Before L&D Construction was building ADUs and custom homes across Denver, it began with one project. It was the first Denver ADU David built behind the home he and his wife Lindsay purchased early in their marriage.
At the time, David was doing a wide range of remodeling work. The business was still taking shape, and like many builders coming out of the recession, the focus was on staying busy and building experience. At the same time, he was starting to think differently about how properties in Denver could be used.
That thinking led to a simple idea. Instead of treating a home as a single structure, what if it could do more?
Behind their home, David designed and built an accessory dwelling unit. It was completed in 2017 and became a flexible space that served multiple purposes. It was used for family, as a rental, and as a working space in the early days of the company. It also became a clear proof of concept that this type of housing could work in Denver.
At that point, ADUs were not widely understood or utilized in the city. Zoning was more restrictive, and most homeowners were not yet considering them as part of their long term plans. For David, the goal was not to follow a trend but to test whether this approach could create both livable space and long term value.
Lindsay played an important role in shaping the interiors of these early projects. With a passion in interior design, she helped define how the spaces would feel and function, bringing a practical perspective to how people actually live in these homes.
As L&D Construction began to grow, that first ADU became the foundation for a broader approach. Rather than relying on theory, David continued to build and invest in projects that allowed him to test ideas in real time.
One of the most defining examples of this was the work on Raleigh Street.
David and Lindsay purchased a property with a large lot, originally anchored by a single home. Understanding the potential of the property, David made the decision to divide the land. What began as one parcel became an opportunity to build multiple homes.
They first built a home on part of the lot, then continued to refine the concept by parceling off additional land and building another home next door. Over time, the property evolved into a small collection of thoughtfully designed homes, some with ADUs, each serving a different purpose.
These were not just construction projects. They were opportunities to understand how different configurations would perform in the Denver market. David explored how lot size, layout, and the presence or absence of features like garages would impact both livability and demand. Some homes were built for people they knew, while others were developed as spec projects.
The response was strong. Homes sold quickly, confirming that there was real demand for this kind of thoughtful, higher-density housing in Denver.
A similar mindset shaped the project on Perry Street, but in a more personal way.
David and Lindsay originally designed a home on Perry Street for themselves. As they worked through the design and began to better understand the potential of the property, they made the decision to divide the land. Rather than building a single home, they saw an opportunity to create something more intentional.
They parceled the lot and built an additional home, ultimately shaping the property into something that reflected both their personal vision and their evolving approach to development. The process also led to the home they now consider their long term or forever home.
Through projects like Raleigh Street and Perry Street, David developed a deeper understanding of how ADUs and urban infill could fit into Denver’s evolving housing landscape. He was not only building homes, but also learning how to navigate zoning, density, and the practical realities of developing in established neighborhoods.
That experience continues to shape how L&D Construction approaches its work today.
Many homeowners who come to L&D are looking for similar outcomes. They want to create additional space, support changing family needs, or generate rental income. Having gone through that process personally, David and the L&D team are able to guide clients with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges.
As Denver’s regulations around ADUs have expanded, the process has become more accessible but also more complex. Experience navigating permitting, zoning, and design constraints has become an essential part of building successfully in the city.
At the same time, the focus on how homes function has remained consistent. David’s construction and development experience ensures each project is grounded in long term performance.
What started as a single Denver ADU behind a primary residence has grown into a body of work across the city. L&D Construction now focuses on ADUs, custom homes, and projects that bring together design, construction, and long term value.
The foundation of the company, however, remains the same. It is built on firsthand experience, thoughtful investment, and a willingness to test ideas before bringing them to clients. That is what continues to guide every project today.
