About
OUR MISSION
We want to partner with you to create your dream home
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
Design Director
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.
Hailey Bolkema
Interior Designer
Interior Designer
Originally from Seattle and now based in Wash Park, Hailey holds a degree in Business Administration and a certification in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art & Design. Passionate about creating meaningful, lasting spaces, she thrives on transforming homes at Tectonic, blending beauty with purpose.
Laurel Chappell
Junior Designer
Based in Boulder with a background in Environmental Design, specializing in Architecture. Laurel has worked in various design fields, including architecture, interiors, and staging. Outside of work she enjoys crafting, hiking, and spending time with their partner and dog, Mango.
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.
Shawn Kenne
Production Director
Raised in Montana, Shawn began his construction career early, building his first home in high school. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in residential construction and high-end custom renovations. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, camping, and exploring the outdoors with family and friends.
Josh Mitchell
Superindendent
I have worked on many new homes over the years, my background was in framing before I became a lead carpenter. I have personally framed and led teams to successful completion of various projects, from decks and fences to multi million dollar homes. My expertise is in plan reading, trade partner communication, collaboration and seeing the project through to the finish line. My attention to details keeps my projects on time and under budget.
Maggie Pattillo
Operations Director
Based in Boulder, Maggie has a background in ad-tech and marketing, with a passion for design. She loves being inspired by her creative colleagues and the variety in her work. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and skiing. In 2024, she hopes to learn extensively in her new role.
Justin Bunkers
Project Manager
Originally from Iowa, Justin now calls Colorado home. With a background in construction engineering and over five years in residential project management, he loves seeing meticulous planning culminate in high-quality results and satisfied clients. Outside work, he enjoys mountain biking and camping. For 2024, Justin aims to build a custom home and hike five 14ers.
Trey Romans
Lead Carpenter
Trey, who moved from Charleston, SC in March 2020, has a background in residential remodeling, historic preservation, and custom builds. He loves creating beautiful spaces for homeowners. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, golfing, and artwork. In 2024, he hopes to advance in his career and complete personal home projects.
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.
Austin Kogler
Carpenter
A Wisconsin native now in Longmont, Austin has nearly two years in the industry, initially working alongside a master carpenter. His Army leadership experience in Italy instilled discipline and attention to detail. He loves intricate projects and enjoys camping and hiking with his girlfriend and dog. In 2024, he aims to expand his carpentry skills.
Ryan Young
Carpenter Apprentice
Born and raised in Westminster, Colorado, Ryan has 7 years of residential maintenance experience and is now pursuing a career in carpentry. Passionate about continuous learning, Ryan enjoys playing hockey and aims to conquer his first 14er in 2024.
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
Tectonic Studio + Showroom
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.