Meet the Team

James Blankenship
Project Manager
In a recent survey, upon completion of their whole-house remodel, Howard & Jackie G. of Poway wrote, “James is the secret weapon of DDB.  He cares about your project like it was his own home.”  If we were to excerpt even half of the glowing comments written about James in our client surveys, it would fill this entire page.  The simple fact is that James creates raving fans out of clients, city building inspectors, trades professionals, and his fellow teammates. James is a hands-on project manager and a knowledgeable advocate who has the respect of those around him and the experience to know how to get things done the right way. He has nearly 30 years of experience in all phases of construction and is an EPA-Certified and licensed General Contractor. James excels at communication—and keeping the project on-schedule and on-budget.  As one Oceanside homeowner said, “None of my friends could believe it when we stayed on schedule—there were no surprises and we knew exactly what to expect each day.  Amazing!”  Clients know that they can communicate openly with James about all of their concerns and come to trust James to deliver on DDB’s promise of exceptional service.  James’ favorite part of his work is the look on clients’ faces when the project is complete.

Favorite Quote: “Get something done!” –James Blankenship

 

Steve Walton
Design Consultant
Steven W. Walton, Senior Designer for Dream Design Builders, has more than 25 years of professional expertise, Steven W. Walton specializes in the management of residential sales and residential design. A member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), he is a key member at Dream Design Builders, contributing to its high ratings as one of the nation's highest ranking companies in the remodeling industry. Walton has been honored with multiple awards and featured in nationally- syndicated magazines such as Northern California Home and Garden, San Diego Home and Garden, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Magazine, Woman's Day and Qualified Remodeler. He is recognized in the remodeling industry for his creativity and high standards of excellence.

Mr. Walton also lectures regularly on the topic of design and sales. Attributing his success to his hard work and perseverance, he will look to continue with Dream Design Builders as he moves forward in his career. Mr. Walton holds a bachelor's degree with high honors from the University of California at Berkeley in architecture with a minor in structural engineering.

Favorite quote: "There's always room for improvement. It's the biggest room in the house." - Author, Louise Heath Leber

 

Pamela Martin Johnston
Design Coordinator
Pam is both an experienced designer and a “fan favorite” of the Dream Design Builders team.  She became interested in the field of home design when she remodeled her own home in Rancho Bernardo; she developed her talents at San Diego State University’s FICA-accredited Interior Design program, from which she graduated with honors.  Pam came to DDB in 2006 and since that time has been creating beautiful kitchens, baths and custom homes for our clients.  Pam specializes in bringing out clients’ individual tastes and bringing them together in tasteful harmony.  She finds a balance between producing dramatic results that offer a “wow” factor while providing a cohesive and comfortable living space.  In her words, “the home is a sanctuary in which the owner’s personality and distinctive taste should shine… we help bring that to life.”  DDB’s clients enjoy her creativity, her artful design aesthetic and a customer service approach that produces lasting relationships with clients.  Passionate about an environmental approach to design, Pamela continually educates herself and staff on ways in which we can better approach design and remodeling from a green perspective.  She is currently working on her LEED accreditation.  

Favorite Quote: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’"- Erma Bombeck

 

Connie Magnani
Design Coordinator
Connie has refined her design acumen over the course of a 24 year career in the field of interior design.  Good design is rooted in a fundamental understanding of people: how they work, and how they dream.  Perhaps one of the secrets behind Connie’s success and longevity in the field is the wonderful way she has of relating with people.  She adapts to the clients’ communication style and finds a way to elicit their ideas and true concerns.  Connie applies her skill at problem-solving to tackle those concerns and translate the clients’ vision into a beautiful living space, accomplished within their budget. Her expertise and exacting professionalism in everything from cabinet layout and tile design to a detailed knowledge of available products and materials is what clients of Dream Design Builders have come to trust and enjoy. Connie’s favorite part of working at DDB is the sense of family amongst the team, trades partners, and clients.  “It is amazing to have the support of this group, where each individual has such integrity and where we are all committed to each others’ growth and that of the company.” Connie has been a San Diego local for over 40 years, and her broad network of contacts and experience help give clients’ projects a distinctive San Diego flavor.

Favorite quote: “When we dream alone, it is only a dream.  But when we dream together, it is the beginning of a new reality.” - Friedensreich Hundertwasser

 

Greg Pierce
Customer Service Manager
It is an enormous benefit to Dream Design Builders to have a craftsman of Greg’s stature on our team.  Greg started his career in countertop manufacturing and subsequently built custom cabinetry in San Diego for 14 years, giving him a strong foundation in understanding how things are made and exceptional carpentry skills. Greg now has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of remodeling and he serves as a resource and a guide to the whole team.  Greg’s role at Dream Design Builders is to make sure all work is done to specification and satisfaction. He is responsible for the final walkthrough with the clients, and he is the one who delivers on our long-term commitment to our clients and stands behind our work to resolve any issues that may arise after the project is complete.  Greg’s highly ethical and meticulous approach to his work helps ensure that every Dream Design Builders client is thrilled with their project and enjoys it for years to come.  His diverse background includes a real estate license in addition to an EPA- Certified Renovator and licensed General Contractor.  He treats each project like it is one of his own properties. Clients love working with Greg from start to finish and to honor those relationships Greg will go as many extra miles as it takes to make sure each project is perfect.

Favorite quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”- Mahatma Gandhi

 

Meital Stotland
PV Solar Design Consultant
Meital is a San Diego native driven by her passion for the environment.  Her ambitious personal goal is to expand San Diego’s solar rooftops from 50,000 today to 1,000,000 by 2016.  Meital joined our team as an experienced solar consultant in the formation of our new division, Cool Green Solar.  Meital graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Environmental Studies in 2003.  She is well-educated about many forms of renewable energy from geothermal to off-grid solar.  Her role sees her designing and implementing campaigns for neighborhoods, groups, and associations to go solar.   She is motivated to make a positive change in our environment here in San Diego and her energy is contagious!  When you meet Meital you can easily see her passion and excitement shine through her words and actions.  The integrity and thoughtfulness she brings to every situation, personal and professional, makes her a highly effective team member. 

Favorite Quote: “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” –Abraham Lincoln

 

Sandy Hughes
Office Manager
Sandy brings over 25 years of experience in construction-industry operations and bookkeeping to Dream Design Builders.  She helps clients through the billing process with good communication and flexibility.  Sandy moved to San Diego in 1984 and settled into the purchasing department of a national construction supply wholesaler.  In 1997, she brought her bookkeeping skills, leadership and management talents to the contractors’ side of the industry.  At Dream Design Builders, Sandy continues to exert those talents as she manages both human resources and accounting operations for Dream Design Builders.  She excels at training the younger members of DDB in best practices and generously shares the wisdom she has gained through her experience. 

Favorite quote:  “Anger is never without Reason, but seldom with a good One.” -Benjamin Franklin

 

"If you can dream it, we can design and build it." Email Us to Learn More.

 

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