Meet the Advisory Board
The BUILD CONNECT Advisory Board brings together the most respected voices in the luxury design-build community. These are the leaders shaping the conversation, the agenda, and the future of the industry.
Ted Bainbridge
BUILD Magazine
Ted Bainbridge is the President and Founder of BUILD Magazine, a national media company dedicated to connecting builders, architects, designers, developers, and industry partners through storytelling, events, and strategic marketing initiatives. Since launching BUILD Magazine in 2016, Ted has grown the brand into a respected platform serving luxury residential markets across North America, showcasing exceptional projects and the professionals behind them.
With a background spanning sales, publishing, marketing, and relationship development, Ted has built BUILD around the belief that meaningful connections drive industry growth. Through BUILD Magazine, the Friends of BUILD Magazine podcast, exclusive industry events, and strategic networking initiatives, he has fostered relationships among some of the most influential leaders in the design-build community.
As the creator of BUILD CONNECT, Ted is committed to bringing together a curated community of industry leaders to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the future of the luxury design-build industry. His passion for collaboration, innovation, and relationship-building continues to shape the vision behind BUILD and its growing network of professionals.
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Brad Leavitt
AFT Construction — Scottsdale, Arizona
Brad Leavitt is the Founder and President of AFT Construction, a Scottsdale-based luxury custom home builder recognized for its collaborative approach to high-end residential construction. With a background in construction management and nearly two decades of industry experience, Brad has built a reputation for delivering architecturally significant homes through strong partnerships with designers, architects, and trade professionals.
In addition to leading AFT Construction, he hosts the Brad Leavitt Podcast, where he explores entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation within the design-build industry. Brad has been recognized as a Phoenix Titan 100 honoree and continues to be a respected voice in luxury construction and business leadership.
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Grant Bowen
Peak Projects
Grant Bowen is the Founder and CEO of Peak Projects, a premier owner’s representation and project management firm specializing in luxury residential estates and complex design-driven projects. Since founding the company in 2014, Grant has helped shape Peak Projects into a nationally respected firm known for its strategic oversight, collaborative leadership, and client-first approach.
Drawing from his experience managing projects for prominent family offices and ultra-high-net-worth clients, Grant brings a deep understanding of construction, operations, and relationship management to every project. His leadership philosophy centers on transparency, communication, and creating an exceptional experience for both clients and project teams.
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Daniel Ralls
Olson Kundig
Daniel Ralls joined Olson Kundig in 2007 and was named owner in 2022. Over nineteen years with the firm, Daniel has worked extensively in residential design, honing his expertise across a range of scales on local, regional, and international projects. His work today spans residential, cultural, mixed-use, commercial, and art installation projects, and he brings a genuine enjoyment of problem-solving to every engagement, always striving for excellence in his designs.
In his complex, large-scale projects, many of which are international, Daniel values close working relationships with local tradespeople, drawing on their particular expertise and regional building traditions to inform the design process. He is currently working on projects around the world, in locations ranging from the Pacific Northwest to Florida, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, bringing a rare global perspective to the BUILD CONNECT Advisory Board.
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Jaque Bethke
JAQUE — Scottsdale, Arizona
Jaque Bethke is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of JAQUE, an award-winning luxury interior design and design-build studio based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Known for her emotionally driven and highly personalized approach to design, Jaque leads projects spanning luxury residential, hospitality, retail, and commercial environments.
With a background influenced by architectural studies at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, her work blends architectural intelligence with refined, human-centered design. Through JAQUE, she has established a reputation for creating timeless spaces that balance functionality, artistry, and elevated living experiences.
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Michael Cocozza
Trinity Custom Homes — Sarasota, Florida
Michael Cocozza is the Founder and President of Trinity Custom Homes, a Sarasota-based luxury custom home building firm recognized for delivering architecturally significant waterfront residences and highly detailed custom estates throughout the Gulf Coast region. Under Michael’s leadership, Trinity has earned multiple industry honors, including Aurora Awards, Golden Nugget Awards, Chrysalis Awards, and recognition by the Tampa Bay Business Journal Fast 50.
Known for combining high-level craftsmanship with operational discipline, Michael has built Trinity around a philosophy centered on quality, transparency, collaboration, and long-term client relationships. His work frequently involves close coordination with nationally recognized architects, designers, and trade professionals on complex luxury residential projects ranging from custom waterfront homes to large-scale renovations and legacy family estates.
As a member of the BUILD CONNECT Advisory Board, Michael brings the perspective of an active luxury builder, entrepreneur, and industry leader committed to elevating standards across the residential construction industry.
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Brian Humphreys
Kohler Co., Kitchen & Bath Americas
Brian Humphreys is Sr. Director – Sales, Builder for Kohler Co., Kitchen & Bath Americas, where he leads Kohler’s national strategy for the single-family builder business. In his role, Brian is responsible for strengthening specification influence, expanding market share, and advancing strategic partnerships with many of the country’s leading homebuilders. His team focuses on accelerating growth through differentiated brand experiences, bundled solutions, and executive-level engagement that create lasting advocacy for the Kohler brand across the residential construction industry.
Over a 22-year career with Kohler, Brian has advanced through a series of leadership roles spanning Retail Channel Sales, National Accounts, and National Sales Manager for Multifamily, where he helped establish and implement the company’s multifamily strategy. This breadth of experience has built deep expertise in channel leadership, customer strategy, relationship management, and complex market development. Known for his collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of the evolving luxury home market, Brian brings valuable insight into builder relations, strategic partnerships, and industry growth.
LinkedIn Profile