At FischerSIPS, strong partnerships are at the heart of everything the company does. One of the most rewarding parts of working in the SIPs industry is connecting with builders who share the same passion for high-performance homes. Two such partners are Don Ferrier and John Barrows—builders from opposite sides of the country who have each spent years raising the bar in energy-efficient construction.
Who are Don and John?
Don builds high-performance SIP homes in Fort Worth, Texas, while John brings his expertise to the Hamptons in New York. Both have served on the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Energy Committees and are widely respected for their commitment to building homes that outperform traditional construction in comfort, efficiency, and durability.
A Decade of Collaboration and Friendship
Damian has worked with Don and John for over 10 years. What began as a business relationship has developed into a genuine friendship grounded in a shared dedication to building better homes. Over the years, both builders have relied on FischerSIPS to supply panels for their projects and they have consistently prioritized quality and long-term performance.
Learning from Leaders in High-Performance Building
Through his work with Don and John, Damian has seen firsthand how much thoughtful planning goes into every project. He has observed that while SIPs are an enabling technology, they are just one component of a truly high-performance home. Both builders take the time to understand their clients’ goals and collaborate closely to deliver homes that go far beyond standard construction. Their relationship-based approach, combined with technical expertise, has helped set a higher benchmark for what a SIP home can be.
Meeting to Share Ideas and Reflect
When Damian, Don, and John met up at IBS in Las Vegas this year, they spent time discussing a range of topics related to their work. Their conversation included changes in energy codes, reasons why some builders have embraced SIPs while others have not, and reflections on memorable past projects they completed together. They also talked about homeowners from earlier builds and wondered how those homes were performing years later.
Looking Ahead
After more than a decade of collaboration, Damian values the trust and knowledge shared with Don and John. As energy standards evolve and more homeowners look for ways to make their homes healthier and more efficient, partnerships like these continue to drive innovation forward. The long-term commitment to building high-performance homes remains a point of pride for everyone involved.