Company Profile
About Holland & Harley Construction
Founded in 1986 by architect Ken Holland and seasoned builder Chip Harley, Holland & Harley Construction (H&H) was built on a shared vision: combine inspired design with expert craftsmanship to deliver projects that stand the test of time. Their first successful commercial venture in Walnut Creek, CA cemented a partnership grounded in trust, skill, and a commitment to excellence.
While Ken Holland has since retired, Chip Harley continues to lead H&H with the same dedication to quality and innovation that defined the company’s beginnings.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Holland & Harley, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We take immense pride in the quality of our work and in the relationships we build along the way. Our experienced team—comprised of skilled project managers, dedicated full-time employees, and trusted subcontractors—works collaboratively to transform your construction vision into reality.
From concept to completion, we focus on:
- Superior Craftsmanship
- Thoughtful Project Management
- Transparent Communication
- Reliable Timelines and Fair Pricing
We believe that exceptional construction is not only about enduring structures, but also about lasting partnerships.
Built on Family Values
Holland & Harley is more than a construction company—it is a team rooted in family values. We foster an environment of mutual respect, professionalism, and integrity. Every client, colleague, and partner is treated with the care and consideration they deserve.
These values have shaped our company culture and earned us lasting relationships that span decades.
Strength Through Every Season
Over the years, Holland & Harley has weathered market crashes, economic recessions, and even a global pandemic. Through it all, we have continued to build—strengthening not only the structures we create, but also the trust we share with our clients and employees.
Our longevity is a testament to our resilience, reliability, and unwavering commitment to quality.
Building What Matters Most
For nearly four decades, Holland & Harley Construction has delivered dependable results with integrity and pride. Whether commercial or residential, large or small, every project reflects our dedication to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
We build with purpose. We build with integrity. We build relationships that last.
People
Chip Harley
Owner
Chip founded Holland & Harley in 1986. Originally from the East Coast, he moved to California in the mid-1970s and began his construction career in San Diego before relocating to the Bay Area.
Before establishing Holland & Harley in Berkeley, Chip worked as a luthier in San Francisco. Construction and building are his passion; in his spare time, he continues to make guitars and pursue fine woodworking.
Chip has been a proud Berkeley resident since the early 1980s.
Christopher Gaw
Partner, Project Manager
Christopher joined Holland and Harley in 2016, bringing a uniquely diverse skill set shaped by his fine arts education and extensive experience across multiple industries. His background includes construction, project management, design, CAD drafting, and metal fabrication, complemented by a wide range of trade and artistic abilities developed during his years in the film industry.
With a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for problem-solving, Christopher approaches every project with precision and creativity. His strong communication skills, commitment to transparency, and drive for excellence are central to his success as a project manager.
Tom Harley
Project Manager
Tom first came to California in 1986 and began his career with Holland & Harley as a laborer, working alongside his older brother. While staying connected to the company, he earned a double major in Economics and Urban Planning from Sonoma State University.
After graduating, Tom built extensive project management experience as the Regional Construction Manager for a Massachusetts-based Energy Services Company. He led the implementation of large-scale energy-efficiency projects for clients such as Safeway locations throughout PG&E territory, the County of Los Angeles, and the California National Guard.
Tom returned to Holland & Harley permanently in 2005, bringing with him a seasoned background in construction management and a strong commitment to the company’s continued growth.
Ezra Gaskin
Project Manager
Ezra brings an exceptional passion for craftsmanship, quality, and client satisfaction that ensures each project is not only executed with precision, but becomes an enduring work of art. With years of hands-on experience, Ezra has become known for his keen attention to detail and forward-thinking approach. He anticipates challenges before they arise, and when they do, his calm, strategic approach keeps projects moving smoothly, on time and on budget. His work has contributed to many of Berkeley’s notable spaces including Berkeley Bowl, Trumer Taproom, and The Potter’s Studio as well as custom homes across Berkeley, Oakland, El Cerrito, Albany, Kensington, Sonoma, and more.
Shayla Ford
Office Manager
Shayla is an experienced administrative professional with over 10 years of expertise supporting business operations. She began her role as an Office Manager for Holland and Harley in 2022, where she has contributed strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to streamline office processes. She holds a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) earned in Illinois, giving her a solid academic and practical foundation for her work.
