The seismic situation might be an issue for a company coming in from New England, but any company that has worked on the west coast should be familiar with the unique requirements of building in quake country.

I don't have it with me, but a book I just borrowed from the library actually has a chapter / case study of a timber frame built in California, with descriptions and sketches of the unique design elements utilized to meet seismic codes. (I'll post the book title / author info later)

But none of this explains the complete lack of any timber frame companies at any home shows within 3 hours of the largest home market in the USA??? The LA Convention Center and the Pacific Design Center are constantly booked with home design shows /exhibits / conferences. But the Timber Frame world never makes an appearance...