Our Team
Our people make the difference. With more than 100 years of collective experience, CI’s dynamic team is a diverse group of specialists dedicated to providing creative problem-solving, expert project execution, clear and honest communication, and first-class service at every level. We’re driven by a commitment to professional integrity, uncovering new possibilities, innovating in the fields of design and construction using the latest technology, and approaching the most challenging projects with positivity and enthusiasm.
Our unified team is here to manage every detail in the multifaceted process of creating exhilarating interiors that transcend trends and turn heads.
It begins with passion. Michael Miller founded CI Design + Build in 2009 with a relentless desire to create a residential renovation firm unlike any Chicago has seen. Merging his multifaceted experience in the fields of architecture, design, engineering and construction with his personal passion for the art of building, Michael envisioned an innovative company that offers the highest quality, customized turnkey interiors to high-end clients by providing every service from concept to completion.
Since its inception, Michael has drawn on his entrepreneurial and organizational skills, technical education, and jobsite experience to guide all stages of CI’s projects from conceptual design through construction. Michael entered the industry in 1994 after graduating from the Universal Technical Institute with a specialization in electrical application. He had a decade-long career designing and installing mechanical systems while getting to know all of the trades at construction sites before making the move into high-end renovation projects. Under his leadership, CIDB has garnered numerous international design awards and grown into a world-class team capable of completing a broad range of projects—from 10,000-square-foot single-family homes to 1,500-square-foot luxury condos in Chicago, Dallas, Miami and beyond—with the same meticulous attention to quality and detail.
In his spare time Michael most enjoys traveling the world to experience different cultures’ art, architecture and design—passions that all feed into his commitment to keeping CIDB at the cutting edge of the industry.
Kelly takes ownership of projects to independently push them forward with oversight from the design director, helps with new business initiatives, and manages junior design staff. Her daily tasks as senior designer include surveying existing conditions for projects and creating construction documentation, plans, detailed elevations, section drawings, and material schedules. Kelly holds a BFA degree from Harrington College of Design and NCIDQ certification. With almost a decade of experience, her background includes interior architecture and finish selection, space planning, furniture sourcing, palette creation, and construction drawing documentation. She loves the outdoors, good food and beer, and planning her next dream vacation to her favorite destination: anywhere and everywhere.
Daniel brings a refined eye and a deep understanding of interior architecture to his role as senior designer. No detail is too small as Daniel manages concepts from ideation to completion. A day in the life may include site surveying, personalized home customization, specifying finishes and equipment, collaborating with local artisans, and detailed construction documentation. Daniel holds a BFA degree from The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago and has nearly a decade of experience in high-end residential interior architecture. He specializes in construction documentation in AutoCAD, architectural detailing, project management and sourcing local craftsmen. In his free time, Daniel can be found at his piano, in the kitchen, or enjoying his latest travel destination.
A forward-thinking designer and a deft collaborator, Elena assists the Interior Architecture and Furnishings teams in the design of high-end, interior residential spaces. Surveying existing conditions and space, doing construction documentation in AutoCAD including specifications, assisting in FF&E sourcing, and creating presentation assets are all in a day’s work. But what makes Elena a particularly stellar member of our team is her high standards for form and function. She goes out of her way to parlay with our architects on best practices for optimizing livability and flow. That collaborative spirit extends to our PM team, by ensuring all drawings, schedules, and specifications are accurate and up to code. In her free time, Elena loves to travel, try new workouts, cook, and spend time with family & friends.
Greg is a licensed architect who oversees the execution of projects by managing schedules, budgets and site teams to ensure the highest quality of construction. In a hybrid role, he also serves as a project architect, collaborating with the design team on the full scope of projects and helping to create an efficient design process that turns limitations into opportunities. Greg has a degree in environmental design from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.Arch degree from the University of Michigan. He has practiced architecture at various firms in New York, Colorado and Chicago, giving him vast knowledge of construction from the architect’s point of view. Greg is also an avid golfer who loves to snowboard, travel all over the world and hone his skills in the kitchen.
Joseph assists the project management team with the overall construction of CI’s customized residential remodeling projects. In his role, Joseph coordinates directly with clients, designers and consultants while helping to direct the site superintendent, field labor and other construction personnel in planning, coordinating and safely executing top-quality work in accordance with the building rules and regulations, contract documents, schedule and budget. He earned his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. A Chicago architecture enthusiast, Joseph also enjoys swimming in Lake Michigan, cycling, visiting museums and trying cuisines from around the world.
A team player with a strong work ethic, Anthony assists the Project Management team with the overall construction of CI’s customized, residential remodeling projects. Solution-oriented and professional, Anthony quarterbacks with clients, designers and consultants, helping to direct the site superintendent, field laborers and other construction personnel in project planning and coordination. His role also includes ensuring that our teams are communicating on all levels to execute work that’s in accordance with building rules and regulations. When he’s not on the clock, Anthony enjoys stretching his legs along the lakefront, playing golf, rugby, cooking, and dining his way through Chicago’s restaurants. Fun fact: He’s also a skilled residential carpenter.
Pepe Telles serves as CI’s superintendent and senior carpenter. His duties include constructing, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter’s hand tools and power tools. He takes on the task of ordering the correct amount of materials needed on the job site and makes sure all the equipment, shop area and work site are orderly and safe. Pepe is a hands-on leader, managing in-house field labor and subcontractors to complete tasks where the project manager is not required. He has the ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve any design issues that are presented during construction. A great asset to the CI team, he is always present to assist other team members when needed.
Veronica oversees all financial, accounting and reporting activities for CI. She applies her business acumen and accounting expertise to ensure a project’s financial data conforms to the standards and procedures of the company. She is responsible for preparing the various financial reports required for each project, job cost accounting, accounts payable/receivable, monthly financial statements, accounting reviews and annual audits. In conjunction with the president, Veronica has enhanced the accuracy of CI’s reported financial results and strives to maintain a streamlined process to support the company’s financial success. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys cooking healthy meals and spending time with her family.
Grace is passionate about creating compelling content that shows the value of a brand. With 10+ years in marketing, she has overseen major brands’ social media content development and strategy, as well as identifying partnerships that can deliver meaningful results. Grace loves to marry strategic planning with creative thinking. She loves working at CI Design + Build as her family has generations of experience in the design field. From an ancestor who was a Texas architect, to a grandmother who had her own interior decorating firm, Grace grew up seeing how important design was for people’s homes. Outside of the office, Grace loves to explore the city searching for her next favorite taco spot, or go-to patio.
Mercedes rounds out CI’s concept-to-completion interior services by working with the design team to curate fine art for completed homes. She assists with art placement and staging and acts as a liaison between artists, designers and clients. As art director, Mercedes will grow CI’s in-house contemporary fine art gallery, sourcing and signing new artists, and hosting events and exhibitions. She is also a member of the team at the cutting-edge digital art platform Apollo. A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in fashion merchandising and design, Mercedes comes to CI with a background in luxury fashion that includes roles with Tom Ford, David Yurman and Intermix. Her hobbies include cooking, travel, integrative nutrition, and health and wellness.
Mercedes rounds out CI’s concept-to-completion interior services by working with the design team to curate fine art for completed homes. She assists with art placement and staging and acts as a liaison between artists, designers and clients. As art director, Mercedes will grow CI’s in-house contemporary fine art gallery, sourcing and signing new artists, and hosting events and exhibitions. She is also a member of the team at the cutting-edge digital art platform Apollo. A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in fashion merchandising and design, Mercedes comes to CI with a background in luxury fashion that includes roles with Tom Ford, David Yurman and Intermix. Her hobbies include cooking, travel, integrative nutrition, and health and wellness.
Brand Partnerships
CI DESIGN + BUILD is the official Chicagoland area brand ambassador for Bodacious Kitchen, The Official Automobili Lamborghini Kitchen. The quality of these kitchens is unmatched and can make quite the statement in your home. At CI, we are dedicated to bespoke designs, and Bodacious kitchens offer an unmatched level of personalization. Crafted by Italy’s finest artisans, we cannot wait to see the product in the Illinois market.
