Team New
Get to know the folks at Kasten Builders working behind the scenes to make your home building experience a fun and seamless process
Pete Kasten | Owner & Project Manager
Peter Kasten, owner of Kasten Builders, built his career in the construction industry through dedication to carpentry and leadership. Starting with a shovel in hand, he honed his skills under the guidance of some of the companies top carpenters, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for the art of carpentry.
Transitioning into the office, Peter excelled in estimating, pre-construction, and project management. His growing expertise led to his own contractor’s license and eventually becoming partner at Kasten Builders in 2006, marking a new era of growth and innovation for the company.
Today, as the owner of Kasten Builders, Peter continues to uphold the company’s legacy of outstanding service while paving the way for future advancements in both field and office. His leadership blends traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency, earning Kasten Builders a reputation for excellence and integrity. Peter’s journey from a dedicated apprentice to a visionary leader serves as a testament to his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the trade.
Barb Dobbins | Project Administrator, AP/AR
Peter Kasten, owner of Kasten Builders, built his career in the construction industry through dedication to carpentry and leadership. Starting with a shovel in hand, he honed his skills under the guidance of some of the companies top carpenters, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for the art of carpentry.
Transitioning into the office, Peter excelled in estimating, pre-construction, and project management. His growing expertise led to his own contractor’s license and eventually becoming partner at Kasten Builders in 2006, marking a new era of growth and innovation for the company.
Today, as the owner of Kasten Builders, Peter continues to uphold the company’s legacy of outstanding service while paving the way for future advancements in both field and office. His leadership blends traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency, earning Kasten Builders a reputation for excellence and integrity. Peter’s journey from a dedicated apprentice to a visionary leader serves as a testament to his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the trade.
OUR TEAM
- Nicole Klement, Operations Manager
- Bob Fortney, Project Manager
- Juan Gonzalez, Site Superintendent
- Adalberto Vincente, Site Superintendent
- Ricardo Ceja, Site Superintendent
- Armando Martinez, Foreman
- Mike Lord, Foreman
- Marvin, Carpenter
- Francisco, Carpenter
- Benjamin, Carpenter
- Mario, Carpenter
- Mario, Carpenter
- Roberto, Carpenter
The Kasten Story
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.
Giving Back
Desire of Nations
PARTNERS IN THE BUILDING PROCESS
We work with some of the best and brightest in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, and Real Estate.
Our firm’s culture is not saddled to a single, predetermined style. We provide our clients with outstanding service and work with them to establish a program that achieves their unique design expectations and honors their budget.