JUNE 2025
MEET THE PRINCIPALS OF CRESCENT BUILDS
At Crescent Builds, leadership is more than titles—it’s a shared commitment to craftsmanship, clarity, and care. Since 2007, August Bergdahl and Emilee Birrell have been the guiding force behind a company that puts craftsmanship, clarity, and care at the heart of every remodel. As partners in life and business, they’ve grown Crescent Builds into one of Seattle’s most respected residential remodeling firms—grounded in collaboration, integrity, and intentional design.
A Shared Vision Since 2007
Crescent Builds began with a simple but powerful goal: to reimagine what the remodeling experience could be. When August founded the company in 2007, his mission was clear—deliver high-quality residential renovations with thoughtful design and professional project execution. Three years later, Emilee joined the leadership team, bringing with her a sharp mind for systems, a background in project management, and a deep passion for design. Together, they shaped the company’s culture and built a foundation rooted in service, transparency, and enduring relationships. Today, Crescent Builds is a full-service design-build firm with a team of project developers, designers, builders, and client support staff—all working in unison to deliver seamless, transformative home renovations.
Meet August Bergdahl (he/him) - Founder + Principal
August is a builder at heart. With more than 25 years in the field, he brings a grounded, hands-on perspective to every project. He’s drawn to the problem-solving side of remodeling—addressing complex challenges, designing efficient systems, and imagining how spaces can better serve the people who live in them.
Known for his calm leadership and strategic insight, August oversees Crescent Builds’ big-picture vision. He works closely with the development, production, and client relations teams to ensure that each project not only meets expectations—but elevates them.
When he’s not leading the company, you’ll likely find August outside—kiteboarding, climbing, skiing, or off on an adventure with Emilee and their two kids.
“One of my greatest joys is seeing our team and clients aligned around a shared vision, then watching that vision come to life in a home. We’re not just building projects—we’re building trust.”
Meet Emilee Birrell (she/her) - Principal
Emilee brings a deep passion for people, process, and design. Since joining the firm in 2010, she’s helped shape its internal culture, strengthen its operations, and elevate the client experience.
With a background in corporate project management and operations, Emilee brought structure and scalability to Crescent Builds at a pivotal time in its growth, allowing the company to scale and grow with intention. Along the way, she trained herself in residential design and served as our Design Manager for nearly a decade, working closely with clients to help tailor and bring their vision to life. Emilee has played an instrumental role in shaping Crescent’s client-focused culture and continues to guide the growth and future direction of the business.
Beyond work, Emilee finds joy in reading, yoga, pottery, knitting, and family weekends at the cabin or camping in their van, Jean, with their kids and furry family member, Tikka.
“We’ve always believed in building relationships as carefully as we build homes. Our team is here to guide, listen, and walk alongside our clients from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.”
Building a Company Rooted in Relationships
While Crescent Builds has grown and evolved over the years, August and Emilee remain deeply connected to the day-to-day. From leading early client conversations to guiding team development and culture, they’re deeply engaged in ensuring each project reflects the company’s values:
Craftsmanship: High-quality work that honors the integrity of every home.
Clarity: A clear, structured process that supports transparency and collaboration.
Care: A relationship-first approach built on listening, respect, and follow-through.
Their approach is both personal and professional. Being partners in business and life adds a level of intentionality to how they lead—with communication, balance, and shared purpose at the center.
What’s Next for Crescent Builds?
Crescent Builds has always welcomed a wide range of projects—large and small, simple and sophisticated. What remains consistent is the care each client receives and the trust built along the way. It’s not uncommon for someone who first reached out for a small repair to come back to us years later for a major remodel.
As our portfolio has evolved toward more complex and transformative work, we’ve also remained committed to supporting the everyday needs of homeowners. That mindset led us to formalize two newer branches of the company:
Annual Home Services—A membership-based program that helps past clients steward their homes over time. From seasonal inspections to preventive maintenance and minor repairs, our team keeps things running smoothly year-round.
SP+R (Small Projects + Repairs)—A dedicated division for smaller remodels, updates, and repairs that don’t require the full design-build process but still deserve Crescent’s signature coordination and care.
These offerings are natural extensions of Crescent Builds’ philosophy: honoring the full life of a home and standing by the clients who live in them.
Looking Ahead
Crescent Builds continues to grow—intentionally. The focus now is on investing in the next generation of leadership, refining internal systems, and deepening partnerships with architects and designers who share their values.
Long-term, August and Emilee envision Crescent Builds as a leading voice in values-driven, sustainable remodeling. While craftsmanship and care will always be at the center, they’re also exploring new ways to support homeowners, expand services, and evolve alongside the communities they serve.
A Team Effort, A Shared Philosophy
August and Emilee are the first to say that Crescent Builds isn’t just about them—it’s about the collective effort of a dedicated team. From design leads and project developers to site managers and client liaisons and our administration staff, every member of the Crescent Builds family contributes to the experience we deliver.
“Our team is the heartbeat of the company. They’re smart, kind, talented, and committed to doing meaningful work. We’re lucky to lead alongside them.”
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Whether you’re dreaming of your forever home or planning a much-needed renovation, Crescent Builds is here to guide you—every step of the way. Behind each project are two leaders—and an incredible team—committed to making your experience as transformative as the home itself.
Want to learn more? Reach out to schedule a conversation—we’d love to meet you!