Detailed information upfront
Communication is a stronger foundation than guesswork.
Through a few upfront discussions and meetings, we extract a detailed vision of the project you want and help fill in any remaining blanks. This allows us to provide a detailed, well-informed build cost before you even sign a contract with us. You are then able to budget appropriately for your project and make the right investment decision for your home before you're too far down the path.
Understanding Lots, Locations, and Value
Our expertise in the home building, buying and selling market means we have a great understanding of which locations, designs, materials and selections will ensure you’re maximizing the value in your new home.
Understanding Scheduling
You will receive a detailed schedule for your project and our homes are delivered on time. We consolidate selection meetings and communicate with you at helpful checkpoints to streamline the build process while still keeping you informed along the way.
Architecture as a Partnership
We partner and work closely with the architect designing your home to ensure they have a clear understanding of your budget and will design a home that precisely fits that. Taking the approvals floor-by-floor ensures you can digest choices and make decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We will engage 3D rendering tools to help you visualize the exterior of your new home, aiding in selections.
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Simplified Selection Process
Turning the most nerve wrecking part of building into the most seamless.
Our in-house designers come to the rescue as your advisors, organizers and sounding board for exterior and interior design. We'll come with in-budget recommendations for each selection stage that reflects your style we've gleaned. We make sure the overall home design choices flow and that choices are made in a timely manner to keep construction moving.
In House Designers
With our in-house design team, you don't need to make a single decision fully on your own. We've built over 200 homes, we know what works and what doesn't. Our expertise allows you to enjoy the process without stressing the details.
Real Time Changes
Your selections can be on your blueprints within moments. Our top notch technology and designers can adjust plans in real time. Together, we'll work through as many iterations of your home as it'll take to have you feeling confident in your home choices.
Sophisticated Project Management
We take our timelines seriously and pride ourselves on finishing jobs on time. Our project management team and resources allow 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 in Oakbrook, IL and as a general contractor building playgrounds during his high school. From then, Steve knew he had found his passion for creating custom homes. 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. After success in sales consulting, he bought his first condo conversion in Chicago. After 10 years away, Steve returned to the western suburbs to continue to contribute to the communities that he called home for so many years. He has spent the past 22 years in Downers Grove, both raising three kids and building your dream home.
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.
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.
Kevin Nelson
Project Manager
Kevin, a Downers Grove local, joined the Oakley team right after graduating from Downers Grove North high school. A dedicated worker, he continued to work while getting his BS in Business from Lewis University, where he graduated in 2024. Kevin now provides a positive energy to our sites, where he meets with clients and subcontractors to guarantee the best from our builds.
Izzy Kamayangi
Tech and Innovation
Izzy made the move to the Chicago area and quickly found a home at Oakley. With a background in software development and leveraging emerging technologies, Izzy stepped into a custom role: Technology and Innovation Lead. Day to day, Izzy designs and builds the internal systems that help the Oakley team price smarter, track better, and serve clients more effectively. Izzy bridges the gap between technology and construction so the people doing the work have everything they need to do it well.
Nicy Chennuri
Interior Designer + Construction Coordinator
Nicy moved from Dallas to the Chicagoland area after earning a BFA in Interior Design. Highly skilled in advanced 3D modeling and rendering, Nicy brings a wealth of technical and creative expertise to the Oakley team, helping bring the client's vision to life long before construction begins. Her ability to visualize intricate spaces ensures a seamless experience for our clients from the very first sketch to the final build.
Julie Boyle
Finance
Julie grew up in Clarendon Hills and has called Downers Grove home for the past twenty years, giving her a deep connection to the communities Oakley proudly serves. She plays a key role in budgeting, financial planning, and reporting to help ensure projects are delivered efficiently and aligned with the company’s high standards. Her attention to detail and collaborative approach help support both the leadership team and clients throughout the building process.
LIVING WHERE WE WORK
Twenty years of living and working in the same community means something. It means we’ve worked with other local businesses since the start. Subcontractors, suppliers, and realtors who know our name and treat clients accordingly. Those relationships mean your home is never just another job on the calendar. When a project requires specific details, they move for us. When you have questions long after move in, these are the same people on the other end of the phone.
