them as I live in a 118 year old house located in both a National & Local Historic District. Due to the home's location all projects must be presented & approved by the city administered Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) prior to any work being done. Silent Rivers staff have always been available to attend the HPC presentation to explain & clarify my projects in order to receive the necessary approval. In addition Silent Rivers staff have been fully able to work within & meet the special requirements of working on a historic property. An additional benefit of working with Silent Rivers is that they are excellent at communication. They are always willing to sit down with me and explain things and to keep me informed as projects progress. Silent Rivers has an exceptional ability to hear what a client desires and to bring dreams to reality. The quality & durability of their workmanship is exceptional. I have always had my high expectatione met & received fair value for the money spent. Silent Rivers has performed several projects for me, including a unique, earth bermed garage, exterior restoration & repair, including restoring a historic porch, building a conservatory space, and various small maintenance projects. We have plans to do interior work as well. I have always been satisfied with their work & professional standards. At this time I can't conceive of working with a different business and intend to continue with Silent Rivers for all my future home projects. Projects range from 2007 - 2015.

October 30, 2015

steven_noah

We hired Silent Rivers to remodel the upstairs bath rooms in our home in Clive, Iowa which was purchased in 2013. The existing baths were adequate, but were twenty years old and becoming a bit dated. Silent Rivers, with their in house design team, was able to translate our thoughts and desires into wonderful upscale bathrooms. We replaced a fiberglass shower with a ceiling high tile shower including a rain shower head and a glass panel to add light to the shower area. The custom vanity built in Silent Rivers' shop is an outstanding piece of furniture. The Silent Rivers construction team, particularly Jon, exceeded our expectations in every way. We would absolutely recommend Silent Rivers for a remodeling project

October 28, 2015

Ronald Rice

We engaged Silent Rivers for a complete remodel of our 1960s kitchen. Silent Rivers did both the design and build of the project. The work went entirely according to the schedule we adopted early in the process. Steve Shapiro designed the project and oversaw implementation of the plan. Craig Seagren was the on-site builder who performed in an outstanding way, keeping us informed of changes, no matter how small, and responded quickly to any concerns we had. Materials and workmanship were of the highest quality. Sub-contractors were held to Silent Rivers high standards, as well.

November 2, 2014Last modified:November 6, 2014

Comment from Silent Rivers Design+Build:

We had a blast working on this project - check out the final photos on Houzz now at http://www.houzz.com/projects/1036522

Sunderlands

Tyson Leyendecker works for Silent Rivers and selects products for clients in our showroom to then present at client meetings. He collects all the information on products so that he is an educated resource. He always knows what he wants when he comes in and will not stop until the customer is happy. They are very organized when specifying products and when it comes to ordering they have all of the information they need. No project is too big or too small, and they are always so creative when it comes to design. The design process with Silent Rivers Design + Build is easy and seamless.

October 16, 2014Last modified:October 16, 2014

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32 Comments

Commented: My new houseLisa - Thank you for the question. The stone is Cultured Stone - Southern Ledgestone and the color is Aspen.

August 22, 2016

Commented: Where can I find the hardware for the counter pull up extension?carolynmh - the bracket that holds the counter extension is custom made. It is a couple of 2"x2" steel angles placed back to back.

August 13, 2016

Commented: Where did you get the brackets for the table at the end of the island?Thanks for the question holly54evv. The brackets were custom made by Cox Design & Metal Fabrication, a steel fabrication shop.

May 24, 2016

Commented: island counter material?Amy - you have a good eye. The countertops are Silestone - Grey Expo & Helix-Nebula. Here's a link to an article on Houzz with a little more information about the project ([4-surprising-backspla...

March 15, 2016

Commented: What color is the brick and who makes it?terik512 - The backspalsh is from Hebron Brick Co. and the color is Bell Tower. You can read more about it in [here on Houzz.com[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/new-this-week-4-surprising-backsplash-...

March 7, 2016

Commented: Tell me a little about the metal shelving attached to the island.alpaxson - Thanks for the question and sorry for the delay. The shelves are fabricated out of plate steel and designed as display space and to create a visual buffer from the Dining area. The column...

March 2, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Silent Rivers Design+Build rated?

Silent Rivers Design+Build is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5

What services does Silent Rivers Design+Build provide?

Silent Rivers Design+Build provides the following services: 3D Rendering, Architectural Design, Attic Conversion, Basement Design, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling, Building Design, Custom Home Bars, Custom Storage, Deck Building, Deck Design, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Garage Building, Garage Design, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Handicap-Accessible Design, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Theater Design, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Laundry Room Design, Mudroom Design, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Design, Passive Solar Heating & Cooling, Pool House Design & Construction, Porch Design & Construction, Rooftop Deck Installation, Shed Design & Construction, Space Planning, Sunroom Design & Construction, Sustainable Design, Swimming Pool Construction, Universal Design, Custom Homes, Construction Drawings, Custom Cabinets, Window Installation, Small Projects, Care & Repair

Where does Silent Rivers Design+Build provide services?

Silent Rivers Design+Build provides services in the following areas: Ankeny, Beaverdale, Clive, Cumming, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Saylorville, Urbandale, Van Meter, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Central Iowa, Ames

Silent Rivers Design+Build