Meet the Team

Design First’s unique design-build approach is your all-in-one project management solution. Our regimented process allows us to manage your entire project with a diverse and expert team of architects, interior designers, project managers, and trades; all with one goal in mind… high client satisfaction. Get to know the people behind Design First’s process that keep our clients coming back year after year.

Conceptual Design

Danielle House

Senior Architectural Designer

Danielle House

Danielle has had a passion for architecture, design, and fashion since she was a young child. In her free time, she enjoys embracing Chicago city life, especially spending time outdoors and making memories with friends and family. She has been a valued member of the Design First family since 2014 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design. With over twelve years of experience in the design industry, Danielle began her career in textiles, transitioned to a custom cabinet company, and now brings her expertise and creativity to Design First Builders.

Danielle especially enjoys the challenge of designing additions and reimagining existing interior spaces. She is highly proficient in 3-D design software, allowing her clients to clearly visualize and fully understand their projects before construction begins. She takes pride in listening carefully to her clients’ needs, offering thoughtful design guidance, and delivering an exceptional overall design experience.

Her true passion lies in kitchen design, where she considers herself a trend-setter. Danielle thrives when clients are willing to step “out of the box,” embracing original and creative ideas that transform their spaces into something truly unique and memorable.

Ryan Beacom

Architectural Designer

Ryan Beacom

Ryan’s passion for home remodeling started when he was 9, when he built his very first addition…a tree house!

That passion continued to grow into a profession when he started a real estate and construction company. Fast forward a decade or two, Ryan consulted for the in-home remodeling division of a Fortune 500 company, helped build a small energy company, then returned to his first passion, focusing on the design aspect of remodeling.

Ryan and his wife have three children and two fur-babies, and enjoy golfing in their spare time.

Matt Bolson

Senior Architectural Designer

Matt Bolson

Matt enjoys living in Lisle with his family, where they have successfully navigated four remodeling projects in their own home. Growing up in Downers Grove, he earned an architectural internship during his junior year of high school—an opportunity that sparked his passion for design.

He went on to earn a professional degree in Architecture from the University of Arkansas, where he also competed in swimming and racquetball.

With more than 25 years of passion for people, ideas, and design, Matt has built an award-winning career in remodeling. He brings extensive experience renovating a wide range of spaces—from homes just five years old to properties over a century old, from basements to full-home remodels. Matt values building meaningful relationships with his clients and takes pride in understanding their diverse needs. The most rewarding part of his work is discovering creative solutions that thoughtfully reflect and meet those culturally and personally unique needs.

Noah Glinski

Architectural Designer

Noah Glinski

Noah began his home improvement career in 2017 in Dallas, Texas, as a designer for one of the state’s largest home renovation companies. He later honed his skills with a design-build firm in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, before relocating to the Chicago area in January 2025.

Noah thrives on guiding clients through the renovation process, turning their visions into reality, and witnessing that “lightbulb moment” when ideas click. Outside of work, he’s a passionate sports fan who loves to cook, entertain friends and family, explore Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene, golf, hike, kayak, and travel.

Brian O’Neil

Director of Design & Development

Brian O’Neil

Brian was introduced to the residential remodeling industry at 16 years old when his friend’s father purchased a general contracting company in Evanston. Brian developed a deep appreciation for the carpentry trade after starting as a general laborer, cleaning job sites and delivering materials. Within two years, he worked his way from General Carpenter to Lead Carpenter.

His carpentry journey eventually led him to the role of Vice President of Operations, where he managed multiple crews of carpenters.

While Brian enjoyed working in operations, his experience positioned him to make a tremendous impact in home remodeling and renovation projects. For over nine years, Brian has excelled in design development, where he discovered that his true passion is helping homeowners realize their home’s full potential. Because of his carpentry background, he is able to work through challenging design details and accomplish layouts other designers might consider impossible.

Without hesitation, Brian would say his favorite projects are basement and lower-level remodels. He believes they are a blank canvas with incredible potential to introduce unique elements to a home, such as a home theater, bourbon tasting room, or golf simulator.

Brian is a married father of four very active children. He spends much of his free time at baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and volleyball tournaments. He enjoys tending to his grill and golfing whenever he can. An avid sports fan, his favorite events include March Madness, The Masters, and the World Series.

Adam DeLay

Senior Architectural Designer & Plans Specialist

Adam DeLay

Born in South Dakota and raised in Pennsylvania, Adam eventually felt the pull for something more adventurous. In 2009, he made that vision a reality—selling his home, saying goodbye to his mother, brother, and sister, and relocating to the Chicago suburbs. Shortly after, he joined Design First Builders, then a young company with enormous potential, poised to become the respected organization it is today.

Adam’s passion for design began early. He recalls loving art and design classes as far back as middle school, an interest that ultimately shaped his career path and led him to discover his niche in residential design. After graduating with honors in 2006, he went on to design, manage, and help develop thousands of home remodeling projects. He often jokes that there are very few floor plans in Illinois he hasn’t seen—and reimagined.

For Adam, finding his passion was the easy part; building something exceptional with it is what he truly enjoys. His design style evolves year to year as he follows trends, listens closely to clients, and collaborates with his team to incorporate bold, forward-thinking ideas. His mastery of design software allows him to contribute at a level beyond most users, and his skill and keen eye for detail are evident in both his work and his 3D renderings. Adam is continually driven to refine his craft and push his abilities to new heights.

Shane Valentine

Architectural Designer

DDK Partners

Linda Larisch, CMKBD

Senior Architectural Designer

Linda Larisch, CMKBD

Linda is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design, with minors in Interior and Graphic Design. Her appreciation for design and architectural detail began while attending Kingswood School Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She went on to earn her Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) designation in 1996, her Certified Bath Designer (CBD) in 2004, and became a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer in 2008 through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

A trip to Europe in the late 1980s sparked Linda’s passion for kitchen design, where she discovered how to blend her love of product development and interior design into the mechanical heart of the residential home. Designing timeless, highly functional kitchens and bathrooms remains her true passion, with finish materials serving as the final layer that elevates each space.

An award-winning designer who has also judged both local and national design competitions, Linda balances her professional achievements with a deep devotion to her family. A proud mother of three and grandmother of four, she has no plans to slow down. She enjoys cooking exceptional meals, gardening, and competing in international-level dressage and equestrian competitions.

Angel Condal, CKD

Senior Architectural Designer

Angel Condal

I’ve lived in the Chicagoland area for more than 23 years and have been working in the remodeling industry since graduation. I’m passionate about Kitchen and Bath Design which led me to my CKD certification from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. I am a fully active member of the Midwest Chicago NKBA.

Whether it’s a traditional home or a contemporary loft space, I am able to meld the architectural style of the home with the client’s budget, needs, and wishes, to create a space perfectly suited for their family’s needs. Mid-century modern and transitional design are my absolute favorite design styles with functional and practicality for the homeowner as a main focus. I fully enjoy seeing a project build to successful completion.

In my spare time, I’m enjoying the slopes of Colorado with my long-time spouse Michael who is an Architect. We both love to travel and visit buildings and sites related to our work.

Architecture & Development

Mabel Nazario, Architect

Lead Architect NCARB, RA

Fred Conforti

Senior Architect

Nicholas Hubeny

Architectural Drafter

Liubov Haiovets

Architectural Drafter

Francesca Binetti

Project Designer

Francesca Binetti

Born and raised in Chicagoland, Francesca developed a passion for design at a young age. She has always enjoyed sketching unique concepts, incorporating color and textiles into a space, and envisioning possibilities in every home she walks into.

Francesca holds a professional degree in Interior Design and brings several years of experience working closely with clients to achieve their design goals. She is passionate about both the work she creates and the experience she delivers, striving to instill confidence and excitement throughout the process. She enjoys working across a variety of styles to maximize a space’s quality of life, though her favorite aesthetic is a blend of mid-century modern and contemporary. Hearing clients express how much they love their completed remodel is one of the most rewarding moments of her work.

Family is central to Francesca’s life, and when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and friends. Traveling is a priority for her, and she encourages everyone she meets to explore often. She finds endless inspiration in experiencing new places and embraces every opportunity to discover something new.

Samantha Hoyer

Project Designer

Samantha Hoyer

Samantha is an interior designer born and raised in Bloomingdale, where her passion for design began in a high school interior design class. From that first spark, she fell in love with the process of watching simple ideas grow into meaningful, life-changing spaces.

She holds an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design and a Certificate in Kitchen & Bath Design and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture. With years of experience across a variety of design styles and project types, Samantha has developed a deep appreciation for thoughtful, functional design. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is hearing how much clients love their finished spaces and knowing she played a role in improving their everyday lives.

Family is Samantha’s greatest motivation and source of inspiration. Some of her favorite memories are centered around the kitchen table, following family recipes passed down through generations. A self-proclaimed sweet tooth, she loves baking in her free time; an influence that shapes her design philosophy. Her goal in every project is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly functional, making everyday moments and family traditions easier and more enjoyable.

Purchasing & Production

Keith Lukes

Director of Production & New Home Construction

Gary Polcyn

Project Manager

Rick Divito

Project Manager

Matt Smillie

Project Manager

Peter Figiel

Project Manager

Aja Gutzman

Purchasing Manager

Stephanie Hernandez

Purchasing Administrator

Marketing and Operations

Alyssa Korinek

Human Resource & Marketing Manager

Krista Hansen

Marketing Specialist

Jack Phelus

Controller

Jack Phelus

Controller

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Addition

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Basement Remodel

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Meet the Team

Conceptual Design

Danielle House

Ryan Beacom

Matt Bolson

Noah Glinski

Brian O’Neil

Adam DeLay

Shane Valentine

DDK Partners

Linda Larisch, CMKBD

Angel Condal, CKD

Architecture & Development

Mabel Nazario, Architect

Fred Conforti

Nicholas Hubeny

Liubov Haiovets

Francesca Binetti

Samantha Hoyer

Purchasing & Production

Keith Lukes

Gary Polcyn

Rick Divito

Matt Smillie

Peter Figiel

Aja Gutzman

Stephanie Hernandez

Marketing and Operations

Alyssa Korinek

Krista Hansen

Jack Phelus

Jack Phelus

Schedule a Free Consultation

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