A stable complex built by Thorsen occupies a direct line of sight from the home's entry.
Custom Collaboration Thorsen Construction believes in collaboration. Launched in 1976 by Jim Thorsen and his son—current president Robert L. Thorsen—it’s now largely operated by the third generation, a team of Robert’s four grown children, who work together in a variety of roles from business development to project management. Vice president of development John Thorsen describes the company philosophy: “Thorsen Construction is all about building relationships. We are a high-end general contractor with a focus on architecturally driven projects. The goal on every project is to make clients so happy they want to refer us to everyone they know—and architects so happy they want to do the same.”
To facilitate this goal, the company orchestrates “a seamless, elegant turnkey process from start to completion,” says John Thorsen. “We go above and beyond because that’s the only way a client will truly remember you after the project is complete.” In part, Thorsen Construction manages this by keeping subcontractors to a minimum, instead employing full-time, in-house electricians, plumbers, master carpenters and framing carpenters. These in-house capabilities allow better control of each project and its outcome, as well as the quality of the workmanship. “Architects tell us all the time how much they appreciate our approach and our relentless attention to quality,” John Thorsen says.
Thorsen Construction originally began as a custom homebuilder in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and in 1978, the firm relocated to Alexandria, Virginia, where it has remained ever since. Today, Thorsen works in Maryland, DC and Virginia. The scope of the company’s projects ranges from kitchen expansions in Georgetown to entire estates in Middleburg.
This is the way Thorsen Construction likes it. “The diversity of projects offers different levels of reward,” John Thorsen comments. “Each project has its own unique challenges, but with each one there’s the satisfaction of working as a team to bring an architect’s plan to life.” He adds, “I get most excited when we get a referral. That is the ultimate compliment for us.”
FACTS & STATS
Thorsen Construction employs 40 people in its Alexandria office. A satellite office in Warrenton serves the northern Piedmont region.
SPECIALTIES
Each year, the company completes about 50 projects; they run the gamut from small renovations and additions to large-scale custom homes.
INQUIRIES
Thorsen Construction, 5700-A General Washington Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22312; 9280 Harts Mill Road, Warrenton, Virginia 20186; 703-501-1506; thorsenconstruction.us