HISTORY
Origins on the East End
In 1975, on the beaches of East Hampton, Victor Diez-Canseco sifted sand through his fingers and noticed a few small pebbles glinting in the sun. As he contemplated launching a new venture, he turned to his family and said, “That’s it — Sandpebble.” What began as a small residential construction firm soon grew into a family-run company built on trust, craftsmanship, and a belief that every project should reflect the client’s vision, not the builder’s.
In those early years, Sandpebble focused on residential construction — homes for East Hampton’s growing year-round and summer communities. Victor’s background trained as a mechanical engineer and his hands-on carpentry experience gave him the confidence to deliver both precision and artistry. Among his first clients were local professionals and business owners who valued integrity as much as skill. “Doing what I said I would do and maintaining a high level of quality,” Victor recalls, “was how we built our reputation.”
As the company grew, so did its ambitions. By the late 1970s, Sandpebble had expanded from a one-person operation to more than twenty employees, managing dozens of projects across the East End. In 1983, a home built by the firm was featured in Architectural Digest — an early sign that Sandpebble’s craftsmanship was being recognized far beyond Long Island.
A Family Enterprise
Behind the scenes, Diane McCarron, Victor’s wife, played a vital role in shaping the company’s direction. She began by managing the finances but soon became instrumental in defining the culture and steady growth that would sustain Sandpebble for decades. As Victor notes, Diane brought order, perspective, and balance — giving Sandpebble its enduring rhythm and heart.
The Birth of “The Sandpebble Way”
By the 1990s, Sandpebble was transitioning from residential contracting into the public sector. The company’s defining evolution came with the development of what would become known as the Sandpebble Way — a client-first project-management model designed to eliminate surprises, empower owners, and ensure transparency from start to finish. Rather than joining projects after design work was complete, Sandpebble began working with clients from the earliest planning stages, guiding budgeting, design team selections, and long-term decision-making.
This shift fundamentally changed the client experience. As former Director Kerri Rosalia of the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library explained, “Over multiple projects spanning nearly twenty years, Sandpebble has been an invaluable partner along every step of the journey. I wouldn’t consider beginning any construction project without adding them to the team on day one.”
Innovation and Growth
Sandpebble also embraced technology ahead of its time. In 1991, the firm adopted Timberline estimating software and Primavera project-management systems — tools then used almost exclusively by government and large, major contractors. These innovations allowed Sandpebble to provide clients with detailed budgets, transparent cost tracking, and unprecedented oversight.
By the early 2000s, Sandpebble had firmly established itself as a trusted partner for libraries, municipalities, and fire districts. Its projects — from the Southampton Village Police Department to the Westhampton Beach Village Hall — became models of efficiency and accountability. The firm’s work on the East Hampton Recreational Center, featured in Architectural Record in 2001, showcased its growing impact in shaping community spaces.
Among its most notable achievements, the Westhampton Beach Main Street Renovation transformed the heart of a beloved village, while the construction of Splish Splash Water Park in Riverhead — now one of Long Island’s premier family destinations — stands as a testament to Sandpebble’s ability to deliver large, complex projects on ambitious schedules.
A New Generation of Leadership
Throughout its evolution, Sandpebble has remained a family enterprise. After four decades of leadership, Victor entrusted day-to-day operations to his stepson, Chris Barletta, ensuring a seamless generational transition that preserved the company’s core values while guiding it into the future.
Clients continue to praise Sandpebble’s integrity and collaborative approach. Maria Moore, Southampton Town Supervisor and former Mayor of Westhampton Beach, reflected on her community’s partnership: “Sandpebble guided us through every decision and ensured that the Westhampton Beach Main Street Renovation project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget. Their knowledge and advice were invaluable.”
Investing in Community
Equally important to Sandpebble’s legacy is its commitment to giving back. Over the years, the company has proudly sponsored and supported a wide range of nonprofit organizations — from youth programs and community-service initiatives to regional library associations and health causes — investing in the very communities that have supported Sandpebble for five decades.
50 Years of Excellence
Today, as Sandpebble celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains guided by the same principles that defined its earliest days: transparency, client advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Its milestone year has been marked by special recognition — including proclamations from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Westhampton Beach Mayor Ralph Urban congratulating the firm for fifty years of excellence.
Looking ahead, Sandpebble continues to expand its reach across Long Island and beyond, combining its family legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Half a century after its founding, the sand and pebbles that inspired the company’s name still symbolize what it stands for — strength in simplicity, balance in detail, and the enduring foundation of trust.