Team
Get to know the folks at Kasten Builders working behind the scenes to make your home building experience a fun and seamless process
Pete has been part of Kasten Builders for over 20 years. Starting with a shovel in hand at the age of 15, Pete learned the trade starting from the bottom. A skilled carpenter and project foreman, Pete hurt his back in 2004 and started doing estimating for the company. Pete now handles project management and enjoys improving the quality of life of his clients through the projects he oversees. Pete lives in San Rafael with his son Ryder and their dog Buddy. In his free time, he can be found hanging with family, out playing golf, mountain biking, or working out.
Barb joined Kasten Builders in late 2020 with vast experience in administration, organization, design, construction, and project and financial management. Her multidisciplinary background also includes a BA in Anthropology and Museum Studies and a MA in Art History. She is well-versed in strategically balancing complex and competing projects, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and a fun spirit. Barb has been fascinated by dogs for as long as she can remember; she writes professionally on canine-related topics and continues her studies and research in animal behavior and health, especially those of her own two dogs, Tico and Parker.
Ali has rejoined our team after working for a Landscape Architectural firm for the last 5 years. Ali is a hard worker, understands how our business runs, and we could not be more thrilled she has decided to rejoin our team. Ali is also working towards her degree in Landscape Architecture and we look forward to seeing her shine.
Kevin has been a valued member of Kasten Builders since 2013. He brings with him roughly 15 years of experience from both the residential and commercial fields and a B.S. degree in Civil (Structural) Engineering from San Jose State University. From preconstruction through the final punch list, clients and design professionals appreciate Kevin’s communication, attention to detail, and honesty. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys outings with his family and is always eager to improve his golf game.
George is a Bay Area native, raised and schooled in the East Bay. George entered the trades in the late 60’s and worked for 13 yrs. as a union carpenter, specializing in concrete formwork, production residential and commercial roof structures. George later worked as GC supervising large and small residential projects. He later worked as a site superintendent on large multi family ground up in SF and also has estimating background in residential, commercial concrete and electrical. George gets great satisfaction working in a team effort and his attention to detail is next to none. In his free time he enjoys fishing, biking, and Amateur Radio at home.
Robert started his construction career in 1984, advancing from apprentice to journeyman carpenter, site foreman, and superintendent. He later moved to office roles, gaining experience in estimating, purchasing, and managing residential construction. Bob has been building in the Bay Area for over 30 years.
Ricardo is a seasoned professional with 30 years of construction experience. Ricardo ran his own construction company for 16 years before we were lucky enough to team up. Ricardo is a leader in every sense – passionately detailed in his craft and respectful to team member’s.
Juan joined the Kasten Builders team in 2006 and has proven to be a very skilled foreman. His attention to detail ensures that a job is well done and he takes pride in helping homeowners make their dreams come true. When not enjoying his favorite sushi meal he can usually be found on the soccer field.
Alberto joined Kasten Builders in 2008 and has played a key role in many of our projects. His many years of experience and ability to propose alternative solutions to sometimes complex challenges are exceptional. Away from work he loves to play the piano and is considered quite the chef.
Tom is a Marin County native of Novato and brings decades of hands-on construction experience to the team. Tom began his career as a professional tile setter before joining a well known construction firm where he worked as a carpenter and site superintendent. His background across multiple trades, combined with long-term leadership in the field, gives him a deep understanding of both craftsmanship and jobsite execution. Tom is married and a proud father of two who values mutual respect, accountability, and building lasting relationships—both on and off the jobsite.
Mike Lord
Foreman
Mike Lord recently relocated to California from his home town of Indianapolis where he worked as a union carpenter. Mike has a passion for creating with his hands and loves seeing a project take shape. Mike is a team player, hard-working, and a joy to be around. In his spare time Mike enjoys fixing up old cars. We are excited to see what he does next.
Marvin
Journey Carpenter
Francisco
Journey Carpenter
Mario
Carpenter
MORE OF OUR TEAM
- Tyler Gasaway, Apprentice Carpenter
- Carlos Lopez, Laborer
- Brandon Sanchez, Laborer
The Kasten Story
Dennis Walter Kasten was born in 1945 in Kalamazoo Michigan. One of six children to Walter and Catherine Kasten, the family lived in this fire safe, modern custom home evidently well ahead of its time. Denny credited the home to his affinity for the modern aesthetic.
Located on a generous plot of ground in the Franklin Hills community 15 miles northwest of Detroit, is this new residence for Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kasten. Aside from its general design, it is notable for being at once largely fire-proof and fairly large (four bedrooms, 2 car garage, laundry) for a total cost of only $12,000. Although the street front (below) is formalized and uncompromising, its general form springs from the functional articulation of internal units (see plans). All bearing walls are of cinder block; floors and roofs are framed with precast concrete joist supporting concrete slabs. Surfacing of exterior walls is in white stucco and red brick. Roofs are built-up composition, with copper flashing. All exterior painted surfaces are red. A panel of glass block lights the entrance hall.
In 1972, Dennis Walter Kasten moved from Detroit, Michigan to San Rafael, California, where he founded Creative Contracting of California, Inc. Prior to the move, Dennis earned a degree in Architecture from the Lawrence Institute of Technology, helping to put himself through college by working for a local builder.
In 1976, Dennis also established Creative Energy Corporation, a Hot Springs Spa dealership that is still in business today. In the late 1970s, Marin County was known as the hot tub capital of the world, and Dennis played a major role in shaping that identity. He designed and built hundreds of stunning backyard decks and trellises to complement the original redwood hot tubs sold by Creative Energy. Meanwhile, Creative Contracting was gaining a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s premier custom residential builders. The company even operated its own in-house cabinet shop, providing clients with finely crafted custom woodwork.
A devoted family man, Dennis raised five children while building a lasting legacy in the construction industry. In July 2022, Dennis was diagnosed with lung cancer. He lived in good health for another two and a half years before passing away in February 2025. He is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Kristina Loretta Kasten, his five children, and eight beautfiul grandchildren. Among his final works were a few hand-drawn sketches for a client dear to his heart—testament to his enduring passion for design and the client builder relationship.
The Next Generation
Dennis’s oldest son, Peter Kasten, showed signs of following in his father’s footsteps from the very beginning. As a toddler, Peter had a hammer in hand; by age five, he was using electric power tools. One morning, young Peter secretly packed tools into a ziplock bag and hid in the back of Denny’s car, hoping to tag along to the job site. His plan worked— and it became a day he never forgot.
Peter idolized his father and quickly developed a deep love for building. By 15, he was working summers in the field while attending Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield. After graduating, Peter continued working in the field for 10 years, refining his skills under the guidance of the company’s top craftsmen.
In 2004, a back injury brought Peter into the office, where he began learning estimating. Shortly after, Dennis offered him a stake in the business, and Creative Contracting officially became Kasten Builders.
For over 20 years, the father-and-son team worked side by side, united by their passion for craftsmanship, integrity, and the client relationship. Following Dennis’s passing in 2025, Peter became the sole owner of Kasten Builders and continues to lead the company with the same dedication and values his father instilled.
Partners in the building process
Architects
Swatt + Partners
Feldman Architecture
Polsky Perlstein Architects
Steve Wisenbaker Architects
Klopf Architecture
Eichler Davies Architecture
CCS Architecture
Michael Rex & Associates
Michael Heckmann Architects
Levy Art & Architecture
Turnbull Griffin Haesloop
Sarah Wilmer Studio
Crome Architecture
Fischer Architecture
Ohashi Design Studio
OXB Studio
Studio Skaggs Kennedy
Larson Shores Architects
Kappe Architects
Sean Baily Design
Wade Design
Landscape Architects
Interior Designers
Engineers
Realtors
Owner's Representation
