Meet Our Team

Dennis Brooks, Principal

Dennis Brooks – 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. Since that time he has constructed buildings for companies such as Levitz Furniture, Safeway, Mutual of Omaha, W.T. Grant, IBM, K-Mart, Orchard Supply Hardware, House of Fabrics, Kragen Auto Parts, Marriott Corporation, and many others across Colorado, California, Wyoming, Arizona and Montana.

Dennis is a licensed general contractor and a member of Western Regional Master Builders Association, three chapters of the Community Associations Institute and the California Association of Community Managers. He established Design Build Associates in 1983 and has developed it into the well-respected firm that it is today. His emphasis has always been on building a reputable company that can take pride in the success of each project completed. Dennis continues to work toward developing the company, as well as its employees, in such a manner as to represent the ideals and goals he has always upheld.

Under his leadership today, Design Build Associates provides consulting services to a myriad of clients. Dennis continually seeks new opportunities to expand the company’s influence and provide a strong and distinguished service delivered with integrity to all clientele.

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

Dennis Brooks’ March/April 2012 Article in Focus Magazine

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.

Past Co-Chair Southern California Builder’s Safety Alliance

Served as the developer Board representative for numerous projects

Current HOA Board president

Dale Meredith

Dale heads up our Orange County office and has become a major asset to the team and to our clients. His 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

Michael Harding

Michael brings a wealth of experience from over two decades of involvement working for large land developers/nation-wide multi-family residential builders with an emphasis on construction management and customer service.  His expertise from the perspective of having held positions on numerous HOA boards of directors from the developer side is a bonus coming into our industry.  Michael has extensive knowledge and experience coordinating all phases of project execution, from agency approvals at the outset through close-out requirements and documentation, as well as overseeing budgets, schedules, operational responsibilities and supervision of jobsite personnel.

Licensed General Engineering Contractor-Class A
Licensed State Contractor Class B HIC
SWPPP Compliance & LRP
OSHA Training Course

Scott McBryde

Scott brings over three decades of construction knowledge and expertise to our team.  He has experience as a business owner responsible for all aspects of the business, as well as various positions including assistant project manager, project manager and senior project manager for numerous general contracting firms on projects that included residential, multi-family, commercial and industrial.

CSLB C-39  B Contractors Licenses

Ray Echlin

Ray brings over 18 years of construction knowledge and expertise to our team.  He has managed projects in single-family and multi-family residential, commercial and industrial, working with general contractors, architects, designers, engineers and consultants to successfully guide projects from preconstruction to close-out.

Since 2014 Ray has been an Educated Business Partner Member of several CAI Chapters including Channel Islands, Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.
 

BA – EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
CERTIFIED COATINGS CONSULTANT – 2003
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE – 2014
AMERICAN INSTITUTE of ARCHITECTS – 2014-2019

Brady Gamble

Brady brings 33 years construction experience to the DBA team.  He started in construction at an early age and worked his way up through the trades to start his own general contracting company which he successfully ran for 14 years.  Brady also has extensive experience performing inspections, testing and technical report writing.

CSLB Class B License

Christian Cook

Christian brings over two decades of experience in home building and renovations, specializing in construction management and customer service for leading residential builders and real estate funds.  His expertise encompasses overseeing the full spectrum of residential projects, from planning and approvals to execution and completion.  His experience in budget management, scheduling, and team coordination while ensuring efficient project delivery and client satisfaction is a great asset to DBA.

BIA – Customer Service Builders Council President – 2010 & 2011

OSHA Training

K.C. Mollé

KC is our Office Manager/Human Resources Generalist. Her background includes having worked for large general contractors, subcontractors and real estate developers. KC maintains and organizes our office operations and procedures, and handles our accounts payable and accounts receivable. She assists management in establishing and implementing office 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