
What We Do
From one-of-a-kind custom homes to transformative large-scale renovations, our comprehensive design-build approach brings your vision to life with precision and artistry. We're proud to craft exceptional, high-quality homes - delivered on time and within budget - through a streamlined process that’s as rewarding as the finished result. Our commitment to thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and clear communication ensures an experience we've found our clients genuinely enjoy from start to finish.
Detailed information upfront
Through a few upfront discussions and meetings we extract a detailed vision of the project you want and help fill in any remaining blanks. It allows us to provide a detailed, well-informed build cost early on before you even sign a contract with us. This helps you budget appropriately for your project and make an appropriate investment decision for your home before you're too far down the path.
Identify the perfect property
Some clients come to us with a homesite already secured - but if you’re still searching, we’ve got you covered. With deep local knowledge and expertise, we specialize in identifying buildable lots and can help you find the perfect property that aligns with both your budget and your vision for the project.
Architecture as a partnership
We partner and work closely with a select few architects, ensuring the architect building your home has a clear understanding of your budget and will design a home that precisely fits your specific needs. Taking the approvals for this floor-by-floor ensures you can digest choices and make decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We engage 3D rendering tools to help you visualize your new home.
Simplified selections process
Our in-house design team serves as your trusted guide - part advisor, part detail-oriented organizer, and always your sounding board throughout the design process. At every selection stage, we present thoughtful, in-budget options that reflect your unique style and vision. From exterior finishes to interior details, we ensure each choice complements the next, creating a cohesive and beautifully curated home. We ensure that choices are made in a timely manner to keep construction moving forward.
Sophisticated project management
We take our timelines seriously and pride ourselves on finishing jobs on time. Our project management tool allows us to plan and track job progress. Then, we line up our subcontractors to ensure there's always work happening at your build. This precision also allows you to plan for when to sell a current property, end a lease, book your movers and plan the housewarming party!
Meet The Team

Steve Sobkowiak Co-owner
Steve’s career in the building industry began at an early age while working with a mason on custom homes in Oakbrook, IL and as a general contractor building playgrounds during his high school summer breaks. From this early age, Steve knew he would somehow be involved in the construction industry for many years to come. Following graduation from Montini Catholic High School, Steve attended the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a double major in marketing and human resources. Soon after, he began his career as a sales consultant. After success in that field, he bought his first condo conversion in Chicago. While Steve had lived away from the western suburbs for almost 10 years, he always dreamed of returning to build new homes and contribute to the growth in the communities he called home for so many years.
Steve Sobkowiak
Co-owner
Steve’s career in the building industry began at an early age while working with a mason on custom homes in Oakbrook, IL and as a general contractor building playgrounds during his high school summer breaks. From this early age, Steve knew he would somehow be involved in the construction industry for many years to come. Following graduation from Montini Catholic High School, Steve attended the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a double major in marketing and human resources. Soon after, he began his career as a sales consultant. After success in that field, he bought his first condo conversion in Chicago. While Steve had lived away from the western suburbs for almost 10 years, he always dreamed of returning to build new homes and contribute to the growth in the communities he called home for so many years.

Ryan Dunham Co-owner
Ryan’s initial experience in the construction industry came during summer breaks in his high school years in Rockford, IL. His construction career continued through college by working with various tradesmen, performing duties such as flooring installation and remodeling work. He obtained a bachelors degree in marketing from Illinois State University School of Business, after which he began a consulting career working with several Fortune 500 corporations. After Ryan bought his first condo, he soon kicked off his development career converting condos and 2/3-flats in Chicago’s Lakeview and Wicker Park neighborhoods. He has since moved his family to the western suburbs to be closer to the many home sites he and co-owner Steve are developing.
Ryan Dunham
Co-owner
Ryan’s initial experience in the construction industry came during summer breaks in his high school years in Rockford, IL. His construction career continued through college by working with various tradesmen, performing duties such as flooring installation and remodeling work. He obtained a bachelors degree in marketing from Illinois State University School of Business, after which he began a consulting career working with several Fortune 500 corporations. After Ryan bought his first condo, he soon kicked off his development career converting condos and 2/3-flats in Chicago’s Lakeview and Wicker Park neighborhoods. He has since moved his family to the western suburbs to be closer to the many home sites he and co-owner Steve are developing.

Dan Ignash
Director of Operations
With over 20 years in the building industry, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and a solutions-focused approach to his role as Director of Operations. Before joining our team, he spent two decades with Pella Windows, where he developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of custom build clients. Over the years, our team built a strong working relationship with Dan, and he became closely familiar with our business and our values. Dan's broad network of subcontractor relationships and hands-on experience as a general contractor give him a well-rounded perspective that helps him navigate even the most complex builds. Known for his thoughtful problem solving and skillful negotiating, Dan works hard to ensure every home we build meets the level of craftsmanship our clients expect.

Bill Bobbitt Senior Project Manager
Bill grew up in the Chicago area and now resides in the western suburbs. He worked in the roofing industry for many years. Bill now acts as our primary project manager on our custom homes. On any given day Bill is visiting our job sites to ensure timelines are being met and the work being done is Oakley quality. He's likely to be thrown plenty of curveballs and works to respond to those so our homeowners don't have to.
Bill Bobbitt
Senior Project Manager
Bill grew up in the Chicago area and now resides in the western suburbs. He worked in the roofing industry for many years. Bill now acts as our primary project manager on our custom homes. On any given day Bill is visiting our job sites to ensure timelines are being met and the work being done is Oakley quality. He's likely to be thrown plenty of curveballs and works to respond to those so our homeowners don't have to.

Heather Bui Designer
Heather, a Michigan native, made the return back north to the Chicago area a few years ago after spending several years in the Naples, FL market as an interior designer. Heather brings a wealth of ideas and solutions to our clients that helps to keep the process from becoming too overwhelming. She'll suggest the perfect white paint color or educate you on the ideal height for hanging a light.
Heather Bui
Designer
Heather, a Michigan native, made the return back north to the Chicago area a few years ago after spending several years in the Naples, FL market as an interior designer. Heather brings a wealth of ideas and solutions to our clients that helps to keep the process from becoming too overwhelming. She'll suggest the perfect white paint color or educate you on the ideal height for hanging a light.

Jack Hayes
Project Manager
Jack's calm demeanor and unparalleled work ethic means we can always count on him to show up and get the job done. He is a constant presence on many of our renovation and new build job sites, working with our subcontractors to ensure the job is moving along as it should.
What Our Clients Have To Say
Our design experience with Oakley was excellent! Building a home while relocating from out of state seemed like a daunting task, however, the constant communication from the Oakley team made it an easy process. We covered a lot in our meetings and our appointments were efficient. Even though I knew Oakley had multiple projects going on, to me, it seemed like they were just building our house. We were able to move in ahead of schedule, which I understand is very rare when it comes to building. Oakley would always let us know which choices would keep us within budget and help us come up with creative ways to stay within budget in one area if we went over in another. There were no surprises as we were sent reports on a consistent basis. Finally, all of our design questions were addressed quickly and they would welcome suggestions or alternative ideas when I wasn’t sure about something. Ryan was able to show us many houses during the design phase, which speaks volumes to the great relationships they have with their past and current clients.
Sherry
Downers Grove Custom Build Client
There is not enough we can say or do to reflect our appreciation of your work. From day one you have made us feel like your only client and have produced a house that is beyond what we even expected. Most people live in multiple homes this day in age, buying and selling looking to capitalize on the market conditions. Know for us, this is our family home, a home that we never really thought was a possibility but now is one we are humbled and proud to make memories and grow old in. You all are a fabric in making this become reality. I truly hope you all continue to be rewarded for your amazing work and the company continues to be what you have built and more. It was a true blessing we found Oakley and had the opportunity to work with you all - thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
John & Zoe
La Grange Park Custom Build Clients
We walked into this process knowing we had a pandemic that made supply chain issues and uncertainties. Throughout the process we were embarrassing ourselves for the “issues.” The external factors never impacted us and we know it’s because Oakley got ahead of these issues. We are ever so grateful for Oakley. The entire building process was so pleasant. We never worried, never questioned the work and never got behind schedule. I share all of this because this entire experience was far beyond what we expected. The entire team made us feel heard, but more importantly special.
H.S.
Hinsdale Custom Build Client
There are no words to describe how happy we are to have chosen Oakley Home Builders to build the home of our dreams. Their work has exceeded our expectations. Even outside contractors who come in are impressed with the level of their skill. Our home was completed 3 months ahead of time and the process was incredibly smooth - and fun! I just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for them and their team.
Carolina
Downers Grove Custom Build Client
There are no words to describe how happy we are to have chosen Oakley Home Builders to build the home of our dreams. Their work has exceeded our expectations. Even outside contractors who come in are impressed with the level of their skill. Our home was completed 3 months ahead of time and the process was incredibly smooth - and fun! I just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for them and their team.