Meet the Quartersawn Crew

Quartersawn Design Build is a carefully curated team of artisans, architects, designers, supervisors, project managers, and administrative professionals. We are passionate about creatively solving problems to make your life better through high quality, design-driven and tailor-made residential building and remodeling. Our Foundational Values: Relationships, Professionalism, Joy, Creativity.

 
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Jeff Nicholson

Principal & Project Advisor

Jeff Nicholson
Leslie Nicholson

Director of Finance

Leslie Nicholson
Todd Hansen

Director of Experiences

Todd Hansen
Adam Back

Director of Construction

Adam Back
Chauncey Keepers

Field Superintendent

Austin Kratochwill

Designer & Project Advisor

Austin Kratochwill
Brian Culbertson

Field Superintendent

Brian Culbertson
Travis Peterson

Carpenter

Jordan Galleberg

Designer

Peter Anderson

Project Manager

Erich Welton

Carpenter

Erich Welton
Liz Rydel

Construction Coordinator

Liz Rydel
Joe Neuenfeldt

Carpenter

Joe Neuenfeldt
Erik Jorgensen

Senior Project Manager

Erik Jorgensen
Jeff Mirza

Carpenter

Jeff Mirza
Jessica Bjorum

Project Manager

Jessica Bjorum
Jordan Prindle

Marketing Manager

Jordan Prindle
Megan Lundquist

Designer

Piper Donlin

Designer & Project Advisor

Paul Byer

Field Superintendent

Jeff Nicholson

Principal & Project Advisor

Jeff has always enjoyed building things and solving complex problems. After graduating with a degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, he went to work for a nationally recognized architecture firm in Minneapolis. Interested in how the designs he created could be more accurately realized in the building process, he spent the next 6 years at a design/build firm learning the business model. In 2005, Jeff’s passion for unique solutions and an exceptional homeowner experience inspired him and Leslie to establish Quartersawn Design Build. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys building his own designs and is an avid Gopher sports fan.

Leslie Nicholson

Director of Finance

As Director of Finance, Leslie handles all things financial for Quartersawn. She works behind the scenes to ensure all operations are running smoothly and the company is on a positive path. Bringing her strengths of consistency and empathy, she has been invaluable in the growth of Quartersawn since its beginning. Now that Jeff and Leslie’s three children have left the nest, it leaves more time for her love of playing tennis.

Todd Hansen

Director of Experiences

Todd arrived at Quartersawn with 14 years of experience as Director of Programs and Experiences for a youth non-profit and a former life as a theatre and commercial actor. This experience, combined with his relentless passion for learning and growth, equipped him well to step into the role of Director of Experiences. Todd works diligently to provide excellent experiences for all of our homeowners, trade partners, and our beloved Qcrew. A fun fact about Todd is that he began his relationship with QDB as a client when he hired us to do an addition on his 1957 rambler.

Adam Back

Director of Construction

Adam first discovered a love of architecture while growing up in the Southern Minnesota town of Owatonna. While working for a regional architecture firm after graduating from the U of M with an architecture degree, Adam found that he preferred residential architecture for the more immediate relationships it affords. From there, he went to work for a residential design build firm, eventually transitioning to a Project Management position. When asked what he likes most about his work, Adam says he enjoys collaborating with homeowners, coworkers and trade partners to make great homes together as a team.

Chauncey Keepers

Field Superintendent

Chauncey brings over 20 years of construction experience to his role as Field Superintendent. Chauncey is a detail-oriented, powerhouse of positive energy who brings joy, laughter, and a wealth of carpentry wisdom to every project. As Field Sup, Chauncey manages the schedule, monitors the quality of work, and is the on-site contact for our homeowners. Having spent many years as a camp counselor and Ultimate Frisbee coach, his natural role of mentor is apparent as he leads our carpentry team. In 2019, Chauncey was awarded the Steven Craig Miller Award by Minnesota Ultimate for his dedication and service to youth sports.

Austin Kratochwill

Designer & Project Advisor

Austin’s interest in architecture began early. He loved building with legos as a kid and eventually taking drafting classes in high school. After graduating with his degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Austin was drawn to residential architecture for the rewarding responsibility of working directly with homeowners, where he helps guide them through the design process. In his 7 years as a designer, Austin has had the opportunity to be a part of the design team on many projects that have won local or regional design awards, been featured on the AIA MN Homes by Architects, Remodelers Showcase, or Artisan home tours, and been highlighted in various publications. When he’s not working, Austin enjoys staying active, watching sports, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends.

Brian Culbertson

Field Superintendent

Brian graduated from the University of Minnesota. His career first began in photography, but he found his passion in carpentry in 2004 after remodeling his first home. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons, cycling, and spending time outside.

Travis Peterson

Carpenter

In his role as Carpenter at Quartersawn, Travis cultivates an environment of joy and teamwork. While being extremely disciplined and efficient, he is able to keep our carpentry team moving with strong morale and good energy. Travis is passionate about realizing the designer’s vision through careful craftsmanship. He has a strong interest in science and critical thinking and is a founding member of the Minnesota Skeptics group.

Jordan Galleberg

Designer

Jordan is exceptionally detail-oriented. She holds an Associate in Arts in General Education as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Technology. Jordan values collaboration and believes that the best projects are a result of working together with the homeowner, designers and build team. She is a true Minnesotan and a die-hard Vikings fan.

Peter Anderson

Project Manager

Peter has over 20 years of project management experience. He loves making homeowners happy by transforming their houses into more functional spaces while also preserving and enhancing the details that make them notable. For Peter, the most rewarding part of a project is seeing the new and old seamlessly come together. Peter and his wife are avid trivia players and have two pet dachshunds that keep them very busy.

Erich Welton

Carpenter

Erich graduated with a major in Studio Arts (Printmaking) and a minor in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, where he was also a Division I swimmer. He coached for several competitive swimming programs for 14 years and is excited to bring his history and knowledge from multiple home renovation projects to our design build world. Erich values establishing a process and working a plan to achieve top-notch results. He loves making personal connections with others and working on a team to create something special. He is doing the same with his wife and their 3 young children – his biggest project to date.

Liz Rydel

Construction Coordinator

Liz has a passion for good design and loves seeing our designer’s visions get designed and built. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design, Liz’s career evolved over to the construction industry after two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer. With over 14 years of experience in residential construction, Liz brings organization and efficiency to the coordination between the design and construction departments. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, gardening and hiking with her family.

Joe Neuenfeldt

Carpenter

Joe started his carpentry career 4 years ago and ever since has enjoyed the creative flow and process this job has to offer. Joe has been around construction his entire life, helping his dad who has been a carpenter for decades. It only felt right to carry on the tradition. Originally from Eau Claire Wisconsin, Joe spends his time camping, mountain biking, exploring, and collecting vinyl records. 

Erik Jorgensen

Senior Project Manager

With over 35 years of residential remodeling experience, Erik is a Senior Project Manager with a history of excellence. Erik facilitates collaboration and coordination between the Quartersawn design department, trade partners and homeowners to ensure each project is completed on schedule and within budget. Passionate about process and detail, Erik ensures that strategy is clearly defined while overseeing performance and maintaining a joyful homeowner experience. Erik loves hiking, camping, amateur astronomy, and sharing his adventures with his wife and Australian Labradoodle Reggae.

Jeff Mirza

Carpenter

Jeff is from Chicago and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Park University. Jeff is passionate about his craft and is an excellent creative problem solver. In his free time Jeff enjoys playing drums, woodworking, and soccer.

Jessica Bjorum

Project Manager

Jessica started out as an architect before following the path into project management. She wanted to be an architect since a very young age, and later received her bachelor’s degree in architecture from NDSU. While working as an architect, Jessica found herself frustrated with the elements of her designs that were altered during construction. Now that she is in Project Management, she loves being able to solve the design challenges that come up during construction. In her free time, Jessica enjoys doing projects at her house and has three kids and a dog that keep her busy.

Jordan Prindle

Marketing Manager

Jordan graduated from Winona State University. She ran her own design and marketing business before starting at Quartersawn. She’s passionate about pairing strategy and creativity to drive results. In her free time, Jordan enjoys chasing around her two boys, reading, and staying active.

Megan Lundquist

Designer

Megan is passionate about the creative opportunities of shaping space. After earning a degree in Environmental Science and a Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota, she focused on residential design, drawn to the personal connections made while creating homes. Megan finds fulfillment in helping homeowners bring their dream spaces to life and in the positive impact design has on daily living. When she’s not at the drafting table, Megan teaches National Park Architecture classes and enjoys spending time on the Minnesota River trails, finding inspiration in both nature and teaching.

Piper Donlin

Designer & Project Advisor

Piper holds a degree in interior design and previously worked for an architecture firm specializing in both residential and commercial design. She found her true passion lies in residential remodeling, which allows her to build close relationships with homeowners and help bring their visions to life. She brings sincere enthusiasm and passion to every stage of the design process. Prior to her career in design, Piper worked for non-profits in outreach and community engagement. She studied environmental policy and sustainability at the University of Minnesota and holds a master’s degree in international development from the University of Oslo. In her free time, she enjoys cycling around the Twin Cities, cross country skiing, and fixing up her off-grid cabin on the North Shore with her partner David and their two dogs. 

Paul Byer

Field Superintendent

Paul graduated with a Fine Arts degree and focused on sculpture, working with wood, metal, and stone. His love of materials and space led him into carpentry where he could apply his appreciation of aesthetics in practical and personal ways. Paul brings 20 years of experience in residential remodeling, commercial maintenance, and industrial construction. His appreciation for detail is the way he most tangibly lives out his love for helping and taking care of people. He is an avid motorcyclist and rock climber, and enjoys canoeing and back-packing with his wife and two daughters.