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MainStreet Design Build Staff Bios
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Steven Ramaekers, CR - President/Founder
As President and owner of MainStreet Design Build, Steve Ramaekers manages the
conceptual design and architectural process for each project, as well as the
overall operations of the company.
Steve has a rich background of over 25 years in the business. He started his
career in the early 80's in rough carpentry, then as a finish carpenter, and up
the ranks to project leadership rolls. Steve started his own business because
he saw a "lack of quality and detail" in the local remodeling industry. "I felt
I could do a better job if I owned the project from start to finish. That's the
advantage of a design/build company," says Steve. "Now in our 19th year of
business, what drives me is making my client's dreams a reality. We focus on
the details in every aspect of the project - from design, to materials, to
construction, to finish work. The fine details are what make the difference".
Steve received his Certified Remodeler's certification (CR) from the National
Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 1995. He continues to hone his
craft as an expert in the field, working with and advising others through peer
groups such as fellow Big 50 recipients and the Remodelers Advantage
Roundtables.
Steve enjoys getting outdoors to golf and ski and has a lot of fun coaching his
son's hockey team. |
Christine Ramaekers, CKD - Vice President
Co-owner Christine Ramaekers manages interior space planning and materials
selections for each project. She has a keen eye for both design and function.
She works directly with you to select all of the elements that go into your
project - such as cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, appliances
- and the details that go along with each. Christine's goal is to "create a
beautiful space with good flow and a sense of the homeowner's style".
When asked about why she enjoys the industry so much, she replied "I love
creating spaces that previously did not exist, and changing the lives of our
homeowners for the better. I appreciate all forms of architecture and am able
to work with so many different styles in this area. Although our work is
predominantly on older homes, our clients want a project that is not "cookie
cutter". Every single project is unique and it is very exciting to watch the
construction as it takes place, and see the final product upon completion."
Christine is a graduate of The University of Michigan and is certified through
the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as a CKD (Certified Kitchen
Designer).
Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with their two boys,
volunteering in their school as well as cheering them on hockey. She also
enjoys running and completed her first full marathon in October 2006. |
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Brain Schulz, Director of Architecture
Brian Schulz, AIA, has been in the residential architecture industry for over 20 years.
His award winning designs have been featured in Veranda, Style, Hour and Detroit Home.
Traditional, contemporary and anything in between, Brian enjoys working with clients to
design places and spaces that reflect their own sense of personal style.
Not one to chase a trend, Brian's work tends to have a timeless, optimistic quality about it.
He finds both the blank canvas of new construction and discovering the hidden opportunities when
remodeling an existing space to be equally rewarding and embraces the different challenges each project type presents.
"I consider the long list of delighted clients occupying homes I helped personalize to be my proudest professional achievement.
My goal is that by providing an exceptional client experience along with design and construction excellence,
MainStreet Design Build will be the residential specialist of choice in Southeastern Michigan," says Brian.
Brian considers his two children to be his greatest designs and cherishes family time and activities.
He is also involved in a variety of community events in Sylvan Lake, and in his free-time Brian enjoys golfing,
skiing and playing hockey.
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Melissa Cesal, Designer
Melissa Cesal has been our designer extraordinaire for over 7 years. Working as
part of the design team, she creates the detailed drawings and blueprints for
your project. She pulls together all of the technical aspects that go into the
plan. "I love design build because not only do I get to do the architectural
drawings, I get to work with the carpenters on the construction side. Being
able to visit the jobsite allows me to better understand what I am drawing,
it's the best of both worlds," says Melissa.
Melissa holds a BS in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. She
enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons as well as variety of art
mediums such as drawing, poetry, stained glass and scrap booking. |
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Dwain May, Production Manager
Dwain May oversees your project once you move into the construction phase. Calm
and collected, Dwain is the one who makes everything look easy. He's managing
all of the events of your project. Dwain works with our carpenters, craftsmen
and you to ensure a smooth experience. "I love what I do. And MainStreet is
great to work for - we are a family and that shows as we all work together so
well," says Dwain.
Dwain has been with MainStreet Design Build for 18 years and is also an
accomplished carpenter. In his off hours, Dwain enjoys darts, working in his
workshop, playing with his daughters and helping friends with their home
projects. |
Andy Ludwig, Designer and Assistant Production Manager
Andy Ludwig joined the MainStreet team as an associate in our design department; however, due to his extensive background
in construction he has expanded into the production department as well. He is busy estimating costs, scheduling your project
and managing our Co-Construct service which provides an on-line experience for selections, scheduling, and communications.
Prior to joining MainStreet Design Build, Andy worked exclusively with another design build firm for 13 years managing a
variety of disciplines. "When I joined MainStreet Design Build I was impressed with how organized and detailed the team was,"
says Andy. "Everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing and clear procedures are in place for each project," he adds.
Andy attended Lawrence Technological University School of Architecture. He enjoys extracurricular sports like softball,
bowling and coaching little league baseball. He enjoys traveling with his wife and son. Andy spent 5 years of his childhood
in Germany and would love to return for a visit with his family someday!
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Marie Porolniczak, Accounting
Marie Porolniczak keeps everything running smoothly with our accounting
including receivables, payables and financials. She lets the rest of us focus
on the core of the business. Marie shares
that her favorite part of working for MainStreet is "making families happy and
working with creative minds." Marie holds a BBA from Walsh College, is
certified in Bookkeeping and Payroll, and is a license real estate agent. Wow -
it's no wonder she enjoys relaxing in her off hours! |
Marq Dains, Lead Carpenter
Marq Dains provides the comic relief at MainStreet Design Build. Although very
serious about his work, he enjoys what he does and it shows. As the project
Lead, Marq works closely with Dwain to set up the site for construction. He's
often covered in dust in the beginning, but cleans up nicely to wrap up the end
of each project. "I love that I get to work with my hands. My level of
knowledge and expertise in high quality work has really grown over my 12 years
with MainStreet," Marq says. In his spare time, Marq enjoys what we'll call
"extreme drawing". |
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Dave Stempkowski, Lead Carpenter
Dave Stempkowski works hard to make sure all aspects of your project are plumb
and square. With over 22 years of experience in carpentry, Dave appreciates
working for a company where the focus is on quality. "I've worked for a variety
of companies and MainStreet understands what needs to be done to do the project
right," says Dave. In his spare time, he enjoys riding 4-wheelers and
woodworking. |
Kyle Rich, Carpenter
Kyle Rich is the youngest member of our staff. But don't let his age fool you -
he has over 10 years in the construction industry. "I really enjoy seeing the
results after a long days work," says Kyle. He attended Oakland Technical
Center with a focus in Construction Technology. For fun, Kyle enjoys off-road
mountain biking and water sports. |
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Izzy, Director of Public Relations
Although she is of the canine persuasion, Izzy loves her job at MainStreet. She takes her job of greeting every client
very seriously. "I just find the interaction with the clients a very rewarding experience,? says Izzy.
(OK, actually she doesn't talk). In her spare time she enjoys chewing on golf balls, sticks, and generally just being a
happy dog. |
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