Meet Our Team

Michael Burnaz, President

Michael brings more than 35 years of construction and operational leadership experience to DBA, having led private construction firms, national real estate platforms, and institutional development organization teams.  Throughout his career he has managed organizations and large-scale operating platforms through periods of growth, organizational change, and performance improvement, focusing on developing people, strengthening operations, and creating sustainable, scalable systems.

Michael leads DBA’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations, working closely with our employees, clients, and vendor partners.  His focus is on building upon DBA’s strong foundation while advancing the company’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and operational excellence, and providing exceptional service to our clients.

BS – Business Management
University of Phoenix

California State Contractor’s License

Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector
ICC International Code Council

 Zoning Inspector
ICC International Code Council

 LEED Green Associate
USGBC

Brian Rusaw, Chief Operating Officer

Having spent most of his career in residential construction, Brian brings over 30 years of experience working for national homebuilders in a variety of roles including national construction quality and safety oversight, construction management, complex construction defect resolution and the mitigation of risk, insurance and legal exposure. While working for the national builders, Brian commonly served on Homeowner Association Boards which gave him exposure to reserve studies, large scale projects, and bidding and contracting for services. This experience, coupled with the many years of interaction with architects, engineers, consultants and experts, brings a unique and valuable background to Design Build Associates.

Current HOA Board president

Over 30 years experience working with Homeowner Associations

Cofounder of Southern California Builders Safety Alliance

Dale Meredith

Dale’s wide-ranging experience complements the construction quality and cost management services DBA provides. He is well-versed in contract negotiations, project estimating, and document review, with a keen eye to keeping projects on schedule and within budget. Dale’s outstanding communication, and interpersonal skills and ability to interact with construction professionals, clients and homeowners develops and builds strategic relationships, which ultimately leads to a successful project completion. Dale has a Bachelor of Science Industrial Technology/Building Construction – Continuing education includes Certificate in Construction Practices, San Diego State University, numerous construction management courses at UCSD and UCI Extension programs.

California State Contractors License
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
CAL/OSHA Safety Training

Derek Hanson

Derek began his career in residential homebuilding for a real estate developer where he was involved in the development of 19 communities over the span of eight years.  From there he transitioned to managing the disposition of bank-owned properties where he stayed for several years before moving back to real estate development project management of renovations and repairs for commercial and residential construction.

CLSB B1 License
Facilities Management Professional Certification
BIA Home Building Council member and volunteer
USA Masters Swimming open water swimmer
Local water polo and swim team volunteer

John Weiler

John Weiler brings strong expertise in project management, regulatory compliance, and client relations, guiding construction projects from start to finish with efficiency and precision. Skilled in contract generation, business development, and team leadership, he builds lasting partnerships while ensuring projects meet regulatory and financial requirements.

With experience helping clients secure funding through financial institutions, John also manages construction documentation and work orders with attention to detail. His prior career in retail management for a large home improvement store helps him bring a passion to serving his client base.

K.C. Mollé

KC is our Office Manager/Contract Administrator.  Her background includes having worked for general contractors, large subcontractors and real estate developers. KC’s duties include preparing and issuing Contractor Requests for Proposals and Owner Contractor Agreements, as well as office operations, accounts payable and accounts receivable.   She assists management in establishing and implementing company procedures and human resources policies, programs and practices, and disseminating the information to the staff.  Her attention to detail and her accounting and wordsmithing skills make KC a valuable asset to our team.

Bachelor of Science – Business Administration
Central Michigan University

Kathryn Oppenheimer

Kathryn joined DBA as our administrative assistant and helps with invoicing, accounting and customer service, among other tasks. She comes to us with over 20 years experience in the real estate industry.  Kathryn brings a high level of attention to detail and excels in communication and customer service.  She is an amazing asset to our team!

Dennis Brooks, Founder Emeritus

Dennis established Design Build Associates in 1983 and over the next 42 years until his retirement in 2025 worked tirelessly to develop it into the well-respected firm that it is today.   Over the years he instilled his morals, values and ideals into every employee, ensuring that the emphasis he placed on building a reputable company that can take pride in the success of each project continues.

Dennis obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Construction Management from Colorado State University, one of the country’s leading Construction Management schools. Courses of study included structural, civil and soils engineering, architecture, construction and business management. Dennis graduated in December of 1978 with a Masters of Science degree, with the emphasis on Construction and Business Management.

BS – Construction Management, Colorado State
MS – Construction/Business Management, Colorado State
California State Contractors License – inactive