Kirk Gronvold – Owner

Third generation builder Kirk Gronvold began his career early, working side-by-side with his father. After graduating from Seattle University in 1985, Kirk chose to continue the family tradition of providing quality craftsmanship. For 22 years, he worked in the family-owned business, expanding the services offered and gaining extensive experience and knowledge.

In 2007, he launched Blue Water Design Build LLC to focus on design build services. The company provides homeowners, builders and developers with quality craftsmanship for new construction and remodeling. A home services division provides home repair and maintenance with the same commitment to quality.

As the owner of Blue Water Design Build, Kirk continually strives to exceed customer expectations. He believes that making homeowners dreams come true is a magical task that can be accomplished through hard work, attention to detail and establishing clear communication with the customer and the professionals working on the project.

Kirk and his wife Donna are raising their three children in the Seattle area. The family shares a passion for boating. Together, Kirk and Donna ensure that a work/life balance includes plenty of time on the water.

Donna Gronvold – Owner/Designer

Donna has been a part of the design team at Blue Water Design Build since 2007. She has worked with clients on entire home  renovations along with kitchen and bath remodels.

Donna enjoys helping clients find design inspirations and selections of materials to fit their design aesthetic. Her philosophy starts with enhancing the features of the home, while collaborating a new vision of their own. She enjoys working with clients on projects to help alleviate the stress of design decisions, sourcing, along with guiding them to bring together a cohesive design that is interesting and inviting to live in every day. She values the trust that clients put in her and always keeps in mind their style and vision. Creating surroundings that are interesting and serene.

In her spare-time she enjoys cooking new dishes, entertaining family and friends, wine tastings, reading, boating and travel.

Dana Rowley – Designer

Dana brings over 10 years of design experience to Blue Water Design Build LLC. ranging from remodels to full renovations. With a background in a technical environment she’s managed over 250 employees and responsible for overall project management on multiple projects that interfaced across all company disciplines.

Dana’s specialty of spatial planning, color consulting and overall design makes her a valuable asset and team member. She efficiently and effectively keeps projects on time and on budget. Dana begins each project with listening to the client and really understanding their ideas and concerns. Addressing each one Dana always completes every project with a happy client and their dream fulfilled.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of Washington and a MBA degree from University of Southern California.

Shelby Cram – Designer

Shelby was born and raised in Seattle and has roots in the Interior Design industry reaching back over 100 years in the Fremont/Ballard/Queen Anne/Capitol Hill neighborhoods. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in all aspects of the design process to the Blue Water Design Build team.

From creative to technical, limited budget to high end, small scale to full home renovation-Shelby’s goal is to create functional and beautiful client-based design solutions thoughtfully and efficiently.

 In her free time Shelby spends time with her husband, dog, friends and family. She loves painting, all the crafts, woodworking, and going to the coast as much as possible.

Katie Smith – Project Manager

Katie joined the Blue Water Design Build team as a Project Coordinator in June of 2021.  She has an extensive background in property management, client service, and project management.  Katie’s strategic planning and critical thinking allow her to manage cross-functional teams and ensure projects are successfully completed.  Katie is well versed in permitting, design functions, and maintaining timelines. As a key contributor to the Blue Water team, her goal is to create efficiencies, hold team members accountable, and ensure a seamless experience for her clients.

In her free time Katie can be found hiking, watching the Sounders and Seahawks games, and spending time with her family.

Emily Paro – Construction Coordinator

Emily joined the Blue Water Design Build team as our Construction Coordinator in July 2022. She grew up around construction and started learning more about the field when she moved to Washington about 4 years ago. With her multiple years of customer service & administrative experience, she communicates well with our clients and team. Each job grows her skillset and gets her closer to her future goal of being a Project Manager.

In Emily’s free time, she can be found hiking, exploring markets, and enjoying Seattle food trucks.

Duane Schwab – Manager

Duane has worked for Kirk since 2013. When Blue Water Design Build LLC launched in 2007, we were happy to secure Duane as our Maintenance manager. With a background in electronics repair and maintenance there simply isn’t anything that Duane can’t fix! Duane has extensive skills in appliance repair, drywall install and patching, flooring install and repair and everything in between.

Duane is known to always have a smile, positive outlook and a can do attitude. Clients are consistently impressed by his work and ability to exceed their expectations.

Travis Crumb – Lead Foreman

Travis has been with the Blue Water Design Build since 2016. He started out as an Apprentice Carpenter and has grown over the years into our Lead Foreman.  He has excellent problem solving skills and can work through any issues that might occur throughout the entire build process. 

In his free time Travis enjoys spending time with his family, as well as hunting and fishing.