“It is a rare occurrence when you know exactly what you want do in life. I am very lucky in that I have always known that I wanted to build great things.”

From a young age, Woody Gontina was intrigued with building.
Following his passion, Woody graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management in 1996. Upon graduation he moved to California’s Bay Area where he spent eight years as a Project Manager, Development Manager and Real Estate Investor.

He started his career building Cleanrooms for companies including Intel and Motorola. Building on this experience, he took a position that allowed him to learn the fundamentals of high-density residential development. While pursuing his professional career, his personal career included investing and re-positioning residential income properties. Woody moved back to Michigan to co-found Gontina Building & Design in 2004.

“Residential design is the perfect package. Space is at a human scale, where the need for relaxation and inspiration is part of daily life, and the architecture can be timeless and cutting edge all at once. We also enjoy the design build process with residential clients because while we are providing a service for their needs, we are also learning from them as well. It's a productive situation which everyone can grow from.”

Timothy Risk graduated from Michigan State University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. Shortly after, he relocated to Traverse City, Michigan to work for an architectural firm doing commercial and residential design. During this time he also co-founded a non-profit organization, SEEDS which has grown over the years to provide a number of consulting, engineering, and planning services aimed at protecting the environment. His involvement with SEEDS continues as a board member and treasurer.

After a few years in the corporate design realm Tim started his own design and carpentry business which led to a number of architectural commissions and work as a boat builder. His attention to detail eventually led to a position working at AAI Inc., an established firm known for exquisite homes and community projects. It was during this experience that Tim began to recognize his passion for residential architecture.

In 2006, Tim received a Masters degree in Architecture at the University of Michigan, where he had received a number of merit-based scholarships and was recognized for his leadership role in the design and construction of the Michigan Solar House. While in school Tim had two more commissions for homes in Michigan, including Gontina Building & Design’s first new, custom home in Bloomfield Township, MI.