Critical Eye Projects

Nothing gets past the critical eye of project manager Phil Davies when he’s working on a renovation. Whether it’s commercial or residential, the owner of Critical Eye Projects admits he possesses a perfectionist approach when it comes to his work.

“My clients want it perfect, and that’s what I want for them,” he says. “I treat their home like my own home. The work is not finished if I’m not happy with it, because I’m my own biggest critic. It has to be done properly.”

He likens his philosophy to that of HGTV star contractor Mike Holmes who is known for his "make it right" mantra. For Davies, that begins with the right trades. His crew only consists of tradesmen he knows he can trust because he knows them all personally.

“For instance, the guy I use for all my taping and mudding is the husband of the bank teller at the police credit union,” says Davies. “I know her very well, and I got to know him, and he’s just terrific. He’s a super honest, nice guy, and he does the work himself.”

But Davies doesn’t just orchestrate trades. He is hands-on and on-site daily. A cabinet-maker by trade, Davies learned his own craft 27 years ago from a European mentor who always advised him to put a critical eye on his work before calling his superior for an inspection.