About us
We are a family owned & operated business
We believe in serving families and communities.
Meet our family, and our founders.
Hyrum Thompson
– Founder, Craftsman, Visionary
If you’ve ever met Hyrum Thompson, you know he’s more than a master craftsman—he’s a man who treats everyone as a friend, sees every challenge as an opportunity, and has a contagious passion for life.
Hyrum started woodworking at just 14 years old, with over 45 years of construction experience, his deep understanding of fine cabinetry and finish work, he was naturally drawn to the timeless craft of timber framing. His meticulous attention to detail and passion for craftsmanship became the foundation of his work. His expertise in precise joinery and high-end finishes is evident in every project, ensuring that each structure is as beautiful as it is durable.
His dedication to innovation resulted in the creation of The Dovetail Difference®, a patented joint system that redefined strength in timber framing. While others have imitated it, his original design remains the gold standard.
But what truly sets Hyrum apart isn’t just his craftsmanship—it’s his outlook on life. He often laughs with his friend Laurence about how he once advised against adding a pergola to his first home—only to later realize how essential these spaces are for gathering, healing, and strengthening relationships. That truth became even more personal when he faced one of his biggest challenges: waking up partially paralyzed due to spinal stenosis.
Recovery gave him time to reflect—sitting outside, soaking in the sun, surrounded by family. It reminded him why he does what he does. It’s not just about building pergolas and pavilions; it’s about creating spaces where people reconnect, heal, and build lasting memories.
Hyrum has always lived life at full speed—waking up at 4:30 AM, pushing himself and others to be better, always leading by example. His passion for timber craftsmanship isn’t just business; it’s personal. He’s seen firsthand how a well-crafted timber structure—whether it’s a pergola, pavilion, or finely crafted architectural and exposed timber frame features—it can change lives, and that’s why, through Western Timber Frame®, he’s dedicated to creating more than structures—he’s creating places where life happens.
Laurence Bunker
– Co-Founder, Designer, Innovator
Laurence Bunker’s story isn’t just about woodworking and design—it’s about creating spaces that change lives. By six years old, he was building and selling mini electric guitars, catching the attention of trade show crowds and landing on the cover of the NAMM Show magazine. By 10, he built, designed and improved gold mine security portals, proving his natural ability to see beyond what exists and into what’s possible has defined his life’s work.
But his passion for outdoor spaces is deeply personal. Raised in a trailer park where RVs came and went, outdoor space was rare. His mother, cautious of the constant turnover of strangers, kept him inside—an experience that made him realize just how much environments shape our lives.
As co-founder of Western Timber Frame®, Laurence has dedicated himself to giving families what he dreamed of—a place to connect, unwind, and truly live. His work has earned Best of Show, multiple Best of State awards, and a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, but to him, the greatest recognition comes from the families who say their outdoor space has brought them closer, created new traditions, helped them heal, and enriched their lives in ways they never imagined.
Laurence believes that a home isn’t just about what’s inside—it’s about the spaces that invite you to step outside, stay longer, and build something even greater: moments that matter.
