OUR TEAM
Our Team
STEVEN PESKIE
Principal & Owner
Steve has an established his career within the architecture industry over the past 20 years with the last 10 years establishing and growing Distinctive Design Studio to a multi-disciplinary architecture firm. Starting with passion, Steve strives to create lasting impressions on all of his client’s lives. Whether it is designing a small space or an entire building, Steve listens and understands what his client’s challenges are and provides creative and unique solutions that fit their lifestyle. This has given him a reputation for creating unique, memorable, and long-lasting designs. When he is not working he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling the world and woodworking.
TIM HARRISON
Design Manager
Tim has been a valuable member of the DDS team for 8 years, bringing with him 13 years of experience as a component designer in the building component industry. As our Design Manager, he is known for his meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and exceptional communication skills. Tim’s deep understanding of structural building components and his design expertise make him an essential part of our team, where he collaborates closely with our designers to navigate the complexities of our firm’s unique projects. Outside of work, Tim enjoys quality time with friends and family, watching movies, golfing, and attending sporting events.
JEFF GRUNEWALD
Construction Manager
Jeff’s passion for home building began at a young age, inspired by his father’s residential construction business. This early influence sparked a lifelong passion to the craft, which has remained constant throughout his life. As his career advanced, he sought to make a broader impact by sharing his expertise with others and spent a decade teaching at the Sheboygan Area School District as a construction teacher. Today, Jeff oversees all construction activities for DDS and finds great fulfillment in the variety and challenges of the projects, leading his team with enthusiasm. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys outdoor activities with his family, including biking, camping, and exploring state parks.
AMBER SABROWSKY
Office Manager
Amber earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Before joining Distinctive Design Studio, she spent over seven years working as a commercial fire protection system designer for various MEP companies. Amber’s exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that all operations at Distinctive Design Studio run smoothly. Her prior construction knowledge, creativity, and eagerness to learn make her an invaluable member of the team. In her free time, Amber enjoys practicing yoga, reading and writing, drawing, and attending concerts.
JAKE JACOBSEN
Architectural Project Manager
An Architect, licensed in multiple states including Wisconsin, Jake’s design ethos is best described as a constant striving for the most elegant solution. He works toward this goal by being client focused and keenly aware of the balance between the project requirements and maintaining a reasonable budget and schedule throughout the project. Jake brings ten years of Architectural experience, primarily in commercial and municipal projects. Jake’s wide range of experiences include service in the Air Force and several years as a general contractor prior to entering the field of Architecture. He, his wife, and their daughter enjoy restoring and racing vintage cars as well as widely varied travels.
JASON AHRENS
Project Architect
Jason graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Certificate in Urban Planning, launching his career at his first firm in early 2007. With over 17 years of experience, Jason is known for quality designs that are superior performing, cost conscious and holistically thought through. Handling most of our commercial projects, our clients trust his ability to take a job from schematic drawings through construction documents by meticulously managing every detail to ensure the creation of enduring, high-quality structures. Outside the office, Jason is a licensed pilot and aviation enthusiast. He also enjoys trivia nights, exploring the local culinary scene, and spending time in his garden with his family.
KRISTY CARMODY
Architectural Designer
Kristy brings 15 years of wide-ranging design experience to her role at Distinctive Design Studio. She began her career as a trained Interior Designer before earning a Master’s degree in Architecture. Her expertise spans commercial architecture, luxury sport yachts, and most recently, historical and residential design. Kristy believes that the most rewarding aspect of her work is transforming her clients’ dreams into reality. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, and her passions include gardening, hunting, golfing, painting, and cheering on the Packers and Bucks!
JOEL COSME HERNANDEZ
Architectural Drafter
Joel earned his degree as an Architectural-Structural Engineering Technician in 2019. With over five years of experience, he is highly skilled in Revit software, focusing on detailed architectural plans, 3D modeling, and renderings. His strong grasp of structural components allows him to design residential spaces that are both durable and thoughtfully constructed. Joel continues to expand his creativity and expertise at Distinctive Design Studio, and finds the most rewarding aspect of his work to be the transformation of 2D designs into fully realized 3D spaces. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing games, and enjoying the outdoors. He also stays active by running, playing soccer, and volleyball.
AARON YAKEL
Architectural Drafter
Aaron earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from UW-Milwaukee in 2012 and has since accumulated over a decade of experience in architectural drafting. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous commercial and residential projects curating robust spaces that are unique and efficient. To further his expertise, Aaron is currently pursuing his architectural licensure to become a registered architect in Wisconsin. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, and tackling house DIY projects. He also enjoys camping and cheering on all the Wisconsin sports teams.
NICHOLAS FURTAK
Craftsman
With seven years of hands-on experience, Nicholas has cultivated a deep expertise and passion for the art of carpentry. Beginning his construction journey at the age of 15, he has honed his skills across both residential and commercial projects, from crafting custom homes to expertly finishing apartment complexes. His craftsmanship is particularly evident in trim carpentry, cabinetry, and the meticulous installation of tiled showers and backsplashes. Nicholas finds the greatest fulfillment in transforming intricate designs from concept to reality, delivering bespoke work that truly stands out. When he’s not on the job site, Nicholas is an avid mountain biker, enjoys hunting and winter skiing, and time spent at the beach and with friends.
MARY GRUNOW CKBD
Kitchen & Bath Specialist
With over 30 years of experience in interior millwork and cabinetry design across southeast Wisconsin, Mary brings unmatched expertise to every project. As a Certified Kitchen & Bath Specialist, her approach centers on educating clients and seamlessly integrating detail and functionality into each space, ensuring that her creativity and passion translate into successful outcomes. Mary’s innate ability to build deep, lasting relationships reassures clients that their needs are understood and prioritized. Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, dog, and family.
ANGIE BOETTNER
Interior Designer
Angie enjoys meeting new people and listening carefully to discover how to create innovative, elegant, and thoughtful design solutions that will exceed expectations. She believes a good design starts with problem solving. One of her favorite parts of the design process is drawing floor plans and 3D renderings to help bring the design to life for her clients. Art and creativity is something that follows through into her personal life as well in the form of music and photography. She also enjoys playing the piano, singing, and dancing. Angie spends the majority of her personal time enjoying life with her family, taking trips, watching movies, and even playing video games.
PA HOUA MASASY
Interior Designer
Pa thrives on collaborating with clients, bringing a focus on practicality to create timeless, long-lasting designs. By embracing each client’s individuality, she skillfully blends styles, fabrics, colors, and light to craft eclectic spaces that are both cohesive and memorable. For Pa, exceptional design is about creating environments that leave a lasting impression. When she’s not in the studio, Pa enjoys exploring the outdoors, discovering new restaurants and breweries, and spending quality time with her family.
ASHLEY ALBINGER
Kitchen & Bath Designer
Ashley’s passion is merging beauty and function through design. A strategic thinker, Ashley embraces creating solutions for design challenges, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. She is most inspired by nature and favors incorporating honest and organic elements into her designs. Currently, Ashley is earning a dual associate degree in Interior Design and Kitchen & Bath Design. In her free time, she enjoys baking, being outdoors, working on home projects, trying out new wineries/breweries/restaurants and spending time with her family and friends.
EMILY PARMA
Marketing Coordinator
Emily’s deep expertise in marketing and design ensures our clients enjoy a seamless, engaging experience both online and in person. She is the creative force behind our digital presence, responsible for crafting compelling emails, dynamic social media campaigns, and insightful blog content that elevates our brand and drives innovative marketing strategies. Beyond the office, Emily cherishes family time enjoying movie nights, discovering new restaurants, and spending relaxing boat days on Elkhart Lake.