Studio 431

Matt Begeman

Senior Project Manager

Matt Begeman was the first Studio 431 project manager when the role was created in 2016. Since that time, Matt has partnered with internal teams to improve project flow and serves as liaison between customers and internal teams to ensure deliverables are met. Working on high-profile projects and with world-class customers to create amazing outdoor spaces is what Matt likes most about his work.

“Our success in delivering high-quality products and services as a team has built a confidence level in our customers that is unsurpassed.”

Michael Blum

President - Studio 431

President Michael Blum values Studio 431’s ability to take the projects that leading designers and architects have entrusted to the team and then apply their skill and craft in thoughtful and beautiful ways to bring visionary concepts to life. Michael believes the long-lasting partnerships and shared respect for design between Studio 431 and its clients are the magic behind inspirational outdoor destinations.

“I am proud of the work the Studio 431 team does on a daily basis. The drive to exceed customer expectations by delivering high-quality projects and being a true partner to our customers is unmatched.”

Nicole Bradshaw

Supply Chain Analyst

Supply Chain Analyst Nikki Bradshaw interacts with multiple Studio 431 teams as a commodity planner and purchaser. Every Studio 431 project is unique, which makes Nikki’s work challenging, fun, and always a learning experience. Nikki is a newer member of the Studio, and she is continually impressed with the group’s focus, trust, and respect for one another, essential to its ability to meet the often-tight time constraints of projects and the high quality standards of Studio 431 and Landscape Forms.

“I want our customers to think of Studio 431 as their proven partner for bringing inspiring and dynamic outdoor design concepts to life.”

Sawyer Caley

CAD Engineer

CAD Engineer Sawyer Caley finds 3D modeling of one-of-a-kind furniture a favorite part of his work, especially when he sees that model come to life, knowing that it will enliven the space in which it is installed. Beyond 3D modeling, Sawyer also creates the shop drawings that make components manufacturable. Sawyer enjoys the daily collaboration and support among the Studio 431 team.

“I love using my CAD skills to create a virtual representation of a customer's vision and then seeing that 3D model come to life when it is manufactured in-house.”

Mark Chucta

Enterprise System Specialist

Mark Chucta respects accurate data, and in his role as Enterprise System Specialist, he has responsibility to manage and maintain system databases for all of Studio 431’s orders. The freedom to make role improvements as he identifies them and the variety of tasks and schedule pacing inherent in custom projects are some of the things Mark enjoys most about his work.

“I have managed Studio 431’s enterprise system functions since late 2014, which has involved the creation and maintenance of over 17,000 routings and 21,000 purchased items for more than 900 orders.”

Valerie Conner

Senior Project Manager

A shared trait among Studio 431 team members is their comfort, even enjoyment, of the change and unpredictability inherent in custom work. Senior Project Manager Valerie Conner finds it is what keeps her refreshed. In her role, Valerie seeks out efficiencies and process improvements as she manages projects, with a goal to help grow the business and create innovative solutions delivered with excellence.

“I'm proud that I'm part of the Studio 431 at a time where processes and tools are being analyzed and optimized in an effort to contribute to growth, and that I'll be able to help implement those improvements.”

Bailey Ellinger

Project Coordinator

While change may be difficult for some people, it’s what Project Coordinator Bailey Ellinger likes most about working with Studio 431. The complexity and dynamic nature of custom projects and the teamwork that it requires are also sources of enjoyment and pride for Bailey. In her role, Bailey manages projects, tracks timelines, and maintains customer relationships.

"My Studio 431 team is like a family. Everyone understands that we have to work as a team, otherwise the process will not work.”

Mark Haase

Market Specialist

What Mark Haase likes most about his role as a Market Specialist is finding a new and challenging opportunity for Studio 431 and then working with the team to figure out how to execute the design. Business development includes uncovering opportunities, technical sales, and building relationships with architects, landscape designers, and designers, the perfect job for Mark to share the Landscape Forms story.

“Studio 431 is a highly collaborative team that elevates our clients’ designs with our engineering and manufacturing skill set.”

Jim Hargrove

Project Engineer

Project Engineer Jim Hargrove helps turn clients’ designs into reality, ensuring the design intent of some of the country’s top landscape architects and designers remain intact. He is especially proud of the team’s transit projects and its ability to accomplish complex work, from managing multiple stakeholders and navigating codes and requirements to engineering and manufacturing physically large elements.

“I like working on high-profile projects for high-profile designers that get installed in unique locations. It is rewarding to see our work on display at venues all across the country that draw a lot of attention.”

Jon Harning

Supply Chain Intern

Jon Harning is majoring in integrated supply management at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and, as a Supply Chain Intern with Studio 431, he is getting on-the-job training for his future profession. He is also getting the opportunity to apply what he learns in the classroom as he sources components and assists Studio 431’s fabrication, assembly, and inventory management teams.

“As a supply chain team, our ability to source many different components of all shapes and sizes makes me proud. We work under tight timelines so a lot of our success depends on the strong relationships we have developed with our suppliers.”

Austin Jackson

CAD Engineer

CAD Engineer Austin Jackson appreciates the continuous learning and collaboration that custom projects require. In his role, Austin creates models and draws for large-scale projects and takes the lead on small-scale projects. He enjoys the diversity of the Studio 431 team and the different skills and backgrounds of his coworkers. Austin’s goal for Studio 431 is to be the go-to resource for custom site furniture and lighting in the industry.

“Most of us have different backgrounds and experiences, so it’s fun to collaborate and get different ideas on how best to design and engineer a product.”

Travis Johncock

Senior Estimator

Travis Johncock enjoys the support and collaboration of his team as they analyze and identify the costs involved in all the complex and unique project opportunities that come to Studio 431. As Senior Estimator, Travis oversees the estimating department and provides clients with quotes and budget parameters for their projects.

“I’d like clients to think of their experience working with Studio 431 as smooth sailing. Excellent customer service, easiest custom product to install, highest quality, quick response, and excellent communication.”

Jordan Kucharek

Project Engineer

As Project Engineer, Jordan Kucharek takes customers’ concepts and turns them into reality. He appreciates the diversity of custom projects that ensure no day is like another and his pride in the team’s ability to provide products and services that exceed customers’ expectations.

“Everyone at Studio 431 shares the same vision and is dedicated to delivering the best product. The collaborative environment truly creates a family environment.”

Chad Kendall

Project Engineer

Project Engineer Chad Kendall’s job is to ensure that he engineers the design concepts provided by leading architects and designers so that they can be manufactured in ways that protect the vision and intent of the project, while executing with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship. That might sound daunting, but Chad appreciates the unique and daily challenges that make working with the team rewarding.

“It makes me proud to see how Studio 431 products are used to transform some of the most iconic locations. It’s rewarding to see how my work has contributed to the creation of something that so many people enjoy.”

Emily Lonsbury

Project Coordinator

Emily Lonsbury keeps Studio 431 on task and on time. In her role as Project Coordinator, Emily manages project schedules and to-do’s. While her work can be challenging and the bar she sets for herself high, it is also rewarding. Shipment notifications, in particular, are a source of pride for Emily, as they remind her that a Studio 431 client is receiving a high-quality, expertly crafted product that makes that client’s vision come to life.

“My goal is for our customers to describe us as a company that supplies exceptional custom products with ‘top-notch’ customer service.”

Justin Loofboro

Project Estimator

Estimator Justin Loofboro creates budgets and estimates, helps with design ideas, and is happy to assist with anything else that needs to be done. Being able to work on the front end of a project in order to help reduce problems that might arise later is one of Justin’s favorite aspects of his work. Justin enjoys both the outdoors and being a part of a company that creates spaces in which people can experience nature.

“I love that every day is a new challenge. With this team, you never feel like you’re on your own. Every single person is driven to help each other for the success of Studio 431.”

Jeremiah Montgomery

CAD Engineer

CAD Engineer Jeremiah Montgomery is a dig-in-and-get-it-done kind of person. He works directly with clients on projects from start to finish and also assists Studio 431 project engineers with anything they may need help with, from project management to final modeling. In fact, it’s the flexibility of Jeremiah’s role that he especially enjoys and the opportunity it’s given him for growth as an engineer and contributor.

“So many small details go into our work that many may never realize, but that in the end create a product that can be described as a work of art that will withstand the tests of time. The Studio 431 team are masters of our craft.”

Caleb Nitz

Manufacturing Group Leader

Manufacturing Group Leader Caleb Nitz helps internal teams reach departmental and company production goals, develops and leads manufacturing process leaders, and contributes to strategic planning. Team development is an especially gratifying part of Caleb’s work, and seeing how investments in team members result in reaching Studio 431’s goals and growth. Caleb enjoys coming up with creative solutions through collaboration with members and across departments and bringing concepts to reality.

“We practice world-class craftmanship, design, and communication to take our clients’ authentic concepts to reality.”

Ken Oldenburg, Sr.

Manufacturing Process Leader

As a Manufacturing Process Leader, Ken Oldenburg makes sure that Studio 431’s quality standards are maintained and its customers’ deadlines are met. Beyond managing daily production, Ken enjoys being part of a high-energy team that is motivated to provide customers with outstanding, world-class, and innovative solutions every day.

“No matter how large or complicated a project is, our Studio 431 team always finds a way to manufacture and deliver the best product.”

Darin Piippo

Market Specialist

Darin Piippo is creative and entrepreneurial by nature, so working with world-class designers to take their visions and develop them into real-world products is a constant inspiration to him. As a Market Specialist, Darin has worked to broaden the reach of Studio 431 with projects in high-profile venues that are sources of pride for the entire Studio 431 team.

“Our goal is always for Studio 431 custom products to look and feel just like standard products by the time they arrive onsite–with the same high level of engineering, quality, fit, and finish. This is what sets Studio 431 and Landscape Forms apart.”

Erin Prichard

Supply Chain Analyst

The nature of custom design requires Supply Chain Analyst Erin Prichard to regularly collaborate with Studio 431’s external partners to creatively solve problems and push the limits of what's possible in manufacturing. In her role, Erin manages the relationships with supply partners and ensures that deliveries are on time, in spec, and within budget.

“Our products help create the energy of an outdoor environment. Not only are they beautiful and functional, but each piece also displays the one-of-a-kind craft that is unique to Landscape Forms.”

Souley Saddy

Project Engineer

Product Engineer Souleymane Saddy works with architects and customers to bring their visions to life with the highest quality standards. Souley appreciates the uniqueness of custom projects that constantly keep his work new and exciting, but he especially enjoys the camaraderie of the Studio 431 team and everyone’s willingness to help one other.

“I like to hear our customers say that Studio 431 exceeded their every expectation while realizing their intended vision.”

John Shimer

Engineering Group Leader

John Shimer, Engineering Group Leader, leads and coaches the engineers at Studio 431, training and developing team members to successfully engineer high-quality, high-profile custom solutions on time and within budget. John has been an integral part of Studio 431 since its inception. Seeing the group grow from a simple start-up to a world-class custom studio is a source of pride for John, as is playing a role in the development of the business and team.

“I'm privileged to work in such a great environment.”

Cory Stage

Engineering Intern

Cory Stage comes to Studio 431 from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, where she is pursuing a degree in engineering design technology. As an Engineering Intern, Cory assists project and CAD engineers. She enjoys the creativity and problem-solving required to turn customers’ concepts into manufacturable, functional products. As both a student and an intern, Cory has learned to hone her time management skills and prioritize responsibilities. She appreciates that working with Studio 431 has taught her to apply real-world concepts to her studies.

“The Studio 431 team has a unique and fun culture with an incredible work ethic.”

Alex Tipton

Custom Coordinator

Alex Tipton describes Studio 431 as a customer-focused business. In her role as Customer Coordinator, Alex is involved in all things related to her customers, from fielding new project requests and processing orders to coordination and communication with business development reps. She enjoys the diversity of her days, projects, and especially the camaraderie among the team and thoughtful and innovative approaches to creating their clients’ visions.

“Bringing a customer's vision to life is what we do here. It takes every person on the Studio 431 team to make it happen, always with the customer's vision and satisfaction top of mind.”

Steve Verity

Manufacturing Process Leader

Steven Verity finds the diversity and complexity of custom projects and the fast-paced nature of Studio 431’s work some of the more enjoyable aspects of his job as Manufacturing Process Leader. In this role, Steven is responsible for production timelines and quality standards being met. Most of all, he loves the satisfaction of seeing custom products go from paper to finished product.

“We bring a lot of passion and creativity to our work, so I love it when we hear our clients say ‘This is even better than we expected!’”

David Zolp

Senior Marketing Specialist

Senior Marketing Specialist David Zolp provides marketing and communications support for the Studio 431 business segment. In his role, David markets Studio 431’s capabilities and projects to the architect and design community worldwide, demonstrating the team’s expert craftsmanship and focus on customer service. David enjoys being part of a collaborative, innovative, and intelligent group of individuals, who he learns from and has fun with every day.

“We’re not a fabrication shop but an extension of our client’s design firm, helping and assisting them from initial concept through installation.”