Kyle Hawkins
Owner/Builder/Designer/"Tinkerer"
My partner and I are passionate about long distance expeditions. Whether hiking or sailing we enjoy the quiet self reliance demanded by these adventures. Some of the things we've done together over the years include: a sail and oar journey of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River systems in a hand made boat (Solvi), a tandem bicycle expedition of the gulf coast (Daisy), the delivery of a racing yacht through the Western Caribbean and Panama Canal (High Climber), cruising the Eastern Caribbean in our 35' Benbow Cutter (Sirocco), the complete rebuilding of a 1965 Airstream Land Yacht (Koko), the design/build of a prototype composite teardrop camper (Sunny), and much more!
See travel blog: www.skipperandflipper.com
Through these travels we've learned the importance of lasting durability and the beauty of simplicity. The dictionary defines "simple" as: easy to understand, not elaborate, not ornate, not complicated. Forming design answers that focus on the bare essentials to solve complex problems requires an artistic approach that I deeply enjoy. As a boat yard manager and boat building professional, the teams and companies I worked in consistently included me in the problem solving process of new projects. After a decade of others pointing out that problem solving design is where I should focus my skills, K&D Concepts was born. I hold certificates in Computer Aided Design/Drafting and Rapid Prototyping, I am also a Certified Mechanical Designer in Solidworks 3D Modeling Software.
The "D" in K & D
Danielle is the “D” of K and D and we have a saying that we would never go anywhere without me to push us off the dock, but could never be ready to go anywhere without Danielle to guide us through. Danielle is a talented organizer and planner and is the Office Manager for K and D Concepts. She is a talented writer, frequented in publications such as: Cruising World and Small Boats Monthly. Her other passions are found in teaching young children and hiking in the mountains.
If you or your company have an idea that needs development, questions about how to take the next step in a dream, a design idea, or a problem that needs solving, we look forward to hearing from you.
Design Well, Adventure Well,
Kyle
