OUR TEAM

Our team of designers, builders, craftsmen and administrative support provides you with the most optimized home building and renovation experience possible. Our combined skill sets ensure you a highly functioning, cost effective, and beautifully built space.

Designers

  • Mary’s passion for residential architecture sparked in childhood when she built houses with LEGO and designed “dream homes” for her friends. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with highest honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and subsequently, as a Plym Fellow, both a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Her education includes a year of study in Versailles, France, at L’Université d’Architecture de Versailles. Mary has worked at firms in Chicago, New York City, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. She has 25+ years of experience in all phases of design and construction, particularly of high end urban residences and single family homes. She excels in space planning and is skilled at detailing both traditional and modern homes. Mary prides herself on marrying the desires of her client not only with her architectural training but also the spirit of the places for which she designs. Mary will find your home’s greatest potential. You will love being there.

  • Principal Interior Designer

    Lawrence Allan Levy has spent his entire professional life working in the creative arena. He is a passionate advocate for the arts, with the deeply held belief that a society’s artistic expression is the strongest indicator of the character of our culture. At the age of 16 he began his professional life as a working actor and singer, a career that he would be fully engaged in for the next 18 years. With an unending dedication to his classical training as an actor and singer Lawrence would be able to play an expansive range of roles from Mark in The Shadow Box to Tony in West Side Story as well as a host of Shakespeare’s most indelible characters. Looking to expand his creative horizons Lawrence next turned to his lifelong love of architecture and design. In 2001 he enrolled in the BFA program at the New York School of Interior Design, fully immersing himself in the study of this new discipline. During his time at NYSID, Lawrence was the recipient of the prestigious Angelo Donghia Foundation award, The Decorator’s Club Elsie May Gross Award and the 2004 IIDA Scholarship Award. Lawrence graduated in 2005 with highest distinction and was asked to join NYSID Dean, Scott Ageloff’s private firm, Ageloff and Associates. In 2006 Lawrence started his own firm Lawrence Allan Inc. and went about busily creating a wide ranging portfolio of high-end residential and commercial interiors. Lawrence brings his great love of the creative process to every endeavor.

  • Principal Interior Designer

    Raised by wonderful parents who came to the U.S. from abroad, Anita was immersed in culture, art, history, architecture, and fashion. From a young age she was active in the fine arts, as well as the performing arts. After graduating with a business degree and pursuing a career in international finance, Anita soon realized that she felt a higher calling for the creative arts with special attention to interior design. Completing her second degree at New York School of Interior Design, her diverse background, travels, and broad range of interests strongly influence and inform her interior work.

  • Senior Interior Designer

    While growing up in Potomac Maryland, Christine was interested in design from an early age. She went off to the University of Georgia where she graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising. Returning to the D.C. area Christine worked in the fashion retail industry, focusing on management, store design and window display design. She decided to further explore her design talents and moved to New York city where she enrolled at the New York School of Interior Design. During her time at NYSID she expanded her knowledge of all aspects of interior design/architecture and her passion only increased throughout her time there. She now brings that passion to a broad portfolio of beautiful interiors.

Builders

  • Head of Operations

    Chris O’Dell grew up in Westport, CT where he got his first start in construction after high school working for a local carpenter. He graduated from Michigan State University in three years with a degree in Construction Management and has worked in this capacity ever since. The focus of his 20-year career has been high-end residential construction in Chicago, Illinois and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Chris lives in Fairfield with his wife Mary & four children. He retains ties to his home town Westport as a soccer coach at Staples High School. He likes to take long walks in the park and secretly discovered the 119th element in the periodic table.

  • Construction Manager

    Brian Philpott is an experienced builder from Orange County, California. Brian studied English at the University of California, Santa Barbara and graduated in 1996. He perfected his craft as a tile artisan on the West Coast before moving east and settling in Westport, Connecticut.

    He has been the owner & operator of Mission Tile and Renovations, LLC since making the move east in 2004. His attention to detail and strong client relationships have made him a natural fit with The O’Dell Group.

    Brian and his wife Megan (a Westport-native) live in Weston with their two daughters, the family Pug and brood of chickens. In his spare time, you will find Brian playing music, skiing, or taking long walks…off short bridges. In closing, Brian has no inabilities.

  • Construction Manager

    Lukas Van Zanten is a Westport native who has had an affinity for building since he was young. From an early age he volunteered in several youth trips building homes, schools and community centers in South America and was also involved in building stage sets for the Staples Players. During the summers he started to help a local carpenter, and that’s when he first met Chris O’ Dell. Lukas’ great desire to learn more about the construction industry led him to work in many aspects of the field consuming as much knowledge as possible. He received his degree in residential construction from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2012. Upon graduating he has continued to explore and work in the construction field. In 2015 Lukas reconnected with Chris and they have been working together since. Lukas lives in Fairfield with his wife Sarah and their two children.

  • Assistant Project Manager

    Fahad Qayyum journeyed to The O’Dell Group straight after graduation and now fuels our projects with unparalleled dedication. Think of Fahad as the pulse point, supporting our project managers, securing outstanding items, and acting as the bridge between builders, clients and craftsmen. Glimpsing gorgeous homes daily is his work perk, but off-duty, he’s either scoring goals on the soccer field, pumping iron, or with friends. His team spirit? Oh, it’s as natural as breathing - thanks to a lifetime of sports and the motto that there's no "i" in "team".

  • Project Manager

    Chuck was promoted to Project Manager after being a Site Manager for 7 years. He is a native of the Weston and Westport area, attending Staples High School as teenager.

    Chuck enjoys the camaraderie of The O’Dell Group team, and has an acute understand of the complex dynamics involved with building. He can always be counted on to make sure everyone is prepared and engaged with their individual tasks so that every project is completed in a timely and accurate fashion.

Electrical & Smart Home Division

  • Electrical Contractor, Owner at iElectriCo

    Jose Ramos is a distinguished licensed electrical contractor and the Owner of iElectriCo, renowned for its’ excellence in providing electrical services, specializing in residential projects, smart home integrations & custom lighting solutions. With over 21 years of experience in residential & commercial projects, Jose has solidified his reputation as a leader in the electrical field. iElectriCo is our dedicated partner in enhancing your home with innovative & efficient electrical systems.

    Our partnership with iElectriCo started in early 2024; Thanks to Jose and his team, The O’Dell Group is able to optimize design and renovation home projects in Fairfield County through expert electrical services. Together, we're dedicated to making homes safer, more functional, and beautiful with top-quality electrical solutions.

    Jose's passions extend beyond his professional life. A devoted follower of Jesus, he also serves as a Pastor, enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and cherishes playing soccer with his kids.

    His leadership abilities extend beyond his business, as he manages a team of skilled electricians, ensuring projects are executed flawlessly.

    Jose's approach is about innovating for the future, making him a valuable asset to The O'Dell Group and our clients. His work lights up homes and enriches lives, embodying the essence of "living made better" through modern electrical engineering.

  • Engineer, Smart Technology Operations

    cheal@theodellgrp.com

    Chris Cheal joined The O’Dell Group in 2022, specializing in electrical and smart home planning and installation. His expertise includes certified design and programming of intelligent lighting systems and creating comprehensive smart home designs. Before this, Chris worked in a prominent retail company in England and shifted careers after moving back to America to become a licensed electrical contractor. Outside of work, Chris enjoys golf, watching sports, and spending time with family.

  • Sales Lead & Programmer, Smart Home Operations

    donovan@theodellgrp.com

    Donovan Furrer has been with The ODG since December 2023 as the Lead Designer of Smart Home Operations. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from High Point University, he is responsible for developing smart technology proposals, handling pricing, ordering, invoicing, conducting product research, and planning for smart home projects. Donovan's role is pivotal in ensuring projects surpass client expectations through his deep understanding of technology and smart home advancements.

    Donovan's interests outside work include skiing & golfing. His knowledge in programming & technology has quickly made him an integral part of the team, contributing to The O’Dell Group’s innovation and expanded smart home solutions.

Craftsmen

  • Jose

    Master Artisan

    When he’s not working, Jose enjoys waking up early on weekends and spending hours at Home Depot for “fun”.

  • Rudy

    Painting & Drywall / Craftsman

    When Rudy’s not working, you can find him at the closest fishing hole.

  • Stefan

    Fine Carpentry / Trim Foreman

    When Stefan isn’t working, he enjoys playing volleyball with his wife, who is the head volleyball coach at Ridgefield High School. He also loves to watch his kids play soccer.

  • Jonni

    Artisan

    When he’s not working, you can catch Jonni at the clubs.

  • Diego A.

    Craftsman

  • Medardo

    Craftsman

    In his free time, Medardo likes to relax while hanging out with friends.

  • David

    Craftsman

  • Oscar

    Craftsman

  • Diego N.

    Craftsman

  • Peter B.

    Trim Carpenter

  • Hernan

    Craftsman

Administrative & Marketing

  • Kassidy Murtha, Office Manager

    Kassidy Murtha, originally from Stratford, CT, is the Office Manager at the O'Dell Group where she manages all administrative office duties. She supports our accountant, Nancy, with invoice processing, payments to suppliers, and answering the phone.

    Kassidy is currently enhancing her professional skills by studying Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, and Finance in evening classes at CT State Community College.

    Fun facts: Kassidy enjoys going to the gym, beach, and boating with friends when the weather allows. She has played Lacrosse since she was 12, as well as soccer, participating in both school teams and local leagues. 

  • Marketing Coordinator

    Charlotte’s background is diverse and has always been centered around small business success; Ranging from roles in Event Planning & Catering to Social Media Consulting & Digital Creative Marketing, Charlotte has worn different hats after graduating Rollins College in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. She is dedicated to showing off the custom work The O’Dell Group creates, and values truth, passion and determination in everything she does.

    In her free time you can find her baking vegan recipes, reading about psychology and the coolest health & wellness hacks.

  • Accountant