Cheryl Lee, President

Cheryl Lee is the President and Chief Architect of CL Design Build.  Cheryl has over 30 years of experience as an architect and homebuilder. Prior to starting CL Design Build, Cheryl was Director of Architecture at Neumann Homes.  She is President of the Northern Illinois Homebuilders Association.  Her love of design comes through on every home she designs creating unique homes for each client of CL Design Build.  According to Ron Benkert, Principal at Blaney Stewart LLC, "Cheryl was excellent at understanding the needs of her internal clients and designing plans that met these needs."

Brad Lee, Vice President 

Brian Blazek, Customer Service Coordinator

Brian has been involved in the custom home business for over 20 years.  His journey began in the late 90’s after fulfilling his life-long dream of general contracting a home for his family.  He partnered up with another builder and went on to build over 300 custom homes.   As the economy slowed in 2010, Brian spent some time away from the business to spend time with his family.  After several years passed, he took advantage of an opportunity to join the CL Design-Build team.  As a member of the CL Design-Build team, he uses his experience and attention to detail to provide a customer service support level that meets CL Designs expectations creating happy homeowners!

Wendy Askey, Social Media Coordinator

Wendy Martorano is the Social Media coordinator for CL Design Build.  Cheryl and Wendy worked together over 20 years ago at Neumann Homes, where Wendy was the corporate recruiter.  Prior to working at CL Design Build, Wendy worked for two professional associations as the assistant to the Executive Director. She was also the Director of Marketing and Events for Mutual Ground, a local non for profit.

Tonja Boots, Selections Coordinator 

Tonja has been in the interior design field for over 20 years. She has experience with both residential, new home build, and commercial design. Tonja has received recognition and awards for her leadership in design concepts. In her free time, Tonja enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, volunteering, acting in local theater and practicing yoga.

Gena Butler, Administrative Project Assistant 

Gena has over 25 years experience working in customer service and in an office environment where she held many positions including administrative, accounting and record keeping. She gained much knowledge from working many years for a landscape supply company and most recently an HVAC company. She's excited to be a part of the CL Design-Build team and enjoys working with our clients.  


While Bob and I have worked with CL Design Build, the experience has been positive, professional, and one we would pursue again. Our dream home was creatively designed balancing practicality and cost. Cheryl’s attention to detail will make our home a focal point of the neighborhood. Thanks to all at CL Design Build!

~ Bob and Ann Elwood

We met with 5 different local builders when we started this custom build adventure. Cheryl Lee, hands down, left the best impression. She was knowledgeable, open to and interested in our ideas. They were always timely and attentive to any and all questions that we had and patient and informative when we were chewing over a decision. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience than working with the CL Design-Build team! Danielle Brown

~ Danielle Brown

We enjoyed working with CL Design Build to build our 100% custom dream home. Starting with a blank piece of paper, we were able to build our home from bottom to top using our own ideas and concepts. We are really enjoying our home today.

~ Doug and Cinda Coyne

That teamwork between Brad and Cheryl ensured that we received the best that is available. There is a trust and bond between CL Design-Build and their clients that gave us peace of mind. The numerous compliments that we receive on our beautiful home are tremendous!

~ Richard and Kristine Christie