Who We Are
We are an architectural design and drafting firm that was established in the Treasure Valley in 1994. Draftech has provided drafting and design services in the Treasure Valley for over 20 years, with over 4 million square feet drawn to date. In 2007, Brendan and Michele took over the company . Original services were exclusive only to home builders; they recognized an opportunity to expand Draftech's services for both builders and home owners alike.
Since taking over, the Draftech team has successfully produced over 500 new home designs, from small production homes to large, luxury custom homes. Since 2009 Draftech has produced over 40 different Parade of Home entries, with several different award winning designs.
Meet The Team
We staff only the best designers and draftsmen. Our designers have both creativity and hands on experience in real estate, interior design, and home building. Secondly, our draftsmen are educated in the "structural" field. They have a real working background in home building and possess a deep understanding of engineering principals, beam and floor calculations, geometry and math. This enables our plans to receive permit approval the first time. More importantly, we incorporate “value engineering” which will lower your building cost. Our dedicated team prides itself on providing our clients with strong communication, fast, predictable turn-around times and well planned home designs you will love.
Brendan Smythe (owner/designer)
Brendan has over 19 years of experience in the building and design industry. He earned his Associate Degree in Design & Drafting in San Jose, CA in 1995. He worked in the design and drafting industry for five years before being offered a position as a partner in a remodeling & construction company in the San Francisco Bay area. After working and growing the company for four years, he obtained the required apprenticeship to test and become a Licensed Contractor. Brendan then started his own construction company and worked for another four years in the building industry. Not only did he provide custom home designs and sales, but he also gained valuable construction knowledge and field experience. He put "hammer to nail" on dozens of his design projects from conception to reality. During this time, he designed and built over 30 different projects from modest new homes to luxury remodels. He worked directly with the home owners, engineers and building officials to solve all problems imaginable.
After moving his family to Idaho, Brendan took over Draftech in 2007 and since then has designed over 500 new homes, including several award-winning designs. He has been a recurring judge at the Parade of Homes and also heads many subdivision design committees throughout the treasure valley.
He recognizes that strong customer service comes from clear objectives, quality control, honesty and most of all a patient teaching and learning mindset.
Brendan and Michele live in Eagle, have been married for 19 years and have 4 children.
Michele Smythe (owner/designer)
Michele has over 11 years experience in the industry. She started her career in bookkeeping and office management for a small building contractor. After six years she decided to obtain her real estate license. For three years not only did she represent her clients with home buying and selling, but she was also involved with the purchasing and renovating of out-dated homes around the Treasure Valley.
After raising her four children she attended Boise State University to pursue a degree in Business Management. She was instrumental in the purchase of Draftech, and in 2007 became office manager and head of account services. In only a few years she also showed a talent for floor plan design. Adding a woman's touch to all of her designs, she has personally designed over 100 homes from just a "napkin sketch". She keeps the Draftech engine running at it's core, making her the heart and soul of Draftech.
James Mahan (lead draftsman)
James has 14 years of CAD drafting experience. He discovered at a young age that he wanted to be an architect/drafter. In 2000 he earned his AS degree in drafting. Having passion for his talent, he takes pride in his work as if the plans are for his own home. At Draftech, he is the lead draftsman in charge of seeing that plans are completed in a timely manner, with accuracy to current codes and specs. He is also our resident arachnid killer, taking out any eight legged freak that dare enter. He has been with Draftech since early 2012.
James is married and has four children. He resides in Middleton.
Rick Shlangan (draftsman)
Rick has been with Draftech since 2015. He loves residential construction and the amazing, dedicated, talented, patient, brilliant and fun bunch of people that make up the Draftech team. He says, "we are always finding ways to improve". Rick has a couple hidden talents but we can't convince him to share (maybe I need to bribe him with cookies?)
Rick resides in Kuna and enjoys skiing, hiking, floating the river, fishing, food, beer and family. He looks forward to being a part of a growing team and designing award winning homes.
Audrey Cabrera (drafting assistant
Audrey joined Draftech in May of 2017 after being recommended by her drafting instructor at the College of Western Idaho. After viewing some of Draftech's projects she says she "knew instantly she wanted to work here". She has quickly become a valuable asset to the company and see's a long future here.
Audrey has lived in Boise for about 11 years, but was born and raised in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. It was a long swim but we're glad she made it here. She loves doing anything outdoors - hiking, camping, swimming, etc.
Chelsea Story (administrative assistant)
Chelsea is the newest member of Draftech's team. She was born in an igloo and raised by bears in the wilderness of Alaska prior to moving to Idaho. Her cheerful, friendly face is the first one to greet you when coming in for meetings, and if it's not then bring her coffee ASAP. Her helpful nature drew her to Draftech and after seeing Brendan and Michele's passion for design, it quickly felt like home.
Chelsea's first love is to her kids, she also enjoys reading, hiking, painting, dancing and taking pictures. She is addicted to coffee and is an organizing freak of nature. She is afraid of hammers and nail guns so she only works here as a party planner, making sure she is the life of them at all times. She is terrible at math, so don't ask her to calculate measurements for you. You can rely on her for a laugh however, she loves laughing (just not too hard because she is known to have accidents).
Hannah Luthman (project coordinator)
Hannah has built her career defining the role of Project Coordinator. She has been with Draftech since the spring of 2016. She received her undergraduate degree at Carroll College and her Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University. After school she realized that she had a knack for business organization, process flow and doing funny voices. We've been fortunate to have her bring those talents to Draftech. She loves working alongside a wonderful team whose main purpose is to design beautiful homes.
When Hannah is not at work she is busy wrangling her two young children and enjoying life with her amazing husband.