ABOUT

your certified high performance home

50 years OF CUSTOM certified high performance homes

In 1975, Greg Mantell-Hecathorn, Founder of Mantell-Hecathorn Builders, set out to be the best, driven by a commitment to superior craftsmanship and unwavering integrity.

Over nearly five decades, the company’s journey has included 13 years in Fairbanks, Alaska, building homes in extreme conditions; 18 years in Orinda, California, specializing in high-end renovations and custom homes; and 19 years in Durango, Colorado, as a leading design-build firm focused on personal attention and certified quality.

Today, under the leadership of Hunter Mantell-Hecathorn, President, the tradition of excellence continues. With over 20 years of experience, Hunter’s hands-on approach ensures every project meets the highest standards of performance and quality, giving homeowners complete confidence.

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WHAT SETS US APART

Personal Attention to Each Client
Impeccable Integrity
Design Excellence-Award Winners
The Building Science Leader in Durango
Design-Build, On Schedule-On Budget
Master Certified Green Professionals
100% Certified High Performance Homes
Continuous 50 Years of Building to A Higher Standard

OUR DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS

Every project is a collaborative effort, blending the client’s vision with the expertise, integrity, and experience of the M-H team, along with an architect who aligns with the client’s style. Our commitment to superior quality and certified high-performance homes distinguishes us from other builders. We are involved from site selection and preconstruction to value engineering, design, and the finishing touches on hardscaping and landscaping.

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Meet Our Team

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Founders

Greg Mantell-Hecathorn

Greg has built distinguished custom homes for 47 years, founding Mantell-Hecathorn Builders, Inc., and earning a reputation for excellence and client satisfaction in southwest Colorado. Now retired, he serves as a consultant for the company. A pioneer in super-insulated, energy-efficient homes in Alaska during the 1980s, Greg was also among the first in Colorado to earn the Master Certified Green Professional credential from the National Association of Home Builders. His commitment to building science continues to guide him in creating durable, energy-efficient, and healthier homes.

Greg's greatest joy comes from his family. He and Tara, married for 48 years, have raised three successful sons and enjoy their four grandchildren. In 1975, they homesteaded and built a log cabin in the remote Brooks Range wilderness of Alaska, where they spent 13 winters, and which remains their family’s original home. Greg enjoys hiking, camping, cycling, international travel, and revisiting their Alaskan roots.

Experience: 47 years of dedication to building excellence
Family: Married 48 years, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren
Hobbies: Alaskan wilderness cabin, exploring the southwest, cycling, international travel

Tara Mantell-Hecathorn

Tara co-founded Mantell-Hecathorn Builders, Inc. over 47 years ago and was integral to its daily operations. Now retired, she serves as a consultant to the company. After earning a degree in wildlife ecology from the University of California at Davis, Tara and Greg moved to Alaska, where she participated in wolf research and worked as a union laborer in commercial construction for ten years. She also gained hands-on experience building their own log cabins, deepening her understanding of the physical demands of construction.Tara’s focus has always been family. She has volunteered extensively in community programs, including schools, kids’ sports, and Boy Scouts, believing in the importance of contributing positively to the community. Though she continues to prioritize family, Tara also loves exploring the outdoors with Greg, whether hiking, camping, cycling, or cross-country skiing.

Experience: 47 years of dedication to building excellence and client satisfaction
Family: Married 48 years, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, cycling, cross-country skiing, exploring the outdoors