An award-winning design + build firm devoted to green building and urban living.

Catherine brings a love of detail and organization that keeps the machinery running smoothly at OA. When you visit or call our office, she will make sure you are taken care of. Her many years of experience in the industry are invaluable, but she is also a world traveler with roots in Spain!

Catherine is a former resident of Chicago where she graduated from Northwestern University and gained experience as the business manager for a real estate development firm, a PR/advertising & marketing agency, and a website development & design company.

She has traveled to over a dozen international destinations, and she continues to love traveling with her family.

She is most excited about working on the financial management of all of OA Design Build’s clients, especially the historic Pillsbury Castle, in which she is serving as the full-charge bookkeeper on the multi-million dollar renovation project.

Michael is a native and life long fan of Minneapolis. He has been involved in the arts from a young age, developing and running a program at the Guthrie Theater before even graduating from high school. With a growing passion for ceramic sculpture and science he deferred college to visit the Far East. His visit turned into residency, he lived in China from 1992-1995 and in Japan from 1995-1996. In China, in addition to learning Mandarin, he held a number of positions including TV show host, Foreign Language Editor for the Beijing Review, university and preschool teacher, and served as head of the English Department for the Japanese Embassy School in Beijing. He returned to the U.S. to finish his degree in Art with a Chinese Minor at the University of Minnesota.

The opportunity to apply his hands-on experience and materials knowledge from his work in ceramic and metal sculpture and his background in art history and architecture, presented itself in remodeling and renovation. After a few years of renovation work he was asked to design and build his first home addition. This particular challenge, to blend the traditional style of the home’s exterior with the homeowner’s contemporary vision for the interior, proved inspirational. The company refocused their direction to remodeling and has never looked back.

When not at work, Michael spends his free time climbing rocks and mountains, skiing, biking, and traveling to new places. Michael is an active member of the City of Lakes Rotary Club, and served on the board of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. A past member of MN NARI’s Board of Directors, MN GreenStar’s Board of Directors, and writer for Remodeling Magazine, Journal of Light Construction, and Professional Remodeler, Michael remains an active participant in the building community working to improve the industry and its connection to the community. Michael is a cellist of 45 years, and enjoys experimenting with new sounds and instruments with his international friends.

Michael attributes his success to the many wonderful teachers and guides he has had in life; His grandparents whose immigration, work, and successes continue to be an inspiration; and his parents and family, who are endlessly supportive.

Brian is the title Carpenter Extraordinaire, because he is arguably one of the most gifted finish carpenters in the country. His skill in creating millwork that matches that of 120 years ago in both grain and form, is incredible to observe. From eight part cased arches to 20 part panels, to curved stairs, Brian can make it happen. He is more than a carpenter, assisting the design team in improving drawing details and teaching other carpenters both at OA and around the country.

In his own words “It’s great working with people who like to learn more about building trades and challenging themselves by taking on more advanced aspects of things like building science or staircase design. I like sharing ideas about these topics and I’m always open to learning more.”

Brian is a regular contributor to the Journal of Light Construction and Fine Homebuilding Magazine.

Brian likes getting outside to hike, cycle, ski. He also enjoys reading and (no surprise), woodworking.

Stephen is a junior carpenter who came to us after serving two tours in Afghanistan. A corporal in the Marines, Stephen brings an incredible work ethic and attention to detail. He also brings humor, care, and a sense of camaraderie. Stephen has become a master WRB and flashing tape installer. We know the tape was rolled if he was on the job!

In his own words: “Yes, I’ve made mistakes. Life didn’t come with instructions and even if it did, I probably wouldn’t have followed them anyways! I like working here because you get to know each other beyond the 9 to 5. My goal is to continue to grow and make a substantial difference in other’s lives.”

David is a master of precision work and fine carpentry. After years as a trim carpenter he joined the team at OA to grow his repertoire of skills and quickly became an invaluable part of our team of ace craftspeople.

He enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing and hopes to visit every national park.

In his own words : “One of the reasons I like being part of OA, I like seeing an old space become something new and unique to each individual client. Seeing the steps that come with each project gives me an appreciation for this trade. My goal is to broaden and perfect my skill set.

Katie joined the field of construction in 2002 and has worked primarily in Residential Remodeling. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design, possesses an NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Certificate and is a Professional Member ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).

Katie was a member of the NARI Green Remodeling Task Group and designed the first GreenStar Pilot Program Certified Remodel in Minnesota, and was voted as one of the top eco-friendly Interior Designers by Innovative Home Magazine. In 2012 Katie was included as one of Remodeling Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40”

Home is more than a destination, it is a feeling that you have, when in a space, where you are able to feel safe and where you live, laugh and grow. Katie takes great pride in creating homes for her clients while incorporating their needs and hopes into beautiful and functional spaces. It is through personal connection with each of her clients that she is able to deliver this and one of the greatest joys is seeing the grateful expression on her clients faces when they are living in their new home

“I chose to join OA because I knew and respected the company for a very long time because of their creativity, earthly conscientiousness and devotion to building science for our older urban homes. We just aligned, they are my people”!

Paul Karlson is a registered architect who sought out OA after seeing the unapologetically intelligent leadership that Michael Anschel takes in sustainable design. Now, Karlson fits on our team perfectly with his high-level expertise, education, and environmentalism.

Expertise: He’s worked on institutional projects in Africa and India, commercial projects around the U.S., but his chosen specialization is residential projects in the Twin Cities. With nearly 20 years of experience custom-designing homes and additions, he is foremost a great listener, earning glowing referrals and repeat clients.

Education: Karlson studied in London at the internationally acclaimed Architectural Association. Back in the U.S., he earned a Masters in Architecture and a Masters in Planning. Then as a college instructor, he taught 32 different design method and technology courses at M.C.T.C., D.C.T.C., and Brown College.

Environmentalism: In 1996, the U.S. Peace Corps selected Karlson for intensive environmental training and diplomatic work in post-communist Poland. There he won European Union funding for his plan of Poland’s first eco-education park, and also for the sustainable development plans of 13 Baltic port cities. Later, he chaired the St. Paul chapter of Move To Amend; a national grassroots campaign to end the big-money bribery that obstructs climate justice. In 2016, he facilitated a community vision for the Westlawn Woods Nature Park in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Currently, he especially enjoys restoring native prairie habitat as a Minnesota DNR volunteer.

Member:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Minnesota State Certified Interior Designer (CID)
American Planning Association (APA)
MN US Green Building Council (MNUSGBC)
Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)
Climate Reality Project Leader

Bruce has been a licensed, practicing, architect in the state of MN since 1975. His experience running multi-million dollar construction companies, a multi discipline architectural office, and a wealth of additional architectural roles for a wide range of clients. He was the Chairperson of the Residential committee of the MN Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), President of Bruce Knutson Architects, and an active member of NARI.  He has received a number of awards for his work including multiple AIA Presidential Citations.

Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge managing complex and challenging projects and conditions. With a history in the medical industry, she brings perspective and a deep sense of caring and calm to the team. Working with our clients from day one, she ensures the design AND build process is smooth and seamless as it transitions between them.

She also is a big hockey fan and yoga practitioner who believes in healthy living and life.

In her own words “I enjoy working at OA because the culture is full of creativity, inspirational unique design, and a passion for what we do. It’s also a fun, exciting, and supportive community for all areas of our lives. I’m always growing my knowledge of the industry and looking for ways we can positively connect with our clients!”

Joseph is one of our talented carpenters who has a deep love of the outdoors and a well run jobsite! His steady hand, thoughtful approach, and eye for detail make him a valuable member of the team

Ever since I can remember I wanted to be able to have the knowledge and skill set to build a house from the ground up. After 20 years of experience and working on many aspects of home renovations I feel privileged to be a part of the OA team. Collaborating with this group to bring the visions of thoughtful design into reality makes for joyful work.  It is a breath of fresh air to be a part of a group of intelligent and conscientious people who can see the big picture without losing the attention to detail.

HueChi is a graduate of Dunwoody College of Technology, holding degrees in both Architectural Drafting and Design and Architecture.