About
We’re a West Virginia design-build practice led by Jacob and Sarah Kirk. Two decades of collaboration, a deep bench of trusted trades, and one shared instinct: if we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right.
Our story
For the past two decades, Sarah and Jacob Kirk have worked side by side in design and build across WV, VA, MD, and DC — both as employees of other firms and through their own company. They first met while working at one of those firms, a connection that grew into a partnership not only in their professional lives but also in building a life and family together.
Sarah and Jacob bring skill, dedication, and joy to their work, and the trust they share with each other naturally extends to their clients, creating a sense of confidence and assurance in every project. Their success as a team comes from a blend of grit, creativity, and commitment to their values. They’ve built their business around a belief in quality work, family, and balance — proving that success doesn’t require sacrificing what matters most.
The owners
Owner · Design
Sarah Kirk, Owner of Design-Build-Live, has a 20-year residential design & build background with a degree in Interior Design from Marymount University. She specializes in whole house design and space planning and enjoys working closely with her clients. Sarah excels at finding the balance between form and function, all the while achieving practical designs that remain true to the taste and personality of each client and their desired aesthetics. With her experience working on Design/Build teams her talent and experience offers a true integration with home builders and helps ensure the delivery of the home of your dreams.
Co-owner · Build
Jacob Kirk, Co-Owner of Design-Build-Live, delivers not just great design and building talent, but also honesty, compassion and integrity. For 35 years, Jacob has refined and polished his building skills and knowledge while steadily working his way up through the ranks of the Washington, D.C., area’s top remodeling firms. His eye for detail, passion for fine home remodeling, and appreciation of the architectural arts ensure quality artisanship, management and estimating on every project. His approach, which is both design-oriented and respectful of each client’s needs, has led to a long-standing reputation for excellence and skill that can come only from hands-on experience.
The studio
Jacob and Sarah first began working together in 2007 at an architecturally driven design/build firm, where Jacob served as Director of Construction and Sarah as Interior Designer. It was there that they discovered a rare harmony and efficiency — a natural synergy that allowed their combined vision to come to life on every project.
For the past two decades they have continued to build on that foundation, bringing energy, creativity, and balance to the design and building process. Their partnership has remained defined by the same passion and teamwork that set them apart from the very beginning.
Most residential work is split between an architect you hire, a builder you hope understands the drawings, and a long email thread where neither quite sees the full picture. We set Design-Build-Live up to close that gap. Sarah draws it, Jacob builds it, and the conversation never leaves the studio. It makes projects clearer, faster, and considerably less stressful for the people paying for them.
We work out of a small studio on a ridge in the Potomac Highlands. We know these landscapes. We know what it costs to build here, what the weather does to materials, and which trades actually show up. That’s worth something.
Off the clock
When we’re not working, we’re living our true dream on our homestead in Capon Springs, WV. Most days you’ll find us chasing kids, cows, pigs, turkeys, and chickens — embracing the joy (and chaos) of farm life — and spending as much time outdoors as we can.
We also volunteer with Capon Springs Fire & Rescue, where Jacob serves as a firefighter, and together we are training as EMTs.
Thank you, Sarah & Jacob
Credentials
WV Contractor
WV061039
Septic Installer
54-23-038
Part 107
FAA Part 107
Insured
Fully Covered
Related work
Sky Scout is our sister operation — FAA Part 107 drone work for construction progress, real estate, property inspection, site mapping, and aerial photography and video. It grew out of the site-intelligence work we already do on our own projects, and it’s now an independent service with its own clients across West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Visit skyscout.us
