“Matt does not just complete projects; he devotes himself to them.”
"I love taking a rough idea, sketching it out, gathering the raw materials, and watching it all come together into a work of art. It never gets old! There's something incredibly satisfying about creating something with your hands that didn't exist before and brings joy."
Meet Matt
Hi I’m Matt, Owner and General Contractor here at Ark Built Carpentry. I am a craftsman at heart - born to build and create - with a lineage of carpenters behind me. From working alongside my father and uncle as a teen, to framing homes right out of high school, I learned the value of hard work and true craftsmanship.
With over 35 years of hands-on building experience I have enjoyed building everything from guitars and furniture to commercial framing and full-scale remodels. I enjoy being recognized for bringing pride, creativity, and precision to everything I build.
Life has been an adventure—from treasure diving for Spanish galleons and sailing the East Coast and Bahamas to making music with my wife (Skyboundblue.com) and raising our son, Max. Building has been part of that journey every step of the way, turning ideas into something real, useful, and lasting.
Ark Built was originally the company name of Matt's uncle, Rush Behnke, who spent decades building custom homes and earning the trust of homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest. After retiring, Rush graciously passed the Ark Built name on to Matt.
Matt chose to carry the name forward not only to honor a builder and mentor he deeply respects, but because the name reflects the values he wants every project to embody.
As a believer, Matt has always appreciated what the Ark represents: faith, innovation, careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and a structure built to withstand any storm.
While every project is different, the goal remains the same—to create spaces that are thoughtfully designed, built with integrity, and made to stand the test of time.
For Matt, Ark Built is more than a company name. It's a reminder of who came before him and that what we build should be strong, dependable, and worthy of the people who trust us to build it.
About Ark Built
Client Reviews
“I met Matt about 15 years ago when he came to do finish carpentry during the build-out of our new home. He was initially brought in to build our stairs, but he quickly became an important part of the design process as well. The finished staircase was simply amazing — a true work of art.
What has always stood out to me about Matt is that he does not just complete projects; he devotes himself to them. He brings craftsmanship, creativity, collaboration, and genuine care to everything he does.
Since that first project, I have had the pleasure of working with Matt on several others, including new builds, remodels, and commercial and industrial spaces. In every case, he has been a valuable contributor, bringing thoughtful insight, skill, and a strong sense of ownership to the work.
If you are looking for someone to help with your building needs, I cannot recommend Matt highly enough. Not only is he one of the most genuine people you will meet, but your project will be better because he was part of it.”
— Scott Neal, Coeur de Terre Vineyard“When we first talked with Matt, I was imagining something simple—a place to sit by the water and enjoy the view. What he created was so much more.
Matt designed and built a beautiful deck that has become the heart of our family gatherings. Every Fourth of July, we gather around the fire pit, share meals, watch the fireworks over the lake, and make memories together. Later, he built a dock that our grandchildren now fish from for hours at a time. What started as a simple idea became one of our family's favorite places to be.
Beyond his craftsmanship, Matt is simply a joy to work with. He listens, brings creative ideas to the table, solves problems thoughtfully, and somehow makes the entire process enjoyable. His positive attitude, sense of humor, and genuine care for doing things right show up in every project.
Years later, the work is still beautiful, solid, and built to last. I would trust Matt with any project and recommend him without hesitation.”
— Patricia Matz, Homeowner“We came to Matt with a dated, closed-off kitchen and a few ideas about what we wanted, but we couldn't quite picture how it would all come together. We wanted a space that felt brighter, more open, and better suited for our growing family.
Matt took those ideas and transformed them into a kitchen that exceeded anything we could have imagined. He opened up the space, created a beautiful island where family and friends naturally gather, and blended modern finishes with reclaimed wood details that gave the room so much warmth and character. The new space feels like it has always belonged in our home.
What we love most isn't just how beautiful it is—it's how we live in it. We cook, entertain, help with homework, make Christmas cookies on the beautiful quartz island, and stay connected as a family.
Matt has a gift for seeing possibilities where others see walls, and we're grateful every day for the space he created for us.”
— Amanda Jackson, HomeownerWhat Sets Us Apart
Craftsmanship & Professionalism
Built with intention. Every detail matters—from structure to finish. The work is precise, the site is organized, and the standard stays high throughout the entire build.
Transparent Costs
Clients deserve to know where their money is going. Our itemized approach keeps everything transparent, so there are no surprises—just clear numbers and honest work.
Reliability
We show up, communicate clearly, and follow through. The process should feel steady and predictable—not stressful.