Meet The Staff

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 20th 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 in hockey. She also enjoys running and completed her first full marathon in October 2006.

Kurt Neiswender, RA, LEED-AP – Director of Architecture

Kurt joins the MainStreet Team with a diverse background of architectural projects throughout the nation. His experience in design and management ranges from single family residential work to international high-rise mixed use developments. Kurt has been licensed in the state of Michigan since 2008, and also is a LEED accredited professional.

Kurt received his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California in 2003 and is currently pursuing a dual degree program at Lawrence Technological University – a Master’s of Urban Design with a Sustainable Urbanism Concentration. Kurt’s background and experience has allowed him to receive one of the very limited research positions within Lawrence Technological University. This prestigious position offers a full tuition scholarship and valuable research experience focused in southwest Detroit.

When asked about why he was interested in joining MainStreet, he said “Many firms claim to be both design and build experts – but MainStreet truly offers expertise on both sides,” I was excited to become part of a team that has extensive experience in bringing the whole process together,” he added.

Kurt enjoys being back in Michigan and spending time with his wife Danielle and two beagles, Marty and Woody. He is a big USC football fan, and likes to golf when his schedule allows.

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.

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!

Julie Mueller, Office Manager/Accounting

Julie Mueller is the friendly voice you’ll hear when you call our office. She keeps everything running smoothly and manages our accounting systems including accounts receivables, payables and financials. Julie came to us with strong background in accounting, human resources and management. “I really enjoy my MainStreet co-workers,” said Julie. “We work together as a team to ensure our projects run smoothly and our clients’ questions are answered. It makes the job very enjoyable “ she adds.

Julie and her husband Rob have 2 black cats named Mickey & Oliver. She has been singing since she was a child, has fronted several bands, and is currently the lead singer of Motor City Wranglers, a country/rock band. Julie is also an avid softball player!

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”.

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.