Strengthening community has always been at the heart of Amsted’s values for the past 35 years. It is with great pride that we announce co-owner, Steve Barkhouse has been awarded the Algonquin College Fellowship Award. This honour has only been presented once before in the College’s history and recognizes exceptional individual community members who have made an invaluable contribution to the College.
In an article announcing this award, Steve mentions attributing much of Amsted’s success and community-oriented mission to his upbringing in the close-knit farming community of Stittsville. Influenced by his family, who were builders and drywallers, and inspired by the principles of mutual support and collaboration, Steve pursued a career in the trades.
Steve’s journey led him to Algonquin College, where he initially enrolled in the Architecture program before switching to Business Management. After graduating in 1988, he furthered his education at Lakehead University with a degree in human resources and industrial relations. Despite early career setbacks due to the recession, Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to start his own business. Over the past 35 years, Amsted Design-Build has grown to employ 60 people, specializing in designing, building, and renovating custom homes in the Ottawa Valley region.
The connection between Amsted Design-Build and Algonquin College remains strong. “I don’t know if I ever left,” Steve joked. Today, 85% of his team are Algonquin alumni. His dedication to the college includes hiring co-op students and graduates, serving on the Board of Governors, and co-chairing the steering committee that raised funds for the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE).
Amsted Design-Build is incredibly proud to be part of this award and values the strong relationship with Algonquin College. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and community engagement.