The foundation of Barron & Jacobs began in 1963, when Mr. Cecil R. “Jake” Jacobs, President of Barron and Jacobs, completed his tour of duty in Vietnam with the 6143rd Engineering Group. When he returned from Vietnam, Mr. Jacobs was hired as a designer for the Architectural Building Products Division of Reynolds Metals Company, (Reynolds Aluminum). He was appointed vice president of the Architectural Building Products Division at the age of 34, where he oversaw the development, sales and marketing of energy conserving building products, including the revolutionary Reynolds Crown Top Heat Exchanger which made a major contribution to the solar thermal heating industry. He retired as Vice President from Reynolds in 1986 at the age of 45 to start, with his family, his own Design/Build Company — Barron and Jacobs Associates, Inc. Jim Barron was President of Reynolds Architectural Building Products Division and was Mr. Jacobs mentor. Barron is carried on in our company name symbolically to honor the integrity that Jim Barron represents and to honor their successful business relationship.
Today, Barron & Jacobs is run by Jake’s son, Chris Jacobs. Chris has been with Barron & Jacobs since the early days, starting as a part-time carpenter’s helper during high school. He spent many years working in the field, then took on roles with the office staff as designer and manager. He now oversees all aspects of the business, remaining active in design and sales. The construction business is in Chris’s genes and he brings a deep understanding of construction practices and a talent for helping clients design the home of their dreams.
We care about the architectural heritage of our community and every renovation or restoration that we undertake. Our trademark specialty is renovation that gracefully blends the new with the old, while improving overall livability. We address the different conditions that exist with each individual home and excel at remodeling that looks integrated with your existing architecture.
We are proud of our outstanding reputation for being dedicated to our customers and committed to providing excellent service and workmanship. Our greatest reward comes from the recognition we receive from our clients. As a leader in our industry, we take pride in our professional integrity, keen and innovative design skills and exceptional workmanship.
Our team of professional architectural designers, project managers, master carpenters and skilled craftsmen have decades of residential remodeling experience and are committed to excellence. Our satisfied customer base is second to none as witnessed by the hundreds of complimentary letters we have received over the last 30 years that we would like to share with you.
The brand name manufacturers we partner with for the products we use, manufacture their products to exacting specifications, while striving for the highest quality. These products are only as good as the craftsmen who install them. We ensure these superior quality products are installed properly in your home by our craftsmen and that all manufacturers’ warranties are enforceable – that’s our commitment to excellence.
Barron and Jacobs is committed to the conservation of energy by complying with and often exceeding state energy code standards. We help maintain a healthy environment that is reflected in our adherence to the highest standards possible for installing insulation and windows that will preserve energy. We install windows that are ENERGY STAR® qualified with low-E/Argon glazing. ENERGY STAR® qualified windows are 40% more efficient than windows that meet most national building codes. If all products in the U.S. were ENERGY STAR® qualified, we’d save $100 billion in energy costs over the next 15 years. ENERGY STAR® windows are good for the environment, using less fossil fuels which cause air pollution, smog, and global warming (Source: US Department of Energy, Must use Low-E/Argon to achieve ENERGY STAR® rating.)
Because we are involved in deconstruction everyday, we are concerned about our landfills. We donate regularly to EcoBuilding Bargains, formerly known as ReSTORE, whose primary goal and mission is to recycle and reuse building material, such as re-useable windows and doors, old moldings or floor planks that were once considered demolition and over crowded our landfills. We are active donors to help keep our planet healthy with deliberate and conscientious recycling.
Since its inception Barron and Jacobs has been committed to being an active member of our community. We are proud members and supporters of the following non-profit organizations:
- Better Business Bureau
- Chamber of Commerce
- State of MA Holyoke Soldier’s Home
- Pioneer Valley Ballet
- New Century Theater
- News in Education
- WGBY Channel 57
- WFCR, 88.5 FM
- WAMC, 90.3FM
- Friends of Children
- American Cancer Society