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.
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.
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 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 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.
Ali wanted to be an architect since the age of 12. He fulfilled his dream by graduating from the U of M and becoming a licensed architect. At the start of his career, he worked at firms designing libraries, courthouses and other institutional buildings. For 25 years, Ali owned his own Design Build firm and he loves collaborating with Homeowners, Designers and Field Staff. He gets tremendous satisfaction in creating spaces that help improve people’s lives. When Ali’s not designing, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and music.
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.
Zach has twenty years of experience in remodeling and takes joy in building and fixing things, but his real passion is in building meaningful relationships and making happy end users. He was drawn to QDB because of our commitment to quality and ability to create unique results, in a world of cookie-cutters. With a family of six, several chickens, a dog, cats, and a second career as a volunteer firefighter he doesn’t sit still very well, but draws energy from the busy lifestyle!
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.
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 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.
Kayla has enjoyed being a designer for the past 20 years. She worked tirelessly to complete her Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design in just three years. Kayla began her career working for high-end interior design firms but wanted to be more involved in structural transformations. For the past ten years she has loved the challenges remodeling brings. Kayla uses her past experience to give homeowners the best of both worlds. For Kayla, design is about creating a place that people can escape stress, relax, and enjoy family. She takes great pride in guiding her homeowners through a design process that is as rewarding and enjoyable for them as it is for her. For Kayla, getting to know and understand her clients is the true key to creating a home that they love. The relationships Kayla builds with her homeowners go far beyond project completion. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband and two young kids.
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 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.
Growing up, Josh always liked working with his hands, taking things apart, and putting them back together. Entering high-school he knew he wanted a job within the trades but didn't know what. After doing some research, he decided to pursue a career in carpentry. The thing he loves most about carpentry is the variety of jobs that comes with it. Working with Quartersawn he always looks forward to a new project. At each job he works with different carpenters and gets to know each one better. In his free time he love mountain biking and watching football, even when the Vikings lose.
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 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.
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, armature astronomy, and sharing his adventures with his wife and Australian Labradoodle Reggae.
Jennifer originally studied biology, but realized after graduation that interior design was her passion. She went back to school to get an Associate Degree in Interior Design. She then spent 5 years in commercial design before transitioning over to residential design where she has spent the last 2 years helping homeowners transform and love their homes. She has a passion for thoughtful design, clean spaces, and enjoys taking homeowners through the design process. In her free time, Jenny is busy with her young boys, enjoys staying active, and spending time outside.
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 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 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.
Jesse has always found joy in building, starting from childhood Legos to crafting an acoustic guitar in high school. As a graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering in Construction Management, he embarked on a drafting career, progressing from kitchen countertop layouts to designing custom homes in Washington State. Jesse’s passion for drawing house plans fuels his work, and he’s constantly exploring new methods. In his free time, he enjoys listening to his many vinyl records, playing disc golf, and hiking and camping with his Hungarian Vizsla named Cooper.
Kristin joined the Quartersawn team after a career in education leadership. She now gets to explore her love of historic Minneapolis homes and renovations. With her husband, she has remodeled two homes of her own. As Office Manager, Kristin enjoys being in the middle of the action and helping keep things moving smoothly. Kristin has two sons and three foster daughters and is currently attempting to train two high-energy rescue dogs.