1. 1. The DSC Standard A Year In ReviewDecember 21, 2010- Filed in The DSC StandardMaking the MostTeam DSCSM strives to make the most of every day. As we nearyears end, its hard not to reflect on how quickly those daysand all of that hard workadd up.Major new projects new technology new green building applications new friends new joys.Its awe-inspiring!Whether you are a vendor, a trade contractor or a client, youre an integral part of our Team and youinspire us to make the most of every day. For that we say thank you, and hope we can continue toprovide you with the bestfor every daynow and in the New Year.From our homes to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas, happy holidays and a healthy andprosperous New Year!With gratitude,Jerry Meek and Team DSCSMYear in ReviewDesert Star is thankful for a tremendous 2010 and proud to share some of our milestones with youEl Chorro Lodge: For five months, DSC immersed itself in this fast-track renovation that wouldsimultaneously protect a local dining legacy and build green for the future. In short: we were inheaven! Thank you El Chorro and renovation team members for helping to make this achievementpossible. You can be proud!Silverleaf: This year, we embarked on a luxury custom home in the stunning Silverleaf community.Though weve just begun site work, theres much to look forward to at this beautiful hillside location.Topping our list: a construction plan that maximizes the homes sweeping views and the installationof our first geothermal air conditioning system. By circulating water through pipes buried more than
2. 2. 350 feet underground, this system uses energy from the earth to heat and cool a home in anextremely efficient manner. Stay tuned for more as the installation unfolds!Material Distributions: DSC was green before green was cool. That said, we were honored to leadthree home salvage operations as part of our 2010 project pipeline. As a value added service, TeamDSCSM has been obtaining significant tax deductions (donations of real property) for clients who areeither wanting to sell their property as vacant land, remove for new construction or simply desiring totear it down and lower their property tax basis. The two goals of a material re-distribution go hand inhand: divert construction and project material to recycling centers and away from landfills and toallow our clients to maximize their asset options. Through our re- distributions this year alone, TeamDSCSM has proudly diverted nearly 6 million pounds of material including concrete, asphalt, steel,wood and drywall. Our thanks to the clients who stood with us, side by side, to build green. You aretrue desert stars!Renovation Nation: With real estate values in flux, residential renovations have become a popularoption for homeowners to reinvent their homes without taking on a from-scratch design andconstruction project. This year, DSC was fortunate to lead a renovation that worked from the studsinward to transform a 10,000-square-foot Paradise Valley homedesigned by famed architect LashMcDanielinto a slice of Europe. With the goal of making this home feel like home for ourinternational client, we matched lighting, plumbing and cabinetry to his European residence. We alsoadded our own touches to bring this circa 1986 home in to present day, including open cell foaminsulation that virtually eliminates drafts and a new Savant system, the industrys only Apple-basedlighting control and automation system that allows our homeowner to run his entire house off of hisiPhone or iPad from anywhere in the world.Boy oh Boy: We cant forget two of the most important events of the year. DSCs KieranDavern completed his own expansion with the 2010 addition of a new baby boyBryceand werenot done yet! Before years end, were expecting yet another new arrival a baby son for Marcos.Welcome, little ones, to the DSC family!Honored
3. 3. On December 7, Desert Star Construction was pleased toaccept a Southwest Contractor Best of 2010 award for the renovation of El Chorro Lodge.This year was very competitive, said Southwest Contractor Senior Editor Scott Blair of the 13thannual awards, which honors the years best examples of construction and design excellence in theSouthwest. It was inspirational to see the quality of work being produced, even in a down economy.Desert Star was a true partner in the rebirth of El Chorro Lodge, added Jacquie Dorrance, whopurchased El Chorro Lodge in 2009 and quickly initiated the renovation effort. They understood ourbig vision and empowered us to go beyond by introducing sustainable building practices andproposing the LEED Certification early in the process.In addition to Desert Star, the El Chorro renovation team included locallybased CandelariaDesign(architect), Vallone Design(interior designer) and Berghoff DesignGroup (landscape architect and contractor designer).Since its completion, El Chorro has earned numerous construction-related awards, which in additionto the Best of 2010 award includes a Valley Forward 2010 Environmental Excellence Award of Meritand a 2010 Building of America Gold Medal Award. For more information, visit our awards page.