ALEX WHEEDEN

Alex Wheeden has been working in residential construction since 2019, starting out as a concrete laborer in Montana after graduating from Hanover College (IN). She gained years of experience installing a variety of foundation types (ICF, pier foundations, and helical piles) before deciding to branch out into the framing trade. Following a project which involved building timber trusses, Alex thought “how can I do more of this?” Cue a move across the country to accept an apprenticeship at Heartwood in the spring of 2025. Under the instruction of some of the most skilled timber framers in the northeast, and alongside a stellar group of fellow apprentices, Alex found a love of timber framing and the community that surrounds the craft. 

Foundation work still holds a special place in Alex’s heart, partially because concrete is one of her favorite foods. Alex loves thinking about optimizing foundation design for timber frames - she believes a home’s foundation can be as beautiful and functional as the rest of the structure. She’s thrilled to be back at Heartwood to share her passion for the many ways to anchor buildings into the ground. Alex lives with her dog Rosa (certified canine site superintendent) near where she grew up in Wisconsin. She’d love to learn how to stack stone walls and foundations soon. She dreams of building her home in the Northwoods near Lake Superior, the best place on Earth (it’s in the name).