Our story
At Maletz Architecture + Build, we believe that "home" is more than just a physical space – it's where life unfolds, memories are made, and dreams come to life. Led by Andrew Maletz, a second generation custom home builder with over 30 years of experience and deep roots in New Albany, Ohio, we have earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service. Our team of licensed professional architects, designers, and builders combines expertise with a passion to create homes that reflect the unique lifestyle and vision of each client. Every project we undertake is a testament to our heritage of quality, innovation, and personalized service.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy revolves around bespoke elegance and personalized service. We understand that every client is unique, and we are dedicated to crafting homes that not only meet but exceed their expectations. From the initial concept phase to the final turnover, we prioritize transparency, integrity, and collaboration. We believe in integrating design, technology, and construction to bring inspired solutions to life.
Our Team
Meet the faces behind Maletz Architecture + Build – a team of passionate architects, builders, and designers who bring decades of collective experience and expertise to every project. Our team members are not just professionals – they are visionaries, collaborators, and problem-solvers dedicated to turning your dream home into a reality.
Clare Knecht
Director of Architecture
Clare Knecht
Director of Architecture
Clare’s experience in commercial, multi-family, and single-family homes allows her to craft complete architectural design solutions for our clients. With a passion for historic preservation and built heritage, she has a unique appreciation for integrating innovative, modern touches into custom builds in New Albany while maintaining the classic Georgian-style architecture of the area. Clare holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, a minor in Real Estate, and a certificate in Historic Preservation. Her favorite part of the Maletz process is the early design meetings. In her spare time, Clare is renovating her historic home with an eclectic mix of period-accurate detailing and modern, architecturally driven fixtures and furniture. When architecture isn't on her mind, she is likely on a boat training for her next waterski tournament.
Kristen Duchemin
Director of Interior Design
Kristen Duchemin
Director of Interior Design
Ohio native Kristen graduated from The Ohio State University in 2006 with a degree in Interior Design. She spent 12 years at Romanelli & Hughes, rising to Director of Design, overseeing projects for the Parades of Homes tour. In 2019, she relocated to the East Coast and served as Lead Designer for an interior design firm near Philadelphia. Kristen has earned notable industry accolades, including numerous Gold, Silver and People’s Choice awards lead designer of the highly-regarded BIA’s Parade of Homes. With a focus on collaboration and client involvement, Kristen offers a diverse range of expert services, specializing in residential building materials. She excels at listening to her clients to create spaces that reflect their unique style and preferences. Kristen loves the Columbus restaurant scene! She enjoy dining out at places where she can experience not only great food but also great interior design.
David Mendyk
Senior Architectural Designer
David Mendyk
Senior Architectural Designer
David’s architectural design career spans nearly 20 years with esteemed architecture firms and award-winning residential home builders. While his varied experience includes a vast portfolio of residential, mixed-use commercial, retail, hotel, and industrial projects, he has significant expertise in designing and drafting wood-framed residential construction. David’s specialty is in conceptual massing using parametric 3D construction drawings, material takeoffs, phasing stages, and 3D renderings and videos. He joined the Maletz team in 2022, and enjoys seeing his concept be brought to life; taking the first walk through a finished build to compare to his renderings. His favorite part about the industry/ of the is walking through the finished product and comparing it to his renderings. In his spare time he likes to check out all the local favorite spots and explore with his drone.
Gerry Mendyk
CFO +Interim COO
Gerry Mendyk
CFO +Interim COO
A seasoned financial executive, Gerry has 35 years of senior financial leadership experience in a variety of industries and entrepreneurial ventures. Most recently, he served as a founder and CFO of a mid-tier homebuilder in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Additionally, he has held executive leadership roles in both public and private companies and has founded several ventures in oil and gas, real estate, and other notable industries. Gerry brings financial structuring, investor relations, and corporate governance skills to the Maletz team, as well as general oversight of finance and operations.
Gerry enjoys the many similarities between Columbus and his home-town of Calgary, and is very excited to provide assistance and mentorship to Andrew while he scales the company up over the next few years. Gerry will spend at least one week per month in Columbus while also providing hands-on guidance and advisory services remotely from Canada.
Bob Higginbotham
Director of Construction
Bob Higginbotham
Director of Construction
With over 28 years of dedicated experience in the construction industry, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project he undertakes. He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high-quality results while adhering to strict timelines and budgets. Bob's passion for construction fuels his drive to continually learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Looking ahead, he is excited to continue leveraging his extensive experience and expertise to contribute to the success of future construction projects. He is passionate about embracing innovation and sustainability in construction practices. Bob's ultimate goal is to continue delivering exceptional results while fostering collaborative relationships and driving positive change within the construction community.
Lauren McNair
Director of Operations
Lauren McNair
Director of Operations
Lauren brings over a decade of experience working in residential construction, historic preservation, and interior design. She holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis, where she was awarded the Housing and Community Development Fellowship and her focus was on architecture and the built environment. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Business Management from Clemson University. During her tenure at Maletz she has been involved in nearly all facets of the business - from design concepts and materials sourcing to engineering and constructing those unique ideas into reality, and everything in between - which offers her a unique perspective into the details of the bespoke home building process. When she is not at work she is taking on her own improvement projects around her home in East Nashville, or spending time outside with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Richie Hughes
Senior Project Estimator
Richie Hughes
Senior Project Estimator
A native of central Ohio, Richie earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the company in 2022, Richie held numerous customer service positions, making him adept in fostering relationships with clients and vendors, and honing his adaptability for quick deadlines and strategic solutions.
As each custom build is one-of-kind, Richie keeps a pulse on the variable material and labor cost trends to provide the most accurate cost estimations, and to identify cost-saving efficiencies for clients.
Andrew Maletz
President + Architect
Andrew Maletz
President + Architect
Andrew brings over two decades of architectural and construction expertise to the heart of Ohio. His passion for crafting unique and complex projects is evident in every detail, from grand structures to intimate spaces. As the former Vice President of SHP Leading Design, Andrew led groundbreaking transformations in architectural production methods, earning accolades like the BIM Experience Award from Autodesk. A licensed architect in over 11 states, Andrew's portfolio includes diverse projects ranging from residential to Fortune 100 clients. His commitment to community involvement is evident through his roles in the New Albany Chamber and City of New Albany Architecture Review Board. Andrew's journey embodies his enduring dedication to innovative design and community growth, making him a visionary leader in the architectural world.
Our Trusted Partners
At Maletz Architecture + Build, we believe in the power of collaboration. That's why we work closely with a network of trusted vendors and contractors who share our commitment to excellence and craftsmanship. From the finest materials to the most skilled craftsmen, we only partner with those who meet our rigorous standards, ensuring that every aspect of your home is of the highest quality.
- Northern Lighting
- Visual Comfort & Co
- American Standard Electric
- Worly Plumbing Supply
- McCoy Heating and Cooling
- Holmes Lumber
- Capital City Millworks
- Mark Metal Works
- Edgework Creative
- Northern Window & Door
- Specialty North American
- Strait & Lamp Lumber
- Lang Stone
- Custom Distributors
- Integrity Multi-Systems
- ACES | Aaron Carmack Electronic Services
- In-Home Concepts
- America’s Floor Source
- Hamilton Parker
- Florida Tile
- DalTile / American Olean
- Classico Tile
- Marble Composition & Flooring
- Carr Supply
- Capoccia Foundations
- Latorre Concrete Construction, Inc
- Malenky Excavation
- Columbus Builders Supply
- Ciminellos Landscaping
- JML Landscaping
- New Image Irrigation
- Jacob Decorative Arts
- Broadway Fireplace
- Kicking Ash Chimney Service