Historic Renovation and Custom New-Build Construction.
Serving the Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky
Areas of focus
Terra Firma Construction specializes in historic renovation and custom residential construction across Central Kentucky. Deeply connected to the unique culture and natural landscape of the Bluegrass Region, our relationship with place drives our passion to build legacy projects – and build them right.
Our work is rooted in collaboration, embracing constraints and partnering closely with clients and the best architects and contractors to realize thoughtful, enduring homes.
Custom Home Building
Highly unique residential projects, shaped by craftsmanship, performance, and beauty.
- Complex builds requiring engineering, design, and functional expertise
- Homes informed by the site, materials, use, and imagining “what can be”
- Focus on architectural details and flourishes, which can be fabricated in-house
- Highly efficient, clean and safe construction environments
Historic Renovation
Legacy homes reimagined through thoughtful improvements, structural integration, and adaptive reuse.
- Re-building existing spaces for today’s lifestyle and living preferences
- Marrying old and new structures using the best in design, materials, and construction practices
- Projects shaped by what exists, what’s uncovered, and what’s worth preserving
- Respecting site and budget constraints, while while creating special homes worthy of the present and past
Fabrication
Tailor-made architectural woodwork befitting the most unique of homes.
- Driven by client need and vision
- Expertise includes statement furniture pieces, window restoration, trim production, and cabinetry
- Pieces shaped by performance, scale, and aesthetics
- Carefully created by hand, with attention given to the smallest of details
Our Story
Terra Firma Construction was founded in 2020 with a commitment to achieve beauty and function at an elemental level across the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Our projects are a bricks and mortar expression of the unique culture and beautiful landscapes that make this part of the world so special. This is our passion and privilege…to serve our clients in this life’s work.
Matt Pfister, Owner & Co-Founder
Knox van Nagell Pfister, Owner & Co-Founder
Woof! I’m Norman, Director of Business Development. Meet the Full Team.
The Terra Firma approach
Our process is rooted in collaboration — embracing budgetary and environmental constraints while seizing opportunities in design, form, and performance to bring thoughtful residential projects to life.
Working closely with clients, architects, and craftspeople, we prioritize clarity, coordination, and execution at every stage of construction to build homes second-to-none.
"Tributes to Terrafirma and Knox and Matt Pfister! They did a masterful job in the restoration of our Shanklin House. From the planning stages to the completion of the project, they worked closely with us, with attention to detail, meticulously overseeing the project. Always we found Knox and Matt to be very professional and creatively talented. In the restoration of an early 1800’s home, there are always problems that are seemingly unsolvable, but they are phenomenal problem solvers. Their subs, too, are highly skilled and very competent. Always delightful to work with, always ready to be helpful in matters large and small. Our end product! Wow! Amazing! Beyond expectations and worthy of all the accolades they are receiving from our guests!"
Owners
SHANKLIN HOUSE
"Knox and Matt have a great eye for design, while building residential projects that really perform. No detail is too small, and they champion their clients' interests with great team work, communication, and respect for the numbers. They love the Bluegrass, and this drives everything they do. They are not only friends, but colleagues and I highly recommend their services."
Real Estate Agent
Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty
"While at Dean Builds, Matt was a key member of the team—from project management to bid estimation and business development. Matt’s engineering background, attention to detail, construction knowledge and network of colleagues helped Deanbuilds tackle several complex commercial projects in the region. I know he will bring these same assets to the table for his clients, making Terra Firma Construction a great success."
President, Dean Builds
"I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Knox and Matt on a number of challenging and inspired projects. Their dedication to and passion for quality design and craftsmanship is second to none as they approach every endeavor with a level of precision that always culminates in an exceptional project."
Principal Architect
Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design
"It has been an honor to know and work with Knox and Matt independently. Matt worked with me on the construction of Apiary, and was conscientious and fastidious in his workmanship. I worked closely with Knox as a Board member and contributor of Fayette Alliance while she was executive director. She was always professional, highly transparent, and her integrity was unquestioned. As contractors and business partners, they will exemplify these qualities for their clients."
CEO G.F.
Vaughan Tobacco Inc.
Mynah Shopwerks
Delivering the very best in custom wood furnishings for our Terra Firma clients.
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