Graeme Daley, owner and founder of Daley Design + Build in Madeira, is building more than houses; he’s building a legacy. On a visit to the idyllic Peterloon Estate, the lifelong resident of Indian Hill reflects on his childhood, career and living with intention.
Daley is intimately familiar with the Peterloon grounds. His childhood best friend lived here with his parents, who were the caretakers of the property. Daley’s interest in design, beauty and history is rooted in the brick and mortar of the sprawling Georgian-Queen Anne style home.
“Growing up in and around this home and others like it definitely plays a role in how I got to where I am professionally. People just don't build things like this anymore,” Daley says of the historic Peterloon.
“I started coming here in the mid-80s,” he adds. “From sledding down the hill in the back on Christmas Day to Nerf wars in the gardens during the summer, there was nothing like exploring these 1,200 acres as a kid.”
Daley started an education in engineering that landed in a heart for urban planning and a passion for design and construction. After 15 years of experience working with other firms, Daley went out on his own in 2018.
“With other builders, I got a crash course in what makes customers happy and what makes customers not happy,” he says. “Daley Design + Build is focusing on doing what makes people happy and not doing all the stuff that makes them mad.”
One local inspiration to Daley’s career was a fellow resident.
“I remember riding my bike around as a kid and seeing Carl Lindner [Junior] in his Rolls Royces and Bentleys—you could see his white hair coming from a mile away,” Daley says. “He was a self-made man. That was an influence on me wanting to own my own company.”
Now, through the eyes of an adult, Daley appreciates Peterloon and his childhood experiences there even more. It informs his work and guides his principles.
“Philosophically as a builder, I don’t enjoy seeing these large estates being broken down, because that’s removing the essence of Indian Hill. The goal is to capture the essence of this place we call home.”
Daley is a visionary; he designs and builds beyond the here and now. He is interested in preserving the unique character of each location and creating custom homes that make dreams come true.
“There's something to be said about designing and building houses that look like they're supposed to be where they are,” he says. “In many ways, we're bringing people's dreams to life.”
Daley Design + Build is committed to the community and known for its giving spirit. The team gives to a local nonprofit each month with its DD+B Gives Back campaign. Although he is a faithful supporter of the Camargo Hunt, you’re more likely to see Daley riding around town in his signature blue, 1929 Ford Model A than in a saddle.
“It's just fun!” Daley says. “Kids, adults, construction guys on the side of the road—I can't go anywhere in that car without somebody honking and waving.”
Daley is most interested in building things that last. He is focused on what matters most: enjoying time with his wife Nikki and their two children, building beautiful custom homes and taking time to exercise and get in shape.
“If you can build some things that will be around for a long time, your legacy kind of lives with them,” he says. “This is my fingerprint on the world”
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