Our Team

The team members at Advance Design Studio:

Todd Jurs
President

Todd began his carpentry career as a teenager. His skill was building custom built-ins and hand-built furniture in his father’s garage. In 1992, he began Advance Builders, Inc., specializing in remodeling and additions, and also building custom homes. Under his inspiring leadership and careful direction the original company has since grown into what is now known as The Advance Design Studio, Ltd., specializing in custom cabinetry for all rooms of the home, kitchen and bath design, residential remodeling and additions, and the occasional custom home. With 20 years of general contracting and field experience, Todd’s hands-on approach over the years has covered all aspects of building from design through construction to complete project implementation. Although a Master Carpenter himself, he currently acts as the primary overseeing Project Manager. Todd also performs the majority of Construction Sales and subsequent project implementation. He still relishes opportunities to put on his tool belt in the field whenever he gets the chance and is a relative perfectionist when it comes to his craft. Todd is an avid Formula 1 racing fan, and a racing enthusiast himself.

Christine Jurs
Vice-President & Marketing

When Christine joined the company in 2002, The Advance Design Studio, Ltd. was officially launched. The business expanded into its now current 3,200 square foot facility with cabinetry lines and accessories adding to the company’s offerings. Christine’s design ability initially empowered the company to offer professional design expertise for the kitchen and bath, as well as other rooms of the home. Christine currently directs the internal operations of the company including marketing and also serves as the overseeing Senior Project Designer. She completed her design degree in 1991at Northern Illinois University graduating with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts with a focus on Interior Design and Architecture. Her design background in addition to kitchen and baths includes commercial design as well as overseas work in luxury hotel and furniture design. She has 16 years of business ownership and management experience. Todd and Christine were married in 2002 and currently reside in Union with their son Austin.

Ethan Axelson
Lead Carpenter Construction

Ethan joined the field team originally in 1997 as an apprentice carpenter. Trained originally by the Advance Builders, Inc. field leaders, he has excelled over the years to distinguish himself as a fine lead carpenter with proven skills in all areas of carpentry. As part of the Advance Design leadership team, Ethan field manages mainly new construction, additions, and remodeling. You will find him on site during the early stages of rough construction and throughout most stages of carpentry. A team-oriented people person, Ethan can be quite particular at his craft. Ethan currently resides in McHenry with his wife Amber and their twin son and daughter Jakob and Kilynn.

Justin Davis
Lead Carpenter Interiors

Justin, one of the original carpenters with Advance Builders, Inc., brings over ten years of well-rounded carpentry experience to the field team. Justin’s previous experience as a carpentry contractor business owner adds additional insight and value to his position here at Advance Design, easily recognizing the intangible aspects of good client relationships in addition to good carpentry. Justin’s talents include all stages of rough and finish carpentry. Justin lives in Harvard with his wife, Beth and their son, Jaden. In his free time, Justin enjoys quality time with his family, going to movies and skeet shooting.

 

 

Scott Christensen
Designer Interiors

Scott came to us during the summer of 2008 while finishing his second Bachelors degree in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Illinois. While there he concentrated in design theory, skills in 3D CAD drawings and renderings, and all aspects of Interior Design. He has been instrumental in the launching of our new Interior Design division, Advance Design Interiors. His background is uniquely diverse with a degree in Music and Theater Arts and a history of work in technologies management. Scott has been designing interiors for most of his life. He is bringing his varied skills to a variety of projects and is broadening Advance Designs’ abilities to offer solutions to almost anything inside the walls of a project. Scott spent a number of years in New York City and currently resides in Wayne, IL.

Cynthia Shannon
Director of Finance

As the company’s Financial Director, Cindi oversees all aspects of the behind-the-scenes accounts payable, receivables, financial reporting, and client billings. Most of what clients see when encountering Cindi are detailed, easy to read financial updates on their projects. You may recall her as Cindi Bransky from your past experience with Advance Design. In July 2008, Cindi married her longtime sweetheart Mike Shannon. Cindi and Mike enjoy spending their summer weekends on Lake Geneva on their pontoon boat with their family. They have five children; Courtney, Zach, Alex, Kayla, and A.J.

 

 

 

Josh Fay
Field Carpenter

Josh’s love and experience for carpentry started at the very young age of 12. Upon graduation, Josh began his professional career as a carpenter bringing over seven years of experience to our team. His enthusiasm, excellent work ethic and talent make him a valuable asset to the field team. Josh is an avid bowler and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He currently resides in Wonder Lake with his wife Michelle.

 

 

 

Matt Johnson
Field Carpenter Apprentice

Matt joined us in the Summer of 2006 as a field apprentice. Matt assists the construction field team with site maintenance, pickup and delivery of project materials and basic carpentry. Matt resides in Wonder Lake and has a son, Colson and a daughter, Brooklyn. Matt enjoys taking rides on his motorcycle and working on cars.

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Provenzano
Field Carpenter

Tony earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following his desire to work with his hands, Tony utilizes all his skills in his role here at Advance Design Studio and Advance Handyman, working mostly in Finish Carpentry. His 20 years experience in electrical, plumbing, dry-wall, and HVAC make him well rounded and able to handle virtually any area of expertise when called upon in his role as Field Carpenter. Soft spoken and kind hearted, clients report they appreciate Tony when he is in their homes. He has a tremendous respect for other’s property and recognizes that clients deserve the highest level of quality and service at all times. He does his best to insure their ultimate happiness on his watch. Tony lives in Downers Grove with his wife Barb, and their three children Joe, Anne Marie, and Amy. He is and avid Chicago Cubs fan and loves to spend his busy summers with his kids’ baseball and softball teams.

Jeanne Glass
Project Designer

With a Bachelors degree in Journalism from Roosevelt University and over 20 years of customer service experience, Jeanne decided to follow her long-time dream to be a designer and returned to school in 2004 to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg. With her love of all things culinary, she knew her focus would be on kitchen and bath design. Jeanne works with the design team in all aspects of the design process. She currently resides in Huntley.