Modern Touches

Cory has built a broad skill set in construction for the last 25 years with experience in many of the trades and phases of building. He has spent time working in many trades, and for period of time was a traveling job superintendent for a commercial construction company. As he managed time in the fast paced world of commercial retail construction, Cory honed his communication skills to efficiently communicate information in a detailed and understandable manner. Throughout his career Cory’s interest became more focused in finish carpentry including extensive knowledge regarding kitchens, built-ins, and elaborate stairway fabrication. He gains a tangible satisfaction from intricate projects, and also finds it satisfying through the detail-oriented aspect of his personality. He is excited by the prospect of guiding people through the possibilities of construction, and helping them achieve their vision. Cory’s broad experience and eye for detail provides him the ability to see creative solutions for complex construction problems.

When not at work, Cory enjoys spending time with his fiancé Lisa and new baby. Discovering, sharing, and seeing new music with his like-minded friends is an interest he passionately enjoys. Brushing up against primal fear by pushing limits on a snowboard or a motorcycle are activities he uses to forget about the trials and tribulations of work and daily life. Traveling to see friends to enjoy the aforementioned interests is something he makes time in his life for as well.

Even though originally from Arizona, Josh has lived and worked in Des Moines for the past 14 years honing his skills as an architectural designer in both the commercial and residential markets. Josh holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in architectural design and drafting. He began working in Phoenix for a large commercial architectural firm before migrating his way to the Midwest to continue his architectural internship, and has lived in West Des Moines with his wife and daughter since 2004. Becoming a member of the AIA in 2005 presented a host of new opportunities from being involved in local fundraisers and charitable events such as bowling for Big Brothers & Big Sisters, SandJam and Canstruction, as well as connecting with a social network which is still cherished and maintained today. From 2005 through 2008 Josh was an integral part of the design and project management team working on the Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Campus at Jordan Creek, Aviva Insurance headquarters and the Microsoft Data Center in West Des Moines.

By 2009, the simple realization that our culture of consuming would never be sustainable on a planet with finite resources convinced Josh to make some radical changes – marking a dramatic shift towards his desire to waste less and become more efficient in his personal life as well as professionally. By 2012 Josh became BPI certified (Building Performance Institute) as a Building Analyst and Envelope Professional to further his knowledge of building science creating eco-friendly solutions through design.

Josh has brought innovative design skills to Modern Touches regarding his attention to detail using state of the art design software. He works with each client delivering unique designs helping them visualize their new and improved space through stunning 3D layouts. For Josh, listening to each client and understanding what they want is usually the easy part – and while translating it into a well thought out design can be the challenging part, what he values the most is watching his designs become our client’s reality!

Josh’s interests include permaculture, traveling, eco-friendly architecture, Tesla Motors and the Phoenix Suns. His hobbies include judo, playing basketball, yoga and enjoys the great outdoors with his family and two dogs.

My experience in general contracting is coupled with a keen sense of design that is a unique blend, not often found in the world of construction. In addition, years in the U.S. Army molded my leadership capabilities, and education in structural engineering regarding attention to detail for design has provided me the experience to deliver innovative solutions for each client's project. Clients have always admired at my sense of style and color. I have been involved in building, remodeling, and real estate for over 15+ years, and that experience provides me insight into how a space could be transformed with regard to all budget levels to deliver economical construction solutions. I have designed hundreds of projects from simple to complex remodels, additions and custom homes with an opportunity to complete each project from start to finish.

As an Interior Designer and Marketing Consultant for Modern Touches, Bobbie’s main focus is serving the clients. She works on projects of all sizes, from complete design services to simply helping them choose the perfect paint color for their home. She successfully manages the selection process for each project through creative, feasible and functional product designs.

She pursued her artistic talent by designing logos for local small businesses through her Commercial Art background. Bobbie received a degree in Human Resource Management, and has several years of customer service experience. Being self-motivated and ability to collaborate with customers creating effective product design solutions to complete a functional space is one of many regarding Bobbie’s talents.

Bobbie was born in the Philippines and has lived in the state of Iowa since 1989. She currently lives in Urbandale, Iowa with her husband and their two boys. She’s an avid singer, dancer and has a great passion for Art in general.  She was awarded both the Gold Key and Silver Award from the Scholastic Art Award as a young woman, which received local and national recognition. In 2009, she won the Des Moines Next SensAsian Talent Competition for her vocals. Bobbie has continued her musical talent by signing at local wineries and restaurants.