About
OUR MISSION
We want to partner with you to create your dream home
Our passion is community and collaboration. We have built a brand with integrity, producing the highest quality projects with the most amazing clients. Our goal is to build relationships as we build sustainable luxury.
TECTONIC
Our Story
Tectonic Design Build was founded in 2019 with a focus on environmental stewardship, high quality carpentry, and elevated design, Owned by husband and wife team, Dylan and Kelsie.
As a seasoned General Contractor and carpenter, Founder and CEO Dylan, saw an opportunity to build better. Recognizing that Building code falls short in addressing efficiency, quality, and longevity of the home, he felt far more could be done for homeowners and the planet.
In his search for sustainability, Dylan discovered Passive Homes. Often referred to as the highest standard of energy efficient building, passive house techniques create a healthy, high-performing home.
Dylan built a team of skilled carpenters and talented designers. Together this devoted team understands and values the importance of high quality building on a local level.
TECTONIC
Our Story
Welcoming Kelsie as COO has been transformative. Her strategic acumen has fueled Tectonic's growth with precision, reshaping industry norms. Her commitment to transparency, collaboration, and communication dispels industry stereotypes.
Clients are an integral partner in their dream home's development, well-informed and engaged. Our culture mirrors our values, fostering a kind, communicative, and growth-oriented space free of ego. We curate sustainable luxury, uniting community and design excellence.
Kelsie has redefined project communication, simplifying sustainability while elevating the client experience. She has been able to bridge silos in the Boulder small business community, uplifting fellow enterprises through our platform and fostering a shared, community-driven approach.
Tectonic's journey is one of transformation, driven by a passion for quality and a dedication to community, setting new standards in design and construction.
Meet The Tectonic Team
Dylan Ochala
Founder + CEO
Our Founder and CEO, a Michigan native turned Coloradan, transitioned from college to carpentry for self-reliance. Along the way, he's embraced permaculture, exploring the connection between home and nature. Dylan thrives on building relationships and finds solace in skiing, a passion since childhood. His goal for the future? Achieving a harmonious work-life balance.
Kelsie Michelson
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer Kelsie has more than a decade of operations management experience, most recently managing a $20 million portfolio and program for a national foundation. Kelsie brings her systems mind to Tectonic, ensuring our clients have an integrated experience from start to finish. When she’s not strategizing about Tectonic, Kelsie is dreaming about her future flower farm or hiking with her husband, Dylan.
Kate King
Lead Interior Designer
Kate is originally from Bloomington, IL, now proudly calls Boulder her home. Kate's unique background in merchandising has fueled her passion of transforming spaces. With hands-on experience renovating homes, she finds joy in making clients' dream homes a reality. Outside of work, she explores new places with her husband and has plans on enjoying her newly renovated home.
Jen Burns
Interior Designer
Originally from Minnesota and now calling Colorado home, Jen found her passion for interior design while remodeling her own home in 2020. With a Master's Certification in Interior Design, she loves collaborating with homeowners to bring their dreams to life. Outside of work, she enjoys scuba diving, outdoor adventures, and quality time with friends and family. Her 2024 goal? To remodel or restore a historic home in Boulder!
Graham Ouwerkerk
Architect
Our talented Architect with vast experience in residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Certified in Passive House and LEED, his focus is on sustainable design and translating creative narratives into cherished spaces. Graham enjoys family time, and fitness, and his goals are to create award-winning designs, working on Passive House Certified projects while cherishing moments with loved ones.
Alexandré Pinto
Marketing Director
Raised in Boulder, CO, Allie started as a graphic designer and photographer, transitioning into marketing. With a diverse background, she’s worked with Boulder Lifestyle Magazine, Todd Reed, and Latitude40 Real Estate, she is dedicated to community building through design and digital media. Beyond the office, she’s an active skateboarder, snowboarder, and surfer, fostering creating connections via @boysclubco.
Alex Cseh
Project Manager
Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Carpenter and Project Manager is a true construction enthusiast. With a degree from Ohio University, he brings a blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience. When not managing projects, Alex thrives in the great outdoors, skiing, backpacking, and hiking. Eager to continuously learn, grow, and make new connections.
Chad Weatherwax
Site Superintendent
Originally from Columbiaville, MI, Chad brings over two decades of construction experience. Building homes with his family, he has a deep-rooted passion for quality craftsmanship and satisfied clients. Off-site, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and snowboarding. His future goal is to Invest in a property in Colorado.
Eric Gonzales
Carpenter
Eric, now at home in Colorado, has a background in finish carpentry and furniture fabrication. He thrives on surpassing client expectations in carpentry projects. When not crafting wood, he embraces his role as a parent and indulges in songwriting. His aspirations include refining his skills in carpentry and songwriting, maintaining a lifelong pursuit of both crafts.
Brian Wolgamott
Lead Carpenter
A Nebraska native now embracing Colorado life in Nederland. With expertise spanning all building stages, Brian relishes the challenges and learning opportunities. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his partner Sarah and their four-legged companions. His goal is to keep building and growing with Tectonic.
Troy DeWitt
Carpenter
Our skilled Carpenter from Ohio, now proudly calling Longmont, CO home. With 11 years of diverse construction expertise, spanning carpentry, landscaping, and more, Troy is a seasoned pro. A former Army leader, he brings discipline and dedication to our team. When not crafting unique structures, he’s building his strength for a return to competitive sports.
Will Gaw
Carpenter
Carpenter
Originally from Utica, NY, and currently residing in Louisville, CO. With a background in plumbing, commercial fence construction, and finish carpentry, Will is passionate about hands-on work and teamwork. Off the job, he values quality time with family and friends. He is focused on personal and professional growth for health and success.
Tectonic Careers
Are you looking to build a career in residential construction and design? Read about opportunities at Tectonic Design Build and why we could be the right fit for you.
We love building together! As a growing company, we look for individuals who enjoy creating new systems, fine-tuning existing processes, and bringing expertise without ego. We are big believers in learning together and learning through doing; it’s the only way we grow!
Working For Tectonic
At Tectonic Design Build, we pride ourselves in maintaining a diverse and inclusive team. Our team members bring an array of skills and life experiences, and ALL share integrity in their work and the desire to deliver our clients’ dreams.
Benefits
Competitive Pay
4 Wks PTO/Paid Holidays
Company Credit Card
Monthly Gas Stipend
Tool-Buying Program
Phone Bill Reimbursement
Passive House Training
Company Laptop
401k Health Insurance
Quarterly Team Retreats
OUR STUDIO
COMING JANUARY 2024
Tectonic Design Build is located in the heart of Boulder. Our very own design and carpentry team has built the studio of our dreams. Designed with the highest quality finishes, we have teamed up with local businesses to furnish our studio and make it feel like home. We have built an inviting and luxurious gathering place for our team, community, and clients.
Have A Question?
We’re here to help! Check out out FAQ or reach out using the form below.
What happens on a discovery call?
You’ll share your project goals and budget with Owner, Dylan. He’ll share the Tectonic process so you know how we will design and build your project. And he will provide you a high-level estimate based on projects similar in scope.
Will you visit my home before I sign a contract?
Yes! After our discovery call, we’ll schedule a complimentary site visit with Dylan and the Tectonic Design Team. We want to understand your goals in the context of your home.
What is sustainable luxury?
Tectonic prides itself on deconstruction practices that divert your current appliances, hardwoods, doors, etc. from the landfill. We upcycle these materials with Boulder’s Resource Central. Tectonic will work with you in sourcing new materials that align with your goals and values.
What is a healthy home?
Tectonic is a certified passive designer and builder. When possible, we work on the mechanics and envelope of your home through increased insulation, ERV installation, natural heating and cooling, and high-performance windows so that you’re living in a comfortable, healthy environment!
How is design build different from traditional construction?
In the traditional model, you work with a separate designer, architect, and builder. They all have separate goals and bottom lines and you’re often the project manager, trying to bring it all together. With design build, everything is in-house. We have one team dedicated to managing your project at every stage, so you don’t have to.
What are the benefits of design build?
Design Build is a more cost and time efficient way of remodeling or building anew. Communication between designer, architect, and builder is streamlined because everyone’s on the same team and knows your project inside and out. Tectonic project managers keep you informed and ensure no details are missed.