We had an amazing team who helped us stay on track through a very challenging project, and valued me as an equal participant in the process. They care a great deal about doing things right and I trust them completely.— Ana, Client
Andrew McHale
Founder & CEO
I have dedicated my career to the craft and process of fine building—the love of which I’ve instilled in Design Line’s approach to projects.
With a deep appreciation for architects and great design, I enjoy finding a rapport with each project partner that enables us to draw on each other’s strengths and knowledge to realize our clients’ visions. Together we solve build-ability challenges and revel in executing details, remaining cognizant of cost in relation to design and site complexities.
Balancing the big picture of each project’s trajectory with a knowledge of its detailing and site conditions, I am always happy to make myself available to brainstorm, share knowledge, advise and help. On the job site I offer clear responses and ready project information in the moment, providing leadership that keeps the project’s critical path on track while double-checking the details.
My years of field experience keep me focused on the quality of our work and motivate me to be in constant pursuit of the best way to build projects efficiently and effectively—to exceed the standards of our clients and colleagues.
I’m serious about our role, confident of our team’s skill, and proud of the work we do. I began my career in England where I completed a City & Guilds Apprenticeship followed by accreditations in construction, drafting and engineering. Upon relocating to New York I worked in the field on high-end residences in Manhattan, Connecticut and Westchester County.
Sona Mesbahi
Director of Project Development & Preconstruction
The architectural vision for each residence we build is deeply important to me. It’s my passion to bring those visions to life, using all the preconstruction tools at my disposal to set up a road map for client satisfaction.
I am skilled at picturing the whole house as it will come together and translating that into numbers. It’s critical to pay attention to and capture details as we develop the budget and schedule, to base our projections in a strong understanding of the design.
My job is to make sure we listen to our clients’ vision and values, embed them in our work on their projects, and help their teams keep them top of mind. As I get to know each client I am learning about how to build their home. We talk openly about what is most important to them in their project, and how the budget and schedule development process can support them with realistic expectations.
Establishing relationships based in mutual understanding, candor and trust is the key to everything in this work. This is the basis of Design Line’s company culture, and I enjoy forming these connections with the excellent architects, designers and consultants we work with on behalf of our clients.
I earned my BArch at UC Berkeley and my Masters in Construction Management at Cal State Hayward and am Green Building Certified. Prior to joining Design Line I held roles as a Project Manager and Director of Estimating. Drawing on all of my experience, I enjoy mentoring the next generation of women in construction to succeed.
Lyndsi Mackey Lintt
Director of Concierge
From simple questions to complex issues, I love working with Concierge clients and their household staff to manage the care of beautifully crafted private residences, estates and family properties.
Providing concierge-level service means a dedication to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and service. This work brings me into contact with many of the subs, vendors and consultants in DLC’s orbit, and I very much enjoy fostering those relationships and contributing to the overall positive spirit of our collaborations.
Together with my colleagues at DLC we offer an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge about the sophisticated systems and construction details of luxury homes. The team is phenomenal to work with and Andrew is an excellent leader. We have a great camaraderie and really enjoy sharing the challenges and demands of building things right.
A native San Franciscan, I began my career interning at notable interior design firms in the city before earning a business management degree with a focus on real estate and construction law. Experience in construction accounting and project management rounded out my in-depth understanding of the field and ability to ensure that projects run smoothly.
Naoto De Silva
Controller
As a natural born lover of data—with a healthy obsession for logistics—I am always striving for efficiency, transparency and process improvements in my role as the fiscal officer and fiduciary for Design Line.
Mindful of the big picture and how my work shapes the company, I work closely with my trusted team to ensure DLC’s financial well-being and to deliver accurate information in service to those around me. I take great pride in ensuring our projects and clients are taken care of by providing the highest level of service in these areas.
Previous to joining the Design Line team I spent many years working with small, scrappy, start- up companies building out accounting infrastructure, building teams and creating transparency for Boards, donors, investors and owners. Among my favorite projects were helping to scale a non-profit solar venture, and working with a dynamic group to create sustainable wage jobs for workers in underdeveloped parts of the world.
Away from work I am deeply connected to the San Francisco golf community, currently acting as President for the Lincoln Park Golf Club. I am also the head coach of a local high school golf team—devoting my passion for the game to help kids develop positive life skills through golf.
Melissa Carpenter
Human Resources Manager
My whole-person approach to HR goes well beyond the tasks of hiring, orienting and administering the DLC team. I’m here to support the employees as a sounding board and resource, and to make it as easy as possible for them to understand and use the benefits they earn.
Intuitive and responsive, I’m inspired by the human side of construction. I see how hard our field crews work and appreciate the whole team’s dedication behind the scenes, and draw on my education in social work and long experience in construction management to help. It’s important to me that everyone feels recognized and compensated for their labor and knows that DLC has their back.
DLC became the company it is today because it’s an open, compassionate, supportive place to work. It starts at the top with Andy, who really listens to his employees and is present throughout projects to help them succeed, and it ripples out through the cooperative, sincere, positive internal culture he’s put his heart into creating.
More than ever, I feel HR is a critical asset within companies—to help employees weather the serious events of our time as well as to make sure they have what they need to stay healthy, happy and productive on a day-to-day basis.