Our Founding Story: The ROOST Vision
Our founders, Jeb Thornburg and Belinda Thornburg, had a vision to reimagine how we build, how we live, and how we connect with the natural world. Their journey, a thirty-year collaboration rooted in design and innovation, led to the creation of Tieton Cabin Company—a story of a lifelong quest to build better, more beautiful, and more meaningful spaces.
This is the story of ROOST, the bespoke neighborhood developed by the Thornburg’s that started it all.
Partnership Forged in Design
Jeb and Belinda are serial entrepreneurs who have been collaborating on ambitious ventures for over three decades. Both graduates of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, they honed their skills at top design firms before founding their own award-winning architectural practice, Indigo Inc Architecture & Interiors, in 1999.
This ambition led them to evolve their firm into a vertically integrated development company, Roost Land Company, in 2014. By bringing land acquisition, design, construction, and sales under one roof, they could create high-quality, design-centric homes and ensure their vision was executed with integrity at every stage.
The Challenge That Sparked ROOST
A “roost” is a place of rest, a secure perch, a home base from which to explore and to which one can always return. It implies safety, belonging, and a deep connection to one's surroundings. Jeb and Belinda wanted to use their skills for creating environments that feed the soul as well as service more programmatic needs, for a wider audience than their high end custom residential practice allowed.
ROOST, the neighborhood, is a design centric, purposely mixed-use community that emphasizes getting to know your neighbors, getting out and about on foot, and living village life that is sustainable at the core. This vision of how life might be lived, became the North Star for the ROOST neighborhood.
Our Founding Story Continues: The Tieton Cabin Company Vision
Building with Purpose and Place
Through their work, Jeb and Belinda repeatedly encountered the limitations of traditional building methods. On-site construction was often slow, expensive, and wasteful. They knew there had to be a better way to produce exceptional buildings more efficiently and sustainably.
This challenge became their inspiration. What if they could design a cabin that was not only beautiful and durable but could also be built with precision and minimal waste? This was the problem they set out to solve, and the solution was Tieton Cabin Company.
Jeb and Belinda founded Tieton Cabin Company in 2022. It was the next logical step in their lifelong mission to develop systems for creating ever-better buildings. They envisioned design-forward modular cabins built with the precision of a factory and the soul of artisanal craftsmanship.
Their commitment extends to the very place they chose to build. The Thornburgs headquartered their new venture in the small agricultural town of Tieton, Washington, finding a deep connection to its hardworking ethos. By establishing Tieton Cabin Company here, they are not only building innovative homes but also creating jobs and contributing to the renaissance of a place rich with history and potential.
Innovation in Materials and Methods
A key element of the Tieton Cabin Company vision is the use of mass timber, specifically Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), as both the structure and interior finish of the cabins. This choice reflects a dedication to sustainability, durability, and wellness.
CLT is a robust, airtight material that supports generational use and lowers long-term energy costs. Its natural fire resilience makes it ideal for wildland areas, and its solid wood construction provides excellent sound buffering. By eliminating fragile materials like drywall, they create healthier indoor environments. The exposed natural wood finishes provide warmth and foster a psychological sense of well-being, strengthening the connection to nature.
A Legacy of Thoughtful Innovation
Tieton Cabin Company is the culmination of Jeb and Belinda’s journey—a testament to their belief that design matters, people matter, and that a thoughtfully built space can be a sanctuary for a night, a season, or a lifetime. The spirit of ROOST lives on in every cabin we build, with an unwavering commitment to quality and our deep respect for the wild places our cabins call home.
We invite you to explore the result of this vision. Discover how our cabins embody a lifelong passion for design, craftsmanship, and community.
