Custom home building and home renovations require the knowledge and skills of amazing people. It’s not easy to write the profiles of team members who’d rather spend their time on-site making clients’ dreams into reality than describing themselves to a copywriter. However, since each of them is such an integral part of our success, we’ve given it our best shot.

Erik is one of few Vancouverites that has been here his entire life. In fact, he has called the North Shore home for more than 95% of his life.

As a kid, he found himself helping his dad in the workshop and then helping the trades that came to work on the family house. His passion for construction was reignited while volunteering at Camp Artaban. He helped construct an out building for the campers so they could use flushing toilets instead of pit toilets. He can recall the moment when, sitting on the porch of Summerville House, lacing up his workboots, he smiled and realized, “Hey, I really love this stuff!”

Thankfully, his loving and extremely supportive wife (who had just watched him go through 4 strenuous years of post-secondary education getting his Bachelor of Computer Science Degree) didn’t leave him when he broke the news that he wanted to quit his office job managing a local IT firm to swing a hammer in 2006! Thanks Lianne!!!

As an excellent visual learner and problem solver, Erik quickly worked his way from labourer, to apprentice, to journeyman in under 2 years.

Sprucehill was incorporated in 2006, but Erik didn’t really get serious about creating his business until January of 2009. When he did get serious, he got really serious and set out to make Sprucehill Contracting the best custom home builder and renovation company on the North Shore.

Now, Erik leverages the problem solving and technology skills learned in university to enable Sprucehill to run as efficiently and as organized as it does. And, if you ask him, he’ll tell you that Sprucehill is one of the most organized construction companies in the biz. And if you ask the trades and clients that work with Sprucehill, they’ll agree!

What Erik is most proud of are his wife and kids, but a close second is the team that he gets to work with every day. And it’s that team that allows Sprucehill to grow and provide our customers with a fantastic construction experience.

From there, Darin finally made his way down the Coquihalla to North Vancouver to join the Sprucehill team as lead carpenter and site supervisor. With his trademark hunger for tackling new challenges, however, it didn’t take him long to advance to Project Manager. Darin is currently enrolled in the Project Management Program at BCIT. He also attends construction seminars to keep up on the latest trends, building science and building code changes.

A devoted family man, Darin still works, lives and plays on the North Shore with his wife, daughter, son and Rocco—the family ‘fur baby’. In fact, despite all his career accomplishments, he seems to be proudest of the fact that he has renovated three of his own homes while managing to keep his marriage intact.

Don’t be so quick to take credit for that, Darin. After all, your wife is an ER nurse. She knows how to deal with a crisis.

Meet Stefangelo Papa, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for project management. Born and raised in Burnaby Heights, Stefangelo’s life has been marked by significant achievements and a diverse range of skills.

With a solid background in construction project management spanning five years, Stefangelo transitioned into the role of a junior project manager at Sprucehill. His expertise was honed while successfully managing a complex suite turnover program. This program involved orchestrating complete renovations for numerous apartments, navigating permits, abatement processes, and full gut-and-restore projects. 

Prior to his construction endeavors, Stefangelo served as a youth therapeutic worker in a mental health and addictions high school. This experience equipped him with valuable skills in de-escalation and people management, which have proven to be assets in his construction career.

Stefangelo’s academic pursuits are equally impressive, boasting a double major in philosophy and sociology from Simon Fraser University. His background in sociology enhances his ability to manage teams effectively.

Outside the professional sphere, Stefangelo is an early riser who enjoys starting the day with a workout session. He achieved a black belt in kickboxing at the age of 13 and continues his martial arts journey through training in Muay Thai. Not only a practitioner but also a mentor, Stefangelo coaches young martial artists aged 5 to 7.

When not in the gym or dojo, Stefangelo embraces the great outdoors. You can find him engaging in activities like camping, hiking, and snowboarding. His love for exploration extends to the culinary world as well, where they indulge their passion for cooking.

Stefangelo Papa is a multifaceted professional whose journey has been marked by accomplishments, growth, and a zest for life. He is dedicated to delivering incredible client experiences and collaborating with every stakeholder on the project.

Meet Shahab, a seasoned professional in the construction industry, whose career spans 14 years of dedicated commitment to excellence. Shahab transitioned his background in engineering and technology management, to the realm of construction management, demonstrating his remarkable proficiency and adaptability. He holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, is profoundly interested in architecturally-driven projects, and has a deep understanding of building science principles.

Before joining Sprucehill Homes, Shahab owned his own building company in Ottawa for over 5 years where he successfully navigated the intricacies of constructing semi-detached dwellings. Through hands-on experience, he acquired comprehensive skills in project conception, design, and execution, showcasing his ability to deliver projects from inception to completion.

Shahab’s professional trajectory led him westward to British Columbia, where he prioritized both family and professional growth. Since coming to the Lower Mainland, he has held integral positions as a project manager and/or construction manager with esteemed custom builders, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous learning. When not exercising in the gym, he cherishes quality family time enjoyed at home or in nature for outdoor adventures with his beloved wife and daughter!

Leanne’s passion for interior design began with home makeover shows, redecorating and organizing her sister’s and friend’s bedrooms, and being involved in every detail of design changes to her family home. When her parents renovated the family kitchen, which involved a small addition, it gave her a first look at the construction and renovation processes as well as the functional and aesthetic considerations involved. Her parents’ negative experience highlighted how important having the right people on the job can make such a difference in the overall experience.

Her background is in customer service and in-store merchandising where she discovered her love for a good puzzle; fitting all the pieces, colours, and textures into spaces to create a beautiful cohesive display. After completing her degree in Psychology, Leanne decided to pursue her passion in interior design and make it a career. She graduated with distinction from BCIT with a Diploma in Residential Interior Design and a specialization in kitchen and bath design.

In her current role she enjoys how every day and project is so different. She can be found sourcing the perfect product, drawing a client’s space, or visiting a job site. Leanne works tirelessly to turn client’s dream into a cohesive plan that reflects their personality and lifestyle.

Kimiya found her passion for design in Dubai where she was born and raised. Inspired by her artist Mom, and the luck of watching the Opus building by Zaha Hadid built outside her bedroom window.Kimiya followed her dream and completed her event management and wedding planning degrees, then moved to Vancouver to pursue her interior design degree which feeds her heart and soul.

She believed strongly in the Bauhaus movement that resonates form follows function and less is more. She believes good designs stretch far beyond pure aesthetics, good designs consider functionality, honest materials, and the needs of the end-users.When Kimiya is enjoying her time outside work, she loves to get up before the sun and work on her fitness, where she finds the energy to conquer whatever lies ahead.

With a deep love for the ocean, Kimiya obtained her diving license to explore the captivating underwater realm and discover the beauty hidden beneath the surface.

Kerri keeps the boss man organized. She is the puppeteer behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly for team Sprucehill.

Having lived in North Vancouver for over 10 years and Kerri enjoys the lifestyle it provides her family. When not making things happen at work, she can be found spending time with her husband and two sons (which includes countless hours watching her kiddos play hockey. So. Much. Hockey.) Her other passions include watching the local real estate market, following current home design trends, and playing pickleball whenever possible.

Meet Ashley – a born and raised Vancouverite who brings over a decade of experience in the restoration & construction industry to our team. With a background predominantly in project coordination, she now serves as an Executive Assistant with Sprucehill, helping ensure smooth operations for the team.
As a mom to a young child, Ashley embodies multitasking prowess both in her personal and professional life. When she’s not efficiently managing tasks at work, you’ll find her exploring the picturesque local trails or hitting the weights for a rejuvenating workout session.

HOUZZ