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.
Leadership
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.
Brian O’Neil
Director of Sales & Marketing
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, a leadership post he held for five years, managing 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.
In total, Brian has spent over ten years in leadership roles within design-build companies, currently serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at Design First Builders, where his responsibilities span sales management, operations, HR, client experience, and cross-brand strategy across the Gallop family of brands.
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.
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.
Jack Phelus
Director of Finance
Keith Lukes
Director of Development, Production & New Home Construction
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adam DeLay
Senior 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
Plans Specialist
Architecture & Development
Mabel Nazario
Lead Architect NCARB, RA
Nicholas Hubeny
Architectural Drafter
Liubov Haiovets
Architectural Drafter
Francesca Binetti
Senior 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
I believe good design starts with listening, not a signature style.
Three years into this industry i’ve built my practice around getting to know how people actually live, then designing spaces that feel like a natural extension of that. The goal is always the same: a home that feels like it’s always been theirs.
I also care deeply about the experience of the process itself — collaborative, organized, and stress-free from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
On my free time, you can usually find me in the kitchen baking. I love trying new recipes, putting my own spin on them, and sharing the finished treats with family and friends. It’s a hobby that definitely keeps my sweet tooth happy!
Alyssa Korinek
Assistant Project Designer
Purchasing & Production
Bill Wolff
Construction Manager
Gary Polcyn
Project Manager
Rick Divito
Project Manager
Matt Smillie
Project Manager
Peter Figiel
Project Manager
Maciej Szatanik
Project Manager
Maciej Szatanik
I didn’t take the traditional path into project management, and I think that’s exactly why I’m good at it.
I spent five years as a laborer before making the jump to PM work. That hands-on experience still shapes how I lead every project today. I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the job site, and I never forget it.
For the past four years, I’ve managed projects ranging from residential remodels to large-scale facility expansions across multiple US states. Along the way, I’ve learned to adapt fast, whether that means shifting industries or navigating regulatory changes that reshape an entire market.
What I Do
I handle everything from small bathroom renovations to full home additions, but I do my best work on projects that break the mold. One recent favorite: custom sports memorabilia niches for a client’s home, a first for me and one of the most rewarding builds I’ve done.
How I Work
Respect for the client’s home comes first. Every project means becoming a temporary guest in someone’s daily life, and I treat that responsibility seriously. I work best with clients who want to stay involved, and I run every job the way I’d want it run if I were the one hiring.
Outside of Work
Sci-fi books, cooking, fitness, and video games round out my time off the clock.
Aja Gutzman
Purchasing Manager
Stephanie Hernandez
Purchasing Administrator
Stephanie Hernandez
I grew up around the trades, so construction has always felt familiar to me. About 2023, I entered the industry through a connection that opened the door to learning the building process from the inside out. Since then, I’ve kept building my knowledge of construction, materials, vendors, and the details that go into a quality home.
What I Do
My role centers on purchasing coordination and warranty support, ensuring projects are properly supported from start to finish. Most of my work happens behind the scenes, focused on the details that protect a home’s quality after completion. I coordinate with vendors and trades to handle warranty needs and make sure homeowners get the support they deserve.
How I Work
I usually meet homeowners after their project is finished, once they need help through the warranty process. I like being the person who guides them through those next steps, communicates clear solutions, and handles their concerns with care. My goal is to make sure the positive experience continues well after they’ve moved in.
Outside of Work
I’m a proud mom to an almost-6-year-old who keeps me on my toes. We love being outdoors, soaking up the sun, and spending time together. Family matters most to me, and I try to make room for what counts, whether that’s exploring, relaxing, or just enjoying everyday moments.
Marketing and Operations
Krista Hansen
Marketing Specialist
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