Meet the larsen team
Jeff Englund
PRESIDENT, OWNER
As President and Owner of Larsen, Jeff is responsible for overseeing the company’s best practices and day to day operations. He has hands-on experience in the construction field that gives him a keen understanding of the process of building a home. He takes the lead on managing our important trade partner, client and building relationships. Jeff is personally involved in all steps of the process from residential design and budgets to construction. Jeff manages quality control and timelines for Larsen’s construction drawings for a smooth transition from the design to permit through the build process. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver where he received a Master of Architecture, as well as a Master of Business Administration. Jeff also received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Environmental Design with an emphasis in Architecture. In his free time, Jeff loves playing basketball, golf and spending time with his two boys and wife.
Lauren browne
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, OWNER
Lauren has worked at Larsen for over a decade and is responsible for the every day operations at Larsen. She manages the monthly draw process, human resources, marketing, process development, is your first point of contact for sales, and makes sure our team has everything they need to work effectively. She works closely with local lenders to ensure that the financial investment for your new home is a positive and stress free experience. While she does a lot behind the scenes, you will see her on site making sure your home is up to the Larsen standard. Lauren graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and has a background in human resources and customer service from a past career in the hospitality industry. She is a transplant from Steamboat Springs, Colorado where she spends most weekends, and enjoys skiing, traveling, musical theater, reading, and spending time with her family of four.
Cory leal
DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION
Cory attended the University of Arkansas, and has called Colorado home since his graduation in 2011. He grew up around construction, and that knowledge has translated to producing some of Larsen’s most extraordinary homes. He constantly strives to improve the process at every turn, and will settle for nothing less than perfection. One of Cory's most recent homes was a finalist for 3 Awards at the 2019 Denver MAMEs, and took home the trophy for Custom Home of the Year. In his spare time, you’ll find Cory watching the Razorbacks, in his garage refinishing vintage furniture, on the golf course, or in the mountains skiing, backpacking, or fly fishing.
jeff burrows
CONTROLLER
Jeff is Larsen’s Controller. He creates and helps us to execute on detailed business plans and oversees the day to day financial management for our growing organization. Accurate and timely client construction reimbursement draw schedules are a priority as well as the payment and lien waiver management for all Vendors and Trades. Jeff brings many years of expertise in construction financial management to Larsen to ensure that every vendor is paid timely and our projects stay on schedule. Outside of work you can usually ‘not find’ Jeff as he will be fly fishing in the most remote locations along rivers in Colorado and all over the US.
ARCHITECTURE
JIM GUNTHER
DESIGN TEAM LEAD
Jim is Larsen’s Design Team Leader who aids in the concept development and design creation of your dream home. As a residential designer with 40+ years of experience designing homes throughout the metro Denver area, he brings a unique eye and skill set to each project. He has designed a multitude of homes from 1,000 square foot ranches to 14,000 square foot custom estates. Jim also has a structural design background and creates one-of-kind hand renderings that bring your concepts and ideas to life. Jim has a passion for historic architecture and art. On the weekends, Jim and his wife enjoy spending time with their nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
marcus vesely
RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER
Marcus joins the Larsen team as residential designer. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design from Montana State University in 2018, where he gained a strong foundation in sustainable design principles. He then went on to pursue his passion for architecture and earned a Master's degree from Kansas State University in 2020. Through his academic journey, Marcus developed a keen eye for creating visually stunning and functional living spaces. When he is not busy making 3D models in Revit, you can find him indulging in his adventurous side. Marcus loves the great outdoors and enjoys activities such as hiking, woodworking, fly fishing, skiing, camping, and learning how to golf.
alexa balkema
RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER
Alexa is a graduate from the University of Kansas where she received a Master’s in Architecture. Through the last year of school, Alexa was fortunate to have gained invaluable knowledge in custom homes. Her Studio 808 course was a student led and built home where they performed every trade. She is key in providing photo realistic renderings for our clients and will be instrumental in bringing our clients plans to life. Alexa grew up in Littleton, Colorado. She is a very talented artist and looks forward to learning the design + build industry.
INTERIOR DESIGN
KATIE POPISH-HUGHES
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Katie is responsible for assisting our clients with all of their selection choices and details in their homes and giving guidance throughout the process. Katie grew up in the custom home industry and learned the business from top to bottom by her dad who is a general contractor. Katie has a decade of experience working for top design firms TRIO and Design Lines. She combines a passion for interiors and creativity by helping others design spaces that incorporate beauty and functionality into their home. Katie attended RMCAD and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design with a specialization in Green Design. She is a Colorado native, loves playing volleyball, traveling, and going to car shows with her husband.
Jackie duffy
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Jackie is an Interior Designer at Larsen and is responsible for assisting our clients with all of their selection choices and details in their homes. Jackie’s attention to details and organization will help the clients have a smooth and enjoyable building experience. Jackie comes from 10 years of experience with working with contractors, vendors, and Custom Home builders throughout the Denver Metro Area. She is a Colorado native that enjoys traveling with her husband, working on their house and spending time outdoors with their two dogs.
CONSTRUCTION
Connor carter
PROJECT MANAGER
Connor joined our team after working as an estimator and project manager for a commercial concrete company in Portland, Oregon. After growing up in Boise, Idaho, Connor attended George Fox University graduating with a Business Management Degree in 2020. Connor was college athlete and really understands the team environment from his days playing college baseball. On the weekend you can catch him golfing, snowboarding, attending live music and sporting events, and enjoying the Colorado lifestyle with his fiancé and dog.
Andrew hentzen
PROJECT MANAGER
Andrew, came to Larsen as a project manager after working for a luxury developer in Santa Monica, CA for 3 years. Andrew moved to Los Angeles after graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Economics in 2019. Andrew is a life long learner and you can find him in our office or on the jobsite trying to gain as much knowledge as he can. On his time off Andrew enjoys spending time with family, checking out new restaurants, cooking, and watching sports teams from his home state of Wisconsin.