Hi, I’m Mike Clouse—The Hand Built Life begins here.
Life has a way of shifting beneath our feet. Old plans fall away. New dreams take shape.
It’s cracked me open and asked:
What am I building?
What do I want to create in this next season of life?
Who am I, apart from titles and roles and the stories I’ve carried so long?
The answer has become clear:
I want to build a life that’s honest, raw and hand built—not rushed. Not mass-produced or driven by fear. But slow, beautiful, and rooted in faith.
For years, I built things for others—because it felt safe. But the truth is, I never asked myself what I loved to build—until now.
The Hand Built Life is my next chapter.
It’s where I’ll share my journey:
Selling my Maine farmhouse
Buying land in Virginia wine country
Designing and building a soulful home
Exploring how beauty can save a life
Living a life that’s slow, meaningful, and true
This isn’t just about design.
It’s about faith, letting go, and creating beauty from ashes. It’s about moving from peace to peace—knowing the next season won’t bring joy unless you carry it with you.
If you’re in a season of change—or longing for a different way to live—you’re welcome here. And if you’re seeking a deeper conversation, I hold a few quiet hours each week for 1:1 Deep Work sessions.
These aren’t casual chats—they’re honest, sacred conversations about walking with God through transition and finding beauty and hope in the hidden places.
Learn more about 1:1 Deep Work →
Let’s build something beautiful. By hand.
— Mike
