Building From the Ground Up: How Christian Gowland Turned a Love for Framing into CG Carpentry and Construction

Behind every home, addition, or renovation is a skeleton that holds it all together — the framing. It’s the part most people never see, but it’s the foundation of everything that follows. For Christian Gowland, that behind-the-walls work isn’t just a trade — it’s a craft he’s built a career and a business around.

As the owner of CG Carpentry and Construction, Christian leads a structural framing company known for its focus on quality, professionalism, and tackling complex builds head-on. From new construction and structural steel installations to intricate renovations, additions, and laneway suites, his team thrives on the projects that require extra thought, planning, and precision.

“We gravitate toward the challenging jobs,” he says. “Working with builders, engineers, and architects to foresee problems and solve them before they happen — that’s the part we love.”

Christian’s path into construction started early. Throughout high school, he worked hands-on in renovations and new builds, learning the trade from the ground up. Even while studying Business Management Science and Economics at Bishop’s University, he spent his summers on job sites, continuing to build experience.

After school, he worked across Ontario — from Toronto to Midland to Muskoka’s Red Leaves Resort — gradually narrowing his focus to framing. Over time, he worked his way up to lead framer, taking on increasingly complicated and rewarding projects.

Eventually, the next step became clear.

“Framing found me,” he says. “I loved everything about it — the physical work, the math, the blueprints, the logistics, and the relationships you build with other trades and your team.”

In February 2021, shortly after welcoming his first child, Christian officially made the leap and launched his own company. What began as a sole proprietorship quickly grew into an incorporated business with a team and payroll — a milestone that marked the real start of CG Carpentry and Construction.

The name itself carries personal meaning: his initials, but also a nod to his son.

Entrepreneurship wasn’t necessarily a lifelong plan, but it may have always been in his blood. His mother ran her own restaurant for over 50 years, modeling the resilience and dedication it takes to build something of your own.

Still, running a business hasn’t come without challenges.

“It’s always on your mind,” he admits. “It never really stops. It can be stressful — the unknowns, deadlines, crews calling in sick, material delays. Some days it feels like everything happens at once. But learning to adapt and communicate is key.”

Despite the long days and problem-solving, the rewards make it worthwhile — from positive feedback from architects and engineers to the simple satisfaction of stepping back and seeing a finished home standing strong.

Now, nearly five years after incorporating, CG Carpentry and Construction has completed around 80 projects, a milestone Christian is proud of. But he’s quick to credit the people around him, especially his wife, Anisa, whose support has helped make the journey possible.

And for Christian, the work is about more than just business growth — it’s about respect for the craft itself.

“Every house you see had someone cut, nail, level, and fasten every board by hand,” he says. “Someone stayed late, worked through the cold or the heat, and put that project ahead of their own plans. That means something. That’s someone’s home now. Thank a framer.”

With a passion for learning, improving, and taking on whatever challenge comes next, CG Carpentry and Construction continues to build more than structures — they’re building trust, relationships, and a reputation for doing things the right way.