Our award-winning design-build company has been delighting clients since 1988.
Founded over three decades ago, Custom Design & Construction provides an unparalleled remodeling experience for the South Bay area. From whole house to additions to kitchens to bathrooms, our committed team can handle any remodeling project with ease.
Here’s what sets us apart from other remodeling companies:
Design-Build Approach
We'll be the single point of accountability for your entire remodeling project—start to finish.
Immersive Design Center
Our El Segundo design center helps you visualize details when making decisions about your space.
Award-Winning Designs
We've earned countless prestigious awards, including California Remodeler of the Year three times.
Home Remodeling Financing
Our financing options for clients are streamlined, simplified, and feature no closing costs or fees.
Collaborative & Communicative
We take customer service seriously, and we've proudly earned a 93% client satisfaction rate since 1988.
Industry-Leading Warranty
We stand by our craftsmanship and provide a generous warranty to clients for peace of mind.
We’ve built a legacy for providing exceptional client experience.
Beth Rubin
Director of Design
Beth has a gift for capturing the essence of each client within their home. Prior to joining Custom Design & Construction in 2009, she earned a decade’s worth of industry experience through designing everything from residential powder rooms to casino gaming floors.
With a keen understanding of her clients’ visions, Beth fosters a collaborative design process that puts clients at ease. Both imaginative and practical, Beth’s designs maximize possibilities with consideration to structure and budget.
Beth has earned a positive reputation for her flexibility, and she presents clients with numerous options for review before remodeling. She has a deep knowledge of materials and finishes, and she’s able to help clients make grounded decisions on where to splurge and where to save—without compromising on the final result.
When she’s not bringing clients’ dreams to life, Beth is an avid cyclist and athlete. She became an Ironman in Mont Tremblant in 2022.
Santos Mejia
Production Manager
Santos joined the Custom Design & Construction team in 2001, and he’s a trusted leader within our team and among clients. As production manager, he’s responsible for the entire construction operations of our business, including overseeing all projects, managing our team, directing project schedules, and providing a superior client experience on behalf of our company.
Flexible and friendly, Santos is a client favorite. (In fact, many are sad to part ways with him at the end of a job!) He’s recognized for providing his duties with the highest level of skill, and as the primary daily field supervisor, he approaches each construction project’s planning and delivery with precision.
When he’s not managing the intricate details of our projects, Santos enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends.
Chelsea Cutler
Designer/General Manager
As General Manager, Chelsea oversees every phase of a project, from demolition to move-in day and beyond. She ensures that pre construction development aligns design dreams with a feasible plan that homeowners will cherish for years to come.
With 12 years of experience in the building industry, Chelsea has a rich background in account management, working with a diverse range of clients from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. This experience has honed her ability to navigate complex projects and deliver outstanding results. Chelsea is known for bringing insight-driven, innovative solutions to every endeavor and excels in cultivating strong team and partner relationships throughout the design-build process.
Outside of her role as CDC’s Chief Cheerleader, Chelsea enjoys spending time with family and friends, creating lasting memories often centered around delicious meals and hearty laughter.
Karine Schaefer
Customer Experience Assistant/Designer
Karine brings a wealth of creativity and passion to Custom Design & Construction, focusing on client satisfaction, sales leads, marketing campaigns, and interior design. With her intuitive approach to enhancing personal spaces, she ensures that every project is handled with care and attention to detail. Karine's enthusiasm for the design and building industry grows daily as she works alongside the CD&C team.
Before joining CD&C, Karine built her experience as an Interior Design assistant, ran her own home organizing business, and spent over 12 years in the fashion industry. She’s now expanding her skill set with AutoCAD training to continue evolving in her role.
A native of Brazil, Karine is most proud of her journey to the U.S., where she learned English and earned degrees from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Graphic Design and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Product Development/Merchandising. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, she brings an international flair to her work.
When she’s not helping clients create their dream homes, Karine enjoys going to the beach, watching sunsets, supporting her son at his sporting events, and traveling.
Jorge Arias
Architectural Designer
As Architectural Designer at Custom Design & Construction, Jorge brings our design visions to life by creating a concrete plan and layout for our construction plans. With careful consideration to building specifications, building and zone requirements, and the overall goals of the project, Jorge acts as the glue between the design and construction phases in remodeling.
Prior to joining Custom Design & Construction in 2019, Jorge earned two decades of experience overseeing architectural design for residential (single homes and apartments) and commercial buildings, including field measurements, city submittals, and client coordination.
Jorge possesses a Bachelor of Architecture from Universida Autonoma de Guadalajara.
Rachel Ponder
Designer
As Designer for Custom Design & Construction, Rachel has a gift for translating our clients' perspectives and experiences into one-of-a-kind spaces. Since joining our team in 2019, she’s dazzled clients with her interior space prowess, material recommendations, and 3D renderings.
With a BFA in interior architectural design from Cal State Long Beach, Rachel has proven her design chops (and entrepreneurial skills!) by working in residential design for many years. Between spearheading boutique residential design for Velvet Hammerschmidt Design, overseeing kitchen design for Traemand, and even running her own shop, Rachel brings her whole heart to every project.
Outside of work, Rachel loves camping, visiting national parks, live music, and traveling to a new city every New Year’s Eve.
John
Designer
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Kim Mejia
Architectural Design Assistant
Kim plays a crucial role at Custom Design & Construction as an Architectural Design Assistant. She prepares working and presentation drawings, assists with dimensional surveys, and collaborates with the design team to refine and review building designs. With a sharp eye for detail and expertise in CAD software, Kim helps bring creative architectural visions to life.
Before joining Custom Design & Construction, Kim spent five years in construction office management, where she handled everything from financial records to payroll, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. Her combined experience in management and design gives her a unique perspective in her current role.
Kim holds an Architectural Design Skills Certificate and an AutoCAD Skills Certificate and was honored with the prestigious IR Architects Scholarship Award. She’s also pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture, set to begin in Fall 2025.
Outside of the office, Kim enjoys exploring the city with her adventurous 5-year-old, visiting museums, and attending live concerts to see her favorite bands.
Ryan Mejia
Project Manager
With a passion for construction kindled during his college days working in the industry, Ryan now proudly follows in his father's footsteps. His 7 years of experience in construction, culminating in his current role as a Project Manager at Custom Design & Construction, reflect his dedication and skill. Ryan is responsible for overseeing projects from the initial planning stages to the final touches of post-production. His key focus is ensuring that each project adheres to the company's high standards while staying on schedule.
Ryan's approach to project management is grounded in efficient planning and organization, ensuring a streamlined process. He places great importance on listening to clients' concerns and addressing them promptly and effectively. His recent certification as a Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a testament to his commitment and expertise.
With three years of college education in business logistics and management, Ryan has a solid foundation in the principles of good business practice. His personal philosophy is to treat clients with the utmost respect and consideration, just as he would expect to be treated.
Outside of work, Ryan is a car enthusiast who enjoys playing baseball and soccer. He has an avid interest in music, having seen an impressive 145 music acts live. As for his professional aspirations, Ryan aims to continue his growth within the company, seeking a more influential decision-making role in the future.
Lito Berganza
Field Supervisor
Lito is our glue and go-to for bringing our construction projects to life. Thorough and committed, he keeps our projects on track by ensuring materials are ready to go and tasks are running smoothly. We love how Lito is a reliable team player, and we can always count on him to help wherever needed.
Prior to joining our team, Lito earned initial site experience as a painter, which included area preparation and supporting projects to completion.
In his spare time, Lito likes to fish and dirtbike riding with his brothers.
Manuel Gonzales
Carpenter & Site Maintenance
With over 30 years of experience in the painting industry, Manuel has become an essential part of the Custom Design & Construction team as a Senior Painter and Site Supervisor. His primary responsibilities involve supervising job sites and leading paint projects to ensure they meet our standards and are completed within set deadlines.
Manuel's approach to his work is characterized by his firm yet wise leadership style. He is known for his patience and ability to tackle challenging projects head-on. Manuel honed his skills under the apprenticeship of seasoned painters, learning early in his career the value of perseverance and detail-oriented work.
In his personal life, Manuel enjoys spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He aspires to retire and return to his home country in the future. An interesting aspect of Manuel's career is his occasional collaborations with Hollywood's elite, bringing a touch of celebrity to his already impressive resume.
Roberto Melchor
Remodel Specialist
Roberto, a jack-of-all-trades with a particular expertise in tile laying, brings over 20 years of experience to Custom Design & Construction. His dedication to craftsmanship and adherence to our company's high standards makes him a valued team member.
His hands-on training and willingness to continuously learn have shaped his professional philosophy. Roberto believes that there is always room for growth and new knowledge in his field. This mindset not only enhances his work but also contributes positively to our team dynamic.
When not laying tiles to perfection, Roberto enjoys watching movies with his family. His favorite film is The Notebook. He looks forward to bringing unique and beautiful tilework to Custom Design & Construction’s clients.
Mario Gonzales
Carpenter
Mario joined Custom Design & Construction as a Finish Carpenter after gaining valuable experience for approximately six years in various companies. His role includes executing all carpentry work to the highest standard possible, a testament to his professionalism and attention to detail.
With a background that includes a high school diploma from Los Angeles High School and some community college education, Mario brings a blend of formal education and on-the-job training to his role. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills to enhance the company's carpentry operations and make processes smoother for everyone.
Mario is an active individual with hobbies that include playing soccer and basketball with friends. He also enjoys outdoor activities like camping and visiting lakes. His future aspiration is to earn a professional license in his field, further solidifying his expertise.
Javier Cruz
Carpenter & Site Maintenance
Javier's lifelong immersion in the furniture industry has naturally evolved into a career in carpentry. At Custom Design & Construction, he is responsible for wood framing, drywall, and maintaining cleanliness on the job site.
Approaching his work enthusiastically and eager to learn, Javier is particularly interested in expanding his skillset beyond framing. He values the opportunity to reflect on daily progress, especially through his routine of cleaning up the site at the end of each day.
Javier's business acumen stems from his experiences in his family's business, giving him a unique perspective on our operations. His personal interests include sports, spending time with family, and enjoying outdoor activities like traveling and camping. Additionally, Javier has a creative side, having played drums and bass for several years.
Fernando Arana
Painter
Fernando joined Custom Design & Construction with six months of experience as a painter, quickly becoming known for his attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality work. He takes great pride in ensuring clients are satisfied with every project.
With an academic background in nursing, Fernando brings a unique focus on precision and avoiding mistakes in his craft. Outside of work, he enjoys making new friends and watching soccer.
Dale
Designer
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Bill Simone
Founder
Since founding Custom Design & Construction, Bill has proven that it’s possible to have great design, product selections, construction, project management, and in-house financing—all under the same roof. Bill helped pioneer the design-build company concept, which is now widely accepted as a superior experience for high-end residential remodels.
Outside of Custom Design & Construction, Bill has served as President of the National Association of Home Builders Los Angeles Remodelers Council, Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, and he’s a certified graduate remodeler, certified aging in place specialist and EPA lead-safe expert. Bill serves on the board for Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, which brings together the brightest minds in the industry, including product manufacturers, economists, media editors and government agencies.
A native of Illinois, Simone attended SUNY Geneseo on a hockey scholarship then continued his studies at Iowa State University, graduating with two professional degrees in architecture.
We want to hear your vision.
Meet a specialist from our team in a complimentary consultation.