FOUNDER - CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST

A Construction Specialist with more than 30 years dedicated to the construction industry.  Mathew got his start in Quesnel BC at a custom cabinet shop in the early 90’s where he learned the fine art of Furniture and Cabinetmaking.  Continuing to expand on his skills throughout the years, from Cabinetmaker to Carpenter and Renovator.  

In 2003 Mathew started his first General Contracting Company, combining his carpentry knowledge with his entrepreneurial spirit.  He quickly built a strong reputation for exceeding clientele’s expectations on both Residential and Commercial projects.  Mathew’s reputation for problem-solving, team-building, and his ability to streamline projects have resulted in repeat clientele and invitations to work on pivotal projects throughout Canada, the USA, Singapore and the Bahamas. He has more than 20 years of experience leading his general contracting company. He has managed multimillion-dollar projects and has overseen a variety of project types. His expertise includes major home remodels, executive home builds, retail store renovations, national head-office remodels, large franchise update programs, as well as health and dental clinics.  Whenever he takes on a new project, his extensive industry experience and knowledge come together to ensure success.

Mathew considers himself fortunate to have had exceptional teachers and mentors, whom he credits as key contributors to his success.

DESIGN DIRECTOR - MANAGING PARTNER

Interior Designer, DID. Certification in Construction Technology, Building Code and Construction Contracts & Law.

7 years as a Project Manager & Lead Designer for a luxury high-end furniture store chain in Eastern Canada. Designed and managed successfully the construction of 7 new retail stores and showrooms, while also taking on side special residential projects and being part of merchandising decisions on new product designs and overseas manufacturing. Experience in delivery/warehouse logistics for new location roll-outs, marketing, product development, leading teams, and sales.

6 years managing and designing multi-million dollar dental/ medical projects. Lead 16 successful new offices/ clinics built and designed.

Marianne has been with us for 2 years as Construction as Project Manager/ Designer. She strongly believe in facilitating the Design-Build experience - " A good design adds value faster than it adds costs”.

IDS (Interior Design Show) Toronto awards in 2018.

IDIBC (Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia) SHINE AWARD Finalist in 2022.

Project Nominated for a Commercial Building Award in Thompson-Okanagan for 2023.

FIELD MANAGER - “THE THOUGHTFUL”

Allan discovered his love for construction during his high school days helping at his father’s Custom Cabinet & General Contracting business.  

Economic changes led Allan to Alberta where he worked in the Modular Home industry building and setting up homes throughout the Western Provinces.  Approached to participate in the start-up of a new home manufacturing company, Allan found himself leading their finishing and quality control department.  Fast forward a few years and Allan receives another invitation, this time the invitation comes from a well-established award-winning Home Builder/Developer in the Edmonton area.  Allan spent the next 12 years with this firm, lending his expertise to leading their Finishing & Quality Control department, mentoring coworkers, and eventually settling into a Superintendent position.

It was to be closer to family and get back to his roots that he decided to move back to Quesnel.  Allan brings with him 30+ years of quality construction.  Back here to the town where it all began.

LEAD CARPENTER - MASTER TIMBER SPECIALIST - “SOLUTIONIST”

Dirk, originally from Germany, is a Certified Carpenter and Master Timber-Framer.  In 1993, he decided to bring his expertise to Canada, where over the next couple decades he operated his General Contracting & New Home Building Company.  Looking for a change of pace, Dirk’s passion for woodworking led him away from new homes and more towards focusing on specializing in Custom Cabinetry, Hand-crafted Wood Windows and Doors, and of course Timber.  

Here at 1557, Dirk’s experience, expertise and a unique approach are an invaluable addition to every project.  Much more than a Carpenter, he is an Artist.

LEAD CARPENTER - “SWISS ARMY KNIFE”

Born & raised in Quesnel, Darcie pretty much grew up on the tools, and as he says “I wouldn’t have it any other way”.  Darcie is a builder through and through.  His passion for his work brought him to live and travel all over British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Starting with building Cariboo barns for years, it was in 1993 that he made a shift into New Home building.  A bit later, on the West Coast is when Darcie refines his custom home-building skills where over the next 10 years he participates in the building of multiple “McMansion” homes.

Through the years, Darcie has worked on Low-Rise, High-Rise and Luxury condo projects.  Also working on multiple Commercial, Industrial and Institutional projects.  Eventually, this led him to work on two major UBC Vancouver projects. 

Aside from Carpentry, Darcie has spent time as a Certified Tower Crane Operator and heavy Equipment Operator, as well as a Teacher/Mentor to some local Quesnel business owners back in the day.   

His experiences vary from Carpentry, Concrete Forming and Finishing, to Metalwork, Siding, Roofing, Landscaping, Drywalling… Note the ellipsis here (…).  Which in Darcie’s case are more than justified as we keep discovering more of his hidden talents and skills.