OUR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN BUILD TEAM

Meet the leadership of our residential design build team responsible for driving the vision and ethos for Feinmann and for crafting a service organization that puts the client at its center.

Peter Feinmann

President

From the company’s beginnings in Peter’s home in 1987, Feinmann has grown into a multi-million dollar, award-winning firm, with a staff of 20+. A leader among a new generation of design and build professionals, Peter is a nationally recognized writer and sought-after speaker in the design/build industry. He is the recipient of numerous local and national awards, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Contractor of the Year Award and Remodeling Magazine’s Remodeler of the Year.

Thoughtful management practices, honest communication, a team approach to every project and Peter’s emphasis on client satisfaction is why his company continues to be one of the most highly regarded design/build firms in the industry today.

Peter earned a certificate in carpentry from The North Bennet Street School in 1983. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a major in Philosophy. The father of two adult children, Peter has been married for 28 years. When not working, Peter enjoys hiking, yoga and traveling. Recently he has been to Cambodia and Thailand.

Barney Maier, R.A.

Senior Architect

Barney joined the Feinmann team in 2001 where his design expertise and insight has contributed to many award-winning renovations and residential additions. His work has appeared in two recently published books: Asian Inspired Design and Contemporary Boston Architects. Barney was formerly a principal in his own Connecticut architectural firm, Maier and Giannelli, before coming to Feinmann.

Rejecting the idea of “name brand buildings,” Barney’s work is very contextual. He believes every design strives to be an inspired but sensible conversation between architect, client, building, and site. “Good design skillfully arrives at a creative balance between these influences.”

Barney earned a degree in Chinese Studies from Middlebury College and holds a Masters of Architecture from UCLA. He lives in Arlington where he has coached youth soccer, baseball, and wrestling. He has served on the Board of the Arlington Education Enrichment Fund, the Advisory Board of the Pierce Elementary School and the AHS Principal Search Committee. He also was instrumental in starting the Mandarin Chinese program at Arlington High School.

John Vining, LEED AP

Architectural Designer/Developer

John brings a wealth of design experience and knowledge of construction details and structural engineering requirements to Feinmann. John role includes handling our clients’ special permits, historical and conservation approvals, project budgeting and cabinet orders.

Prior to joining Feinmann, John spent most of his career as a Project Manager at Margulies-Perruzzi Architects in Boston. There he specialized in high-end custom homes throughout the Boston area and Cape & Islands and expanded his role into the commercial and healthcare design world.

John resides in Woburn with his wife Joanne, daughter Jessica and son Daniel. He is passionate about antique cars (often seen in the Feinmann parking lot) and works out religiously with the November Project Group in Boston.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree, Architectural Engineering, Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Science Degree, Architectural Engineering, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Elvin Zayas-Lai

Designer

Joining the Feinmann design team in May 2014, Elvin Zayas-Lai is an Adjunct Professor in Interior Design at Suffolk University in Boston. He earned a Master of Arts in Interior Design at Suffolk’s New England School of Art & Design in 2011. With a strong background in graphic design, computer skills, and interior architecture, Elvin brings notable experience and insight to Feinmann. He previously worked at Arrowstreet, an architecture and design firm in Somerville, and was a Project Manager and Designer at the Expo Design Center in Burlington until 2009.

When not working, Elvin enjoys gardening and going to the gym. A native of Puerto Rico, Elvin is fluent in Spanish.

Tammy Russo

Project Manager & Home Crew Manager

Tammy has been with the firm since 1993, and has more than 20 years of experience in all facets of construction. Her unflappable attitude and ability to anticipate clients’ needs embodies the company’s philosophy. Tammy has a way of keeping subcontractors and crews calm while making clients feel well cared for. Recently she has been earning certification as an Aging in Place specialist and overseeing Feinmann’s HomeCrew™ projects.

When she’s not nurturing others, Tammy cultivates her garden which boasts flowers as well as welded sculptures and other original works of art, including a cast-off toilet that Tammy reclaimed and turned into a planter.

 

Kyle Dube

Project Manager

Kyle joined the Feinmann team in October 2012 as a project manager after spending 26 years in the building industry as the owner of his own design/build firm. He brings many years of experience and skills to Feinmann clients. Kyle attended Roger Williams University for architectural engineering and graduated from Central New England College with a degree in electrical engineering. He has several certifications including lead carpenter, RRP lead, and sustainability as well as having his unrestricted construction supervisor license.

He enjoys the upfront planning of a project best “it ensures a smooth execution of the job.” He says “it takes multiple talents to do the job well, being able to understand various aspects of a project from knowing the costs to given techniques being used.”

When not working, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family. He is a member of the 4,000 Footer Club, having climbed all 48 peaks over 4,000 feet in New Hampshire. He also enjoys biking and golf.

Ryan Pirro

Project Manager & Production Coordinator

Ryan Pirro joined the Feinmann team in May 2015 as a production administrator and assistant project manager. Beforecoming toFeinmann, Ryan owned Restoration Windows, a historic windows company based in Newton. He is RRP certified and has an unrestricted supervisors license. Prior to that he worked in the tool & die industry. Ryan says his favorite part of working at Feinmann is collaborating with such a great group of professionals.
Ryan is married and the father of two young boys. When not working, Ryan enjoys kayaking, fly fishing, jogging and spending time with his family.

 

Greg Lehman

Project Manager

Greg is highly experienced in the residential building industry and brings a wealth of construction knowledge and problem-solving skills. In addition, his hands-on experience as a builder has helped hone his proficiency in restoration work in antique homes as well as the building of new homes. What sets Greg apart is his ability to address the challenges of New England homes by finding creative solutions that most people would walk away from. Prior to joining Feinmann, Greg’s passion for remodeling began with a series of fixer-upper homes, which then led him to start his own remodeling business.

When not working, Greg enjoys spending time with his son and daughter. He has done several triathlons and enjoys bicycling, hiking and spending time outdoors.

Qualifications

• Aging in Place Certification
• MBA, Southern Connecticut University, CT
• Bachelor of Science in Business, Franklin Pierce College, NH

 

Lori Pettine

Assistant Project Manager & Project Designer

Lori brings extensive experience in project design, product knowledge, and selection of design materials. Prior to joining Feinmann, she worked at Northland Residential Corp. where she worked directly with clients and the construction team to facilitate projects.

Originally from Minnesota, Lori has lived in New England for the past two decades. When not working she loves spending time with her husband David and two children, Barrett and Ella. She enjoys traveling, exercising, skiing and seeking out vintage clothing and antiques.

Qualifications

• She attended Boston Architectural College and earned a certificate in Digital Design.
• Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Business, University of Wisconsin.

Chris Gonzalez

Lead Carpenter

A longtime member of the Feinmann team, Chris celebrated 20 years with the company in February 2013. A licensed Master Carpenter, Chris is also NARI certified as a Lead Carpenter and is a licensed construction site supervisor. Chris says “the best part of the job is seeing people enjoy their new spaces.” He has enjoyed working on many award-winning projects for Feinmann through the years and appreciates Feinmann’s ongoing commitment to growth, organization, and collaboration.

Chris grew up in West Acton, MA where he remains active in the community. He is the father of two children and has many hobbies outside of Feinmann, including restoring mid-year (1963-1967) Corvettes and handling sound and lighting for bands.

An D Bui

Lead Carpenter

Originally a native of Vietnam, “Andy” (as he is known to clients and staff) has lived in the United States for 30 years and has worked for Feinmann since 1998. His expertise is in carpentry and enjoys the finish carpentry work on Feinmann projects. “There’s a reason I’ve worked here this long,” says Andy. “I enjoy working with all of the people here.” When not on-site, Andy spends time with his family in Malden.
 
 
 

Kevin Hodgkins

Lead Carpenter

Before coming to Feinmann, Kevin ran his own residential custom woodworking company for 25 years. His specialty is custom staircases. He grew up Hollis, New Hampshire and built a log home in Weare several years ago. Kevin has been with Feinmann for more than four years and enjoys “doing interior trim, finish work and speaking with the clients. Seeing their joy at the end of the job makes it all worthwhile.” When not on a Feinmann project, Kevin plays acoustic guitar, putters in his woodworking shop and spends time with his two grown children and two grandchildren.

Eric Lennan

Lead Carpenter

A native of North Reading, Eric has been doing carpentry for Feinmann for six years. Prior to coming to Feinmann, he framed houses and did siding jobs for 10 years. His father was also a tradesman, an ironworker, who was a member of Local 7 and worked on the Prudential Building. “My brother’s name is painted on one of the beams,” Eric says. He also enjoys seeing the Feinmann projects come together. Eric’s hobbies include skiing, canoeing and running around with his two kids.

Kris Beder

Lead Carpenter

Joining the Feinmann carpentry staff in June 2014, Kris has a strong appreciation for finish work and process management. He apprenticed with a master craftsman for five years in his home state of Connecticut before moving to Boston in 2004 where he has remodeled homes in Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline. Recently he worked for Benjamin Construction in Boston. Following a post-graduate year at Avon Old Farms, Kris attended CCSU where he studied language and business administration. Kris says that what he likes most about Feinmann is the professionalism of the people he works with and “the opportunity to provide a high level of craftsmanship and service.”

When not wielding a tool, Kris enjoys rock climbing and mountaineering. He has climbed the Matterhorn and Mt. Rainier and is currently planning his next expedition to Mt. McKinley in Alaska.

Phil Blumberg

Lead Carpenter
The newest addition to our field staff, Phil Blumberg joined the team in July 2016 after many years of working and living in New Orleans. He grew up in Pepperell, working for a local farmer and handyman in the summers. He graduated from George Washington University in D.C. Volunteering in New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina, Phil stayed and worked as a lead carpenter for an affordable housing developer. He is a HUD lead paint supervisor and has his certification in residential energy. He says he likes “working with the knowledgeable team at Feinmann and learning from their experience.” When not working, Phil likes to hang out with friends and family at his parent’s cottage on Winnipesaukee, go skiing in the winter and is earning his ultralight aircraft license.

Jean Ducott

OfficeManager

Jean’s move back to Massachusetts in 2011 was Feinmann’s good fortune. Previously the Business Manager at a builder in Minnesota where she lived for the past two decades, Jean joined Feinmann in 2012 and manages the day-to-day business functions. “I love the team at Feinmann and the work we do,” Jean says. When not at her computer, Jean lives on the North Shore and enjoys sailing, cooking and reading
 

Patricia Viera

Accounting Specialist

Pat’s primary focus is accounting and financial reporting, as well as office administration support. Prior to joining Feinmann, Pat spent years as Accounting Manager at a Boston law firm, as well as working in the non-profit sector as an Accounting Manager.

A life-long resident of Arlington, Pat loves to travel, is an avid Red Sox fan with season tickets, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is also very involved in volunteerism with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Dallin School in Arlington, and volunteers as the Treasurer for a community group in Arlington.

Qualification

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Math, UMass Boston.

Paul Rechsteiner

Project Developer/Manager

Paul develops and manages projects ensuring everything runs smoothly from identifying design goals, developing specifications, and executing building projects.

Prior to joining Feinmann, Paul was the owner of Skyline Design Develop Corp in Brooklyn, NY where he worked with clients to buy, remodel, and sell residential and commercial properties. He brings comprehensive knowledge of business development, building and construction to our team.

Paul recently moved back to his hometown in Groton, MA where he lives with his two dogs. In his spare time, he likes to motorcycle and play the bass guitar.

Qualifications

• Language and History, Universität Freiburg, Deutschland, Dual Swiss/US Citizenship
• Bachelor of Arts in History and German, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Cum Laude.

Charles Kilborn

Lead Carpenter

Charles is highly experienced in both new construction and remodeling. Prior to joining Feinmann, he spent a lot of his career self-employed, as well as working with T&W Custom Builders, and Essex Restoration. He framed his first house on his own in 1978 and enjoys seeing the smile on clients’ faces and the gratification of a job well done.

Charles is a lifelong resident of Townsen, MA. He enjoys spending time with his family and recently started playing acoustic guitar.

Luiz Prata

Carpenter

Luiz, looking for a more balanced life, joined as a carpenter. He truly enjoys seeing the end-result of a beautiful remodeling job. Prior to joining Feinmann, Luiz was an executive chef in the North End.

Originally from Brazil, he now resides in Reading, MA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, as well as playing guitar and piano and recording in his home studio.