OUR TEAM
Herb Lagois
Founder
Herb
Herb Lagois
Founder
Herb founded the company in 1984 as a unique design and construction company. His love for working with his hands and his educational background in Architecture is why we are a Design Build company today.
Herb is especially proud about having systems and processes in place so the Lagois Legacy continues which came to fruition in 2022 when Jacob Kirst became the Owner. Herb’s new role includes both mentorship and design which is his passion. He is looking forward to being involved with the company for many more years, helping folks love where they live.
Jacob Kirst
President
Jacob
Jacob Kirst
President
In Jacob’s earlier days, he loved watching his father hand drafting and seized every opportunity to learn the art of fine craftsmanship alongside him.
Sketching and carpentry were his favourite activities. So, it’s not surprising to learn that his favourite part of his job at Lagois is seeing a project take tangible shape.
Jacob’s education was driven by passion and a core objective to understand the bigger picture “holistically”. With an educational background in Architecture, Heritage Carpentry & Joinery and Project Management. His drive and passion has had a major impact on where he is today.
After several years of being part of the Lagois team, in 2022, Jacob was presented the opportunity to continue Herb Lagois’ legacy and lead Lagois into the future as Owner.
This came after many years of respect for Lagois’ accomplishments, team of passionate world class professionals, community involvement and a reciprocated appreciation for the methodologies, values and goals of our company.
When Jacob isn’t keeping tabs on everything and everyone involved in all of Lagois’ various projects, You will find him on the lake, spending time with his family and dreaming up innovative ways to have a positive impact on our environment, community and industry.
Tom Felts
Craftsman
Tom
Tom Felts
Craftsman
As a graduate of the Algonquin College Architectural Technology program, Tom did design and construction drawings for several years with Lagois. It was his knowledge of construction detailing that allowed him to move up to Site Supervisor. Tom has now stepped into the role of Craftsman, offering support on construction projects and looking after any of our Service / Warranty work.
If he’s not immersed in the finer details of a building project, you might find him snowboarding, camping or on the hockey rink.
Sophie Villeneuve
Project Development Manager
Sophie
Sophie Villeneuve
Project Development Manager
Sophie has her finger on the pulse of all projects at Lagois. Tasked with managing budgets, product selections, trade pricing, scopes of work and contract writing, she definitely has her hands full. But she loves every minute of it – especially the variety.
When it’s time to recharge, Sophie loves spending time with her family, gardening, cooking and trips to the cottage.
Jeff Hurdis
Lead Designer
Jeff
Jeff Hurdis
Lead Designer
As Lead Designer at Lagois, Jeff has the exciting job of working closely with homeowners to create their dream homes. From measuring and investigating the existing spaces, creating conceptual design, 3D renderings, project estimates and meeting with homeowners, Jeff is tasked with ensuring every design clients vision is brought to reality.
As a new dad, Jeff’s time away from work is spent enjoying every moment with his son, watching him grow and learn new things everyday. When time allows, you will find him on the golf course, at the campground or on a long walk with the family.
Darren Vander Meer
Production Manager
Darren
Darren Vander Meer
Production Manager
Darren is well known to Lagois, as he has worked for us for many years as one of our contractors. His knowledge and expertise in construction led him to his role as our Site Supervisor. Darren has now transitioned to Production Manager and will oversee all projects, making sure that the projects stay on time and within budget for our clients. He also mentors and coaches all production staff to make sure that all projects meet the Lagois’ high standard of workmanship.
As an avid outdoorsman who loves hiking, camping, and canoeing, Darren is always grateful that his job doesn’t keep him at a desk all day.
Brenda Salmon
Office Manager
Brenda
Brenda Salmon
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Brenda keeps everyone on track and keeps the office functioning. She is the face of Lagois when people first walk in or make a call. If you have a question, she will do her very best to answer it and if she can’t, she knows exactly who to direct you to.
Brenda has always had a love of horses. You will most often find her in the horse barn with her two daughters. Family is very important to Brenda; they enjoy camping and snowmobiling together.
Kiana Burke
Architectural Technologist
Kiana Burke
Kiana Burke
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST
Early in 2020, Kiana did her Algonquin College Coop with us in her last year of the Architectural Technologist Program. She impressed us so much that when an opening came up, we reached out to her to see if she would like to join our team. Kiana now helps Jeff, our Lead Designer with all aspects of designing and bringing our client’s visions to life on paper.
You will find Kiana either in the kitchen cooking up a storm or enjoying the great outdoors camping.
Tessa Linde
Project Development Coordinator
Tessa Linde
Tessa Linde
Project development coordinator
Tessa is a talented graduate of Carleton University and of the University of Manitoba, with a Bachelors and a Masters of Architecture. As a Project Development Coordinator, Tessa works on multiple jobs, coordinating selections, writing scopes of work, and working with trade pricing and working closely with our clients to ensure that their visions are reflected in their project.
Outside of work, you will find Tessa spending time at the family cottage and out trying to catch a fish or two. Tessa also enjoys the art of photography and creating beautiful pictures.
Kelly Sands
Bookkeeper
Kelly
Kelly Sands
Bookkeeper
When Kelly was a kid, she imagined being an accountant when she grew up. She clearly had good professional instincts because she is now the Bookkeeper at Lagois. Tasked with staying on top of all things numbers, Kelly helps the Lagois team stay on their financial toes.
When she’s not tapping a calculator, Kelly loves hopping on her motorcycle in the summer and being out on her snowmobile in the winter.
Nolan Williamson
Labourer
Nolan
Nolan Williamson
Labourer
Early in 2021, Nolan did a coop with us during his last year of high school. After impressing the Lagois production team, Nolan joined us as a labourer. Nolan will be starting a carpentry apprenticeship program so he can someday become a red seal carpenter.
When Nolan isn’t learning the ins and outs of the trade you can find him on a hike or relaxing at home playing video games.
in loving memory
Chris Parish
In Loving Memory
Chris
Chris Parish
In Loving Memory
Chris started working at Lagois on May 18, 1998 as a new graduate of the Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe College. He quickly moved from Designer to Site Supervisor then to Production Manager and finally to Lagois’ Sales & General Manager. Chris was instrumental in helping develop our systems and processes we are using to this day.
When Chris was young, he developed a love for all things automotive. He loved his boat, biking and motorcycling. Most of all he loved his family and friends. We lost Chris in 2021 to cancer. He will be greatly missed by his family and his Lagois family. He will be forever remembered for his creativity, open-mindedness, kindness and non-judgemental soul. We can’t forget his quick wit and his ‘Chrisisms’!
We are proud to rename our annual Ronald McDonald House charity golf tournament: The Chris Parish Memorial Charity Golf Tournament
Chris Parish June 1, 1971 – August 31, 2021
