Our Story
Mountain Life Construction was founded on a simple belief: a home in the mountains should feel timeless, enduring, and deeply personal.
Based in Truckee/Tahoe, Mountain Life Construction specializes in building custom homes that reflect the way people truly live in the Sierra mountains — whether that means gathering with family after a powder day, spending summers on the lake, or simply finding peace and connection in nature.
Since 2003, the company has been guided by a commitment to craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and lasting quality. Every project is approached with a deep respect for both the environment and the lifestyle that draws people to the mountains in the first place.
With decades of experience building in harsh alpine conditions, the team understands that mountain homes require far more than beautiful design. Snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, dry climates, water management, and material performance all play a critical role in creating homes that stand the test of time. Mountain Life Construction combines technical expertise with refined craftsmanship to deliver homes that are both resilient and beautifully detailed.
At the center of the company is a collaborative and client-focused approach. Each home begins with listening — understanding how clients want to live, gather, relax, and experience their surroundings. The result is a home that feels authentic to both the landscape and the people who inhabit it.
Our Team
Pavlo Gesmundo
Pavlo Gesmundo grew up in rural Michigan working with wood alongside his father, Jack, a builder who instilled in him a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, precision, and integrity in construction from an early age.
In 1991, Pavlo moved to Lake Tahoe to pursue his dream of living and skiing in the mountains. Over the past thirty-six years — including more than three decades building in the Truckee/Tahoe region — he has developed an extensive understanding of mountain construction and the unique demands of alpine environments.
Through years of hands-on experience, Pavlo has learned how to create homes with enduring beauty and value by carefully integrating materials and building systems that can withstand snow, wind, moisture, extreme temperatures, and the dry Sierra climate.
He founded Mountain Life Construction in 2003 with the vision of helping clients create homes that truly reflect their mountain lifestyles. Pavlo believes every family is drawn to the mountains for different reasons — skiing, hiking, boating, entertaining, or simply slowing down and reconnecting with loved ones. His approach begins with understanding those personal goals and translating them into thoughtfully designed, highly crafted homes that support the way his clients want to live.
President
David Achey
David Achey brings more than thirty years of leadership experience across construction management, resort operations, and large-scale project delivery.
A longtime Truckee resident, David has called the Tahoe region home for over three decades. Since earning his General Contractor’s license in 1993, he has built numerous homes throughout the Truckee/Tahoe area while also managing multiple winter resort operations.
David holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno, with concentrations in Management, Finance, and Project Management. He later expanded his expertise through a Business Analytics Certificate from Cornell University.
Over the past decade, David has worked with nationally recognized home builders including DR Horton and Toll Brothers, overseeing the delivery of high-quality single-family and multi-family residential projects throughout northern Nevada. His experience combines operational excellence, financial management, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
As Vice President of Operations at Mountain Life Construction, David oversees project execution with a focus on communication, efficiency, quality control, and client experience. His leadership helps ensure that every project is delivered with the highest level of professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
Vice President of Operations