Our Team

Lee Kane

President, Co-Owner

Lee Kane, M. Div, Duke, with seven years working as a Project Manager with Habitat for Humanity, has wealth of experience managing diverse groups of employees, subcontractors and volunteers. Lee oversees a large and diverse portfolio of historic/green restoration projects and serves in other capacities including business development and employee training. Lee, a licensed general contractor and co-owner of Trinity Design/Build, serves as company President.

Steven Thomsen

Vice President, Co-Owner

Steven Thomsen, BS in Marketing, UW La Crosse, and licensed general contractor, has a diverse background including starting a painting business while in college, working for Habitat for Humanity, and training beekeepers in Kenya.  After working as a Project Manager for Trinity Design/Build, he took a 2-year sabbatical to serve as a Project Manager at Strata Solar, overseeing the installation of large-scale solar farms in NC.  He also co-founded United Solar Initiative, a Chapel Hill-based non-profit focused on providing electricity to under-served communities around the world.  All of these experiences contribute to his abilities as Vice President at Trinity Design/Build.

Ben LoCascio

Project Manager, Co-Owner

Ben LoCascio, MBA, CSU-Pueblo, began his career as a high school science teacher before managing athletic facilities and events for a Division II university in Colorado.  After moving to the Durham area, he joined Duke where he worked in operations first for the Center for Documentary Studies, and then for the Pratt School of Engineering providing facility management for research and administration buildings.  These experiences give Ben a wealth of knowledge in project management that he brings to each new job.

Jody Brown

President and Owner, Trinity Architecture

Jody Brown, AIA LEED AP received his architectural degree from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and has spent the last 21 years working on a variety of different projects ranging from small house additions to high-rise mixed-use developments.  Jody has a strong background in historic preservation, urban design, and sustainable design, as well as an extensive portfolio of multi-family and single-family residential design.  Jody prides himself on his ability to successfully communicate with clients using clear ideas, easy to understand graphics, straight-forward language, and a sense of humor. Trinity Architecture (Trinity Design/Build’s sister firm).

David Carter

Site Supervisor

David Carter, Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Building Analyst, and OSHA Certified has over twenty years of experience working in nearly every aspect of the construction industry including framing, trim carpentry, cabinetry, roofing, insulation, plumbing, mechanical and electrical.  He also has experience with AutoCAD design, project management, and analysis of energy efficiency of construction, most recently working in the insulation sector supervising insulation installation including spray foam.  David’s wealth of experience and passion are invaluable while serving in the role of a Site Supervisor with Trinity Design/Build.

Matt Chvatal

Site Supervisor

Matt Chvatal draws from a wide array of diverse experiences including managing logistics operations and practicing bodywork in an Acupuncture clinic.  Matt draws upon his resourcefulness, communication skills, and curiosity to be successful in each new setting.  He brings those experiences along with a lifelong passion for learning and a passion for building to his role as a Site Supervisor at Trinity Design/Build.

Dan Fitzgerald

Project Manager

Dan Fitzgerald, BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management, began his career in tourism marketing, where he discovered his skills in project management. In his free time, Dan enjoys the outdoors and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. While volunteering Dan saw the opportunity to connect his love of building with his project management skills: this unique combination of experiences and innate curiosity gives Dan the tools he needs as a Site Supervisor.

Jill Goodman

CFO

Jill Goodman, MBA, Pace University, and BS in Accounting, Penn State, has spent her career working in senior financial management positions with both multinationals and small businesses. Over the past 20 years, Jill has worked primarily with small and medium size companies in the construction and service industry. She has expertise in both operational and financial functions. Jill is a Sage 100 Certified Consultant and supports all software at Trinity. Jill is the functional CFO for Trinity Design/Build.

Amy Lowe

Selections Coordinator

Amy Lowe, BS in Hotel/Restaurant Administration, University of Tennessee, recently moved to Durham with her family. Design and all its elements have always been a passion: Amy wants the feel of comfort and welcome to be just as present in every room as its purpose. Amy brings attention to detail and a range of experience, from sales and business development at a corporate interior design firm to starting a non-profit school for students with Autism, to her role as Selections Coordinator.  Amy feels we all have a story to tell, and being part of a community is key to hearing and sharing those stories. Building homes in a community is much like building relationships in a community: it takes time, communication, commitment, and honesty. As a member of the Trinity team, Amy looks forward to building both.

Emanuel Montano

Site Supervisor

Emanual Montano, commonly known as “Manny,” is a licensed general contractor who has taken CTE (Career and Technical Education) Construction Courses throughout his career. Working different construction trades through his schooling helped diversify his knowledge and further his interest in pursuing construction/management. In his free time, Manny loves to be outdoors and connect with new people. He loves building strong, lasting friendships and is eager to continue his role as Site Supervisor at Trinity Design/Build.  

Tim Nelson

Estimator

Tim Nelson developed an interest in building while working for a German cabinetmaker in Wilmington, NC, where he also enjoyed restoring old sailboats. In college he earned a B.S. in theology, and studied industrial design. He has broad experience in the construction industry, including fine woodworking as well as large commercial operations and projects.  
In his younger years, Tim had the opportunity to work on a ranch in Teton National Park, where he experienced world-class fly-fishing on the Snake River. As a California native, surfing has been a lifelong passion, which he now shares with his family, on trips to the Outer Banks. Tim is married to his high-school sweetheart and has four children.

Amber Rogers

Site Supervisor

Amber Rogers is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in specialized heavy haul transportation/logistics and construction. Her expertise spans the entire spectrum: from project inception to impeccable completion, she consistently delivers top-tier results. Amber’s true passion lies in conceptualizing projects and seeing them through to fruition, ensuring excellence every step of the way. She thrives on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork to achieve optimal outcomes for clients. Recently making the transition from Green Bay, Wisconsin to the Triangle area to be closer to her adult children, Amber is eager to bring her wealth of experience to Trinity Design/Build as a Site Supervisor.

Jeff Sheldon

Project Manager

Jeff Sheldon, MBA, Duke University, began his career as a carpenter’s apprentice in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. From there, he worked in commercial construction in Chicago and Savannah. After grad school, he led a manufacturing team for a local online retail company. Jeff’s varied experience in project management and production are great strengths in his role as Project Manager at Trinity Design/Build. Jeff was born in Chapel Hill and now calls Durham home. At Trinity Design/Build, Jeff looks forward to building relationships and working with the team to bring clients’ exciting ideas to life. 

Joe Pevehouse

Site Supervisor

Joe, a North Carolina native, began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a structural engineer. Following his service, he spent over 20 years honing his craftsmanship in the trades—first as a slate roofing foreman, then as a carpenter for a window installation company. These hands-on roles sharpened his attention to detail and deepened his expertise in the precision required for fine home building.
Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. 

Blake Piner

Site Supervisor

Blake, BS in Business Admin, UNC-Chapel Hill, has a unique blend of experiences such as living in South Asia where he mentored college students, managing a local coffee shop, and completing commercial and residential construction projects as a project manager. These experiences have developed key critical thinking and problem-solving expertise, which complement his natural interpersonal skills. Blake enjoys the challenges and joys of construction and seeks to complete all of his work with integrity and excellence, no matter the task. As a Site Supervisor with the team at Trinity Design/Build, he is excited to tackle any build!

Justice Parker

Site Supervisor

Justice Parker, MBA in Hospitality and Sustainable Tourism, began her career in the hospitality and events industry as a Design Assistant before finding her passion in the construction industry. With five years of experience as a Selections and
Project Coordinator, Justice brings a genuine love for building homes to her role as a Site Supervisor, combining attention to detail, organization, and a
commitment to creating spaces—and relationships—that truly last. 

Jim Florie

Interior Designer

Jim Florie, MS in Information Systems Management from George Washington University, began his career in IT as a Software Engineer and Project Manager. Through several personal renovation projects—including the restoration of a historic home in Trinity Park as a client of Trinity Design/Build—Jim developed a deep appreciation for home design and the building process. His strong project management background, attention to detail, personal experience with renovation projects, and passion for thoughtful design make him a trusted guide for clients as they select the fixtures and finishes that bring both beauty and functionality to their homes.