C o n s t r u c t i o n I n c.
T H E T E A M
RAFFAEL MEROLA
Principal, Project Manager
While Raffael spent his Simon Fraser University days working part time for a variety of contractors and builders, he garnered the bulk of his experience working for a few small development and green building technology companies. As a project coordinator, planner, and estimator he gained a valuable set of skills that have resulted in Merola Construction’s focus on innovation and detail-based project execution.
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As one of the principals of Merola Construction, Raffael wears a variety of hats working as both a project manager and sales lead. As the first point-of-contact for all clients, he acts as a guide through all of the challenges that can arise throughout the building process, from the conceptual stage of a project through to it's ultimate completion. He is a relationship builder as much as he is a bricks-and-mortar contractor, striving to give every client a personal and professional experience. On the rare days when Raffael is not on a job site or in the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife Chiara and their two children.
ROBERTO MEROLA
Principal, Construction Manager
Roberto grew up in Burnaby where he continues to live and now raise his own young family with his wife Jenna. Rob learned the art of carpentry and construction at the youngest of ages spending countless days and summer vacations working in his grandpa’s workshop. Always having a passion for construction, Roberto began working in a lumber yard in high school. As he grew up, he developed a diverse skillset working for a variety custom home builders, renovators and general contractors. He even met his wife while working in that same lumber yard that he now frequents as a customer.
Roberto is responsible for coordinating labour and trades on all Merola Construction sites. He is the conduit between the client and the execution of construction, ensuring that every detail is captured and the plan is seen through to fruition. Roberto is a highly skilled carpenter and a problem solver, he is resolutely hard working, and does not rest until every detail and deficiency is handled completely.
Site Supervisor
ANDREW LAFKAS
Coming Soon
TREVOR HUTTON
Site Supervisor
As a highly skilled carpenter and framer, Trevor built his skill set working on custom homes and large wood framing development sites both in Kelowna and Vancouver. He developed a personal dedication to precision woodwork and carpentry – never straying far from his level or laser. Trevor brings Merola Construction a strict focus on the key details of every project throughout the building process. He has evolved from a strictly framing carpenter, to a Site Supervisor with a wide knowledge base of building, material and trade specifics. Trevor is a long-haired, metal-rocking, mathematician who can as easily crunch your calculus homework as he can walk a roof ridge and stand a wall.
TIFFANY GOSPODYN
Project & Design Lead
B.Env.D, M.I.D.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tiffany brings a unique perspective to the west coast. She attended the University of Manitoba where she studied interior design and earned both her Bachelors of Environmental Design and her Masters of Interior Design. Tiffany is passionate about creating spaces that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also provide high functionality for the user. She has experience working on a variety of projects ranging from small-scale residential renovations to boutique commercial spaces. When she is not in the design studio, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and travelling.
SUHRID RANAVAT
Project Coordinator
Suhrid brings an interdisciplinary skill set to Merola Construction along with a driven and resourceful work ethic and a warm demeanor. His formal training began in Pune, India as a Civil Engineer. He then went on to earn his Masters in Construction Management from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Suhrid’s vast understanding of the technical and mechanical complexities of construction, paired with his strong construction management skills, attention to detail, and organizational process allow him to provide an exceptional commitment to project delivery. Like the bulk of the staff at Merola Construction, the building industry is not only a familiar endeavor, but also a familial one. Suhrid's first job was with his father, who has run his own successful construction company for over thirty years. Suhrid now goes home every day to his wife, Dhara, also tied in to the building industry, who is working toward her professional Canadian designation as an architect.