A Community of Builders
- Patrick McConville
- Apr 17
- 6 min read
One of the most fun aspects of creating Edible Architect has been to watch other builders construct cookie buildings of their own, using my cookie cutter construction sets and designs. When I first started, I mailed a bunch of prototype sets to friends and family, to see if anyone would be daring enough to try, and what valuable feedback they might provide. I provided no notes or instructions, other than those included on the waterproof blueprints in the sets. I did not yet have any instructional videos on YouTube, and written instructions with a lettered diagram were the only guidance given.
To my amazement, I received photos of a construction gingerbread Cottage 1 cookie house, complete with candy glass windows and illuminated from within! My best friend Leila in Washington, DC had completely nailed it on her first try! I am still blown away by how she confidently followed the instructions, put her own personal twists on it, and created something she was proud to take to a holiday party that week.
The fact that she was able to create something so neat and beautiful, within a time frame that made it feasible and fun, provided me with encouragement that others might find similar success.
Every detail of her Cottage 1 was spot on. She even put candy glass in the dormer windows, and assembled it perfectly. Light shone throughout the entire structure, just as designed!
I loved how she added a front door, using a scrap piece from a cutout door opening! I had envisioned leaving the opening as-is, or filling it with the same candy glass.
Because she filled her candy glass windows on top of a Silpat baking sheet, her windows had a beautiful and unique rippled texture. I'm definitely going to use this trick myself in the future!
It was the first time I had ever seen one of my designs, brought to life, created by someone else. I will never forget it, and the fact that I learned tips/tricks from her along the way is more than I hoped for!
Leila had so much fun making her Cottage 1 cookie house that she decided to give a few cookie cutter construction sets away as Christmas gifts. They were the first Edible Architect products ever purchased, and ever gifted! I am so grateful to Leila for her support, and so happy she had a fun experience.
She also referred me to her friends Al and Eric, who wanted to order custom cookie cutter construction sets to give as holiday gifts. They sent me a few photos of the 2 houses they wanted sets created for, and I got to work on the designs, 3D prints, custom packaging, and waterproof blueprints/instructions. Finally, they were ready to be wrapped and sent off. Al asked that the set arrive in MN time for his arrival, so that he and family and friends could bake and assemble his brother's house, from inside his brother's house, together that night.
It was hilarious when that night arrived, and I received a few photos from Al. He said that there were several architects and engineers in the room that night, and some heated disagreements about what went where, as referenced in the blueprint build plan. But that everyone had a blast, and they were able to successfully christen his sister-in-law's new KitchenAid mixer. So it was a success.
Personally, I think it looks amazing. I can't imagine building a complex design with a group of 20 people. The building definitely evokes the inspiration house, and I love how they lit it from within using battery operated tea lights.
Theirs is also a great example of what to do if you don't have a wooden platform on which to build your cookie house. A sturdy piece of cardboard, covered in aluminum foil, sets the perfect stage in a pinch, and you can easily customize the size to accommodate your landscaping and other edible display elements.
These were such fun custom projects to work on, and I'm so thankful to Al and Eric for being among my first customers, and Edible Architect gift-givers!
Next, an amazing Cottage 1 from another best friend! My hometown bestie, Tiffany, had baked one in MA with her son for Christmas, and she shared a few photos.
During construction, he took the helm and re-configured some of the cookie cutouts, but I think his avant-garde cottage is a show-stopper.
Their application of beautifully-decorated exterior window cookies, instead of cutouts, is a pleasing technique, and gives me ideas for future designs!
Tiffany also had a great idea. Why not create a set for an actual "construction site", where kids could build using cookies!
Just after that, I received photos of another stunning Cottage 1 from my best friend Erin in SF! She and her daughter had built this gorgeous cottage, with candy glass windows, and decorated it beautifully with purple candies and tree cookies!
Again, Erin has leveraged a simple, sturdy piece of cardboard as a base for her structure, and it works perfectly!
One of my favorite features is the varying window colors. Each opening has a different color, creating a fun and cheerful look to the house!
I have always admired Erin for her craftiness, and her unique vision.
They went on to create this epic Cupid's Cookie cottage in February! Instead of removing all of the cutouts, they kept some in and used them to create interesting impressions. Very creative!!
In her Google review, Erin explained that when making the Gluten Free Raspberry Tart Cookie recipe, she had substituted beet root powder for raspberry powder. I'll definitely have to give that a try! Maybe it will inspire me to use beet root powder in other recipes--thanks Erin!
The beet root powder gives a different color than the raspberry powder as well. Very interesting!
Not to be out-done, my lifelong best friend/cousin Renee in NJ sent me this photo of an incredible Cottage 1 cookie house she made with her sons.
They'd turned the cottage into a St. Patrick's Day-themed leprechaun house, and it came out absolutely adorable.
The green tint to the royal icing is one thing, but re-purposing the dormer window as a round, leprechaun-friendly front door opening--GENIUS! It's exactly what I hoped people would do--make
them their own!
What Renee couldn't have known is that that very day, I had dropped in the mail a brand new Leprechaun Lair cookie cutter construction set. I knew how much she loved St. Paddy's Day, and thought she was just the person I wanted to send the first one.
To my astonishment, she and her sons baked a gorgeous Leprechaun Lair--and look at the attention to detail!
Adding gold coins and green shimmer sugar to the pot-o-gold cutout really bring the scene to life! So lucky to have supportive family!
I cannot overstate how grateful I am to my friends and family for their support, and in particular, for being willing to try building a cookie house. Your insights, feedback, and encouragement mean the world to me. And to those who tried, ran into issues, and agreed to try again someday--I am especially grateful to you! Tracy, Jennell, Caitlin, and anyone else I may have missed--Thank you!
All of that being said, nothing can truly prepare you for the moment that you find your first, real-life, organic customer. Someone who discovered your company, connected with your product, and made a purchase. It was a moment of profound gratitude and validation, likes of which I will never forget.
Second ONLY to that moment is the moment that said person brings your vision to life. Takes what you've been thinking, hoping, planning, and pulls it into reality. To Melina in MD, my first customer and the creator of this SPECTACULAR Cupid's Cookie Cottage: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have embraced Edible Architect with all of the joy and fun I could ever have hoped for.
If her Cupid's Cookie Cottage didn't stun you, check out this Brownie Brittle Cookie Cottage 1!
Not only did Melina build it PERFECTLY, but she included a photo alongside a spooky Halloween element, providing me with new inspiration! I am definitely going to use this image when planning my October designs!
And finally....my favorite....a classic Cottage 1 in Chocolate Chip Crisp cookie. Can you believe how beautifully it turned out?!
In her video, Melina goes on to smash this Cottage 1 cookie house and serve it with ice cream--just like I always hoped someone would!!
Alongside these amazing pictures she was kind enough to share on Facebook, Melina included commentary about how she served the house, and tips. I couldn't think of a better first customer if I tried. Again, I feel incredibly humbled and grateful.
To all of the builders who have given Edible Architect a try, thank you for your support! And to anyone willing to give it a try in the future--I really really can't wait to see what you build!
With heartfelt gratitude, and huge hopes for what we'll build together in the future, Patrick
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