Image depicting a Bald Cypress grove growing in the shallow waters of a pond similar to Trap Pond State Park. These trees are where Cypress Construction LLC derives it's name.

About

Cypress Construction LLC is a small construction company from Laurel, Delaware with deep roots in Delmarva. We chose the name Cypress Construction because Laurel, DE is home to the northern-most natural stand of Bald Cypress. Source

The company was founded in 2019 as a multi-member LLC with husband and wife team Andrea and Joe. While the company started wide net of services, we now focus on merging passion, sustainability, tradition, and community responsibility with our three main services: architectural millwork, performance building, period restoration and repair, and community building.

Image showing one of many erosion control jetties near Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Cypress Construction LLC services southern Delaware

Our mission is to blend science with passion & tradition, champion sustainability, and cultivate a deep sense of community responsibility to a create lasting, positive impact with our work.

Stock image of a low angle block plane like Cypress Construction LLC uses.

We have a deep passion for millwork and building science, as they represent the perfect fusion of craftsmanship, execution, and innovation. Working with wood allows us to connect with a material that is both timeless and versatile, transforming it into functional and beautiful pieces that stand the test of time. The intricate details of millwork, from mouldings to custom cabinetry, fascinate us, as they require both creativity and technical skill. Our interest in building science is a new layer, as we are constantly learning how to make structures more sustainable, efficient, and durable. The intersection of art and engineering in building science allows us to approach projects holistically, ensuring that every detail, from material choice to energy performance, is thoughtfully considered.

Passion.

An image of a lumber mill to supply sustainable materials to home builders.

The word sustainability takes on a lot of meanings for us. Facing the challenges in today’s building environment is no easy task. Homes cost too much, they consume too much of our energy, and shoddy materials and practices waste resources. Homes can be built to sequester carbon out of out atmosphere by focusing on renewable materials. Energy efficient homes have a lower life cycle cost (LCC) due to reduced utility bills.

Cypress Construction LLC is proud to be a part of the AIA Sustainability Pledge.

Sustainability.

An image depicting a community workshop. Cypress Construction LLC would like to see zoning and use changes that foster the growth of affordable homes and resilient cities.

Community.

Towns in Sussex County have a problem; their urban cores aren’t growing. Instead, the land just outside of city limits continues to grow into suburban sprawl. This isn’t a sustainable model for anyone. Not towns. Not the county. Especially not the People. We want to see zoning and use reform that lowers minimum lot and home size, increases urban density, improves public transit, and cut subsidies to big-box stores.

Cypress Construction LLC supports the principles of the Strong Towns movement.

An image of an old house reminiscent of our colonial past.

Building traditions have a long and storied history. Many towns in Sussex County were born out of our need to access the sea and procure materials for shipbuilding; the Colonial Period. As the colonies grew, the Georgian period is reflected in works like Bellmont Hall in Smyrna. After the American Revolution came the Federal era (John Dill House). The 19th century is a wellspring of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Second Empire (a favorite), Gothic Revival, Queen Ann’s Victorian, and Shingle Style, the latter two can be found in Lewes, Rehoboth Beath, Bethany Beach and nearby Cape May.

Understanding tradition informs how to build the present. Beautiful design tends to harken to the past, even in modern styles. Good proportions make a home out of a house.

Tradition.

Meet The Team

(yes… we need proper headshots…)

  • Image showing a blonde woman named Andrea, majority owner of Cypress Construction LLC

    Andrea Garvilla, CPB

    MAJORITY OWNER,
    MULTI-BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR

    Andrea has a background in food service and is a trained pastry chef. After her first and only child came along, she managed the office of a local site services business. In 2019, she graciously partnered with Joe to create Cypress Construction LLC. In 2020, she received her bookkeeping certification from the NACPB. Today she is majority owner of Cypress Construction LLC, Proprietor of Better Bookkeeping, and COO of Rash Enterprises.

  • Image showing Joe, minority owner of Cypress Construction LLC

    Joseph Garvilla, CPHB

    MINORITY OWNER,
    OPERATIONS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

    Joe (or “Gross” to his sisters) has always had a foot in carpentry despite dabbling in other careers such as fisheries research and technical education. He attended a vocational high school focused on carpentry and cabinetry. In 2016 he started a small company for side work. In 2019, he partnered with Andrea to make Cypress Construction LLC. In 2023 he obtained the Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB) credential. He continues to engage in professional development related to building construction.

Waiting for a meeting and happy to patronize @gaiacoffeeco. First time with a Cortado and I’m a fan! #lewes #lewesde #delawarebeaches #coffee #cortado #local
Had a great evening with @neighborgoodpartners at their Raise the Roof event last night at @railhaus. It was a pleasure to catch up with friends from @new_ecology , @unitedwayde , and Architectural Alliance.
Just received my latest order from @lostartpress (plus one book from eBay). I’m excited to dive into these and reference them when I have my more unusual projects. I’m always inspired by @knottree and @hullmillwork_hullhomes, so I’
Finally found a sweet rip saw! I’ve been keeping an eye out for a good hand rip saw for a while now, a saw balanced with length, TPI, and weight. A lot of the newer composite and plastic handle saws will turn brittle on the hard parts, and gu
A rainy, but pleasant day in Philly. Came up to see @limeworks.us at @carpentershall Took lots of photos to sketch later since it’s too wet to sketch in person!