Who Is Craft Design-Build

Craft Design-Build is a full-service design-build firm providing a streamlined experience for their clients throughout Monterey County. From tenant improvements, and to ground up construction, the Craft Team delivers inspired solutions to their clients. In each project, the team designs and produces a truly unique and memorable experience for their client’s customers and teammates.

The Craft Team specializes in construction however they have the aptitude to streamline all phases of the project, from the interior design and architectural drafting to closeout. This creates a comprehensive and transparent design-build experience for Craft’s clients.

Craft Design-Build is more than a construction company. They are a comprehensive project-based firm built on integrity, creative design solutions and craftsmanship.

Meet the Team Behind Craft Design-Build

Jon Rasmussen — Principal

Growing up around the construction industry Jon’s passion for architectural design developed at an early age. His experience in construction began at a custom high-end cabinet shop and it wasn’t long before Jon was adding numerous residential construction projects to his résumé, eventually transitioning his focus to commercial design-build.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from CSU Northridge, Jon received his general contractor’s license. In 2010, while living in Los Angeles, he combined his passion for architecture and experience as a contractor with his artistic mindset and launched Craft Design-Build.

In 2013 Jon and his wife, Meryl, migrated back to Monterey County, where they were both born and raised. It was at this time that Jon’s commercial design-build portfolio started revving up with projects including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Taylor Building Retail Stores, Rabobank, Remax, The Folktale Group, Starbucks, Orosco Group, Corral de Tierra Country Club, County of Monterey, Elroy’s Fine Foods, CSUMB and the Monterey Regional Airport.

Jon’s capabilities are unique to the construction industry because not only is he a licensed and experienced contractor, but he can also draft architectural plans and often uses his abilities to creatively solve problems in order to deliver custom designs and details within each project. Jon’s work often reflects his strong connection to the community he both lives and works in as well as his California inspired aesthetic.

Jon’s hands-on involvement at every jobsite and attention to the daily details is one of the many ways Jon and Craft Design-Build stands out.

Meryl DeYoung Rasmussen — Principal

After graduating from the University of San Diego Meryl spent four years in Los Angeles working as a workplace design consultant managing large complex commercial projects for companies such as Nestle, Greendot, LAUSD and Microsoft.

After returning to Monterey County with Jon, in 2013, she joined Peninsula Business Interiors as a workplace consultant where she continued to develop her portfolio and cultivate her passion for commercial design. While working with PBI Meryl partnered with local companies such as Taylor Farms, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Santa Catalina.

Meryl officially joined the Craft team in 2017 with her focus being on design and marketing as well as ensuring a positive experience for Craft clients. She excels at delivering projects that strongly align with the clients overall branding and image. Meryl’s personal style is up-to-date, fun and innovative expressing both minimalistic and adventurous characteristics. Her creative process is deeply inspired by her love of travel and her passion for the community that she grew up in.

In addition to managing Craft Design-Build with Jon, Meryl is a proud Downtown Salinas Rotarian (and board member / membership), a board member for the Salinas City Center Improvement Association as well as a founding member of Interior Design Monterey Bay.

Seth Eddy — Operations Manager

Seth recently joined the Craft Design Build team and brings almost 20 years of building experience with him. He grew up in a construction family in Pacific Grove and began working in the trades while still in high school.

Seth built his expertise on projects for the Monterey Airport District, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, US Corp of Engineers, Monterey County, Salinas Unified School District, and Esperanza Camel. His years in the filed give him valuable hands-on experience that provides a solid foundation for managing efficient projects.

His experience at all levels of the building process, Seth brings perspective, creativity, and a commitment to quality that only strengthens the Craft Design Build team. His time as an owner’s representative means he understands the needs of our clients from their position which ensures a positive, transparent experience.

Tyler Pratt — Project Manager

Tyler is the newest member to the Craft team. After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Tyler spent the next 10 years growing his knowledge and experience in the construction industry by working for a large general contractor throughout Northern California.

Tyler’s experience in the industry includes over 500,000 SF of new and remodel construction projects for the California State University system; over 500,000 SF of new hospitality, clean lab, office space, and county correctional projects in Silicon Valley; 400,000 SF of waste water treatment facilities, and 135,000 SF of new military housing for the Department of Public Works and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

As a new member of the Craft team, Tyler is bringing a fresh perspective along with years of industry experience to Monterey County. Tyler’s attention to detail, innovative thought process, drive, and commitment to providing the best possible product to his clients are assets to any construction project.

Sara Simoni — Designer

After earning her bachelor’s degree in computer science, with a minor in psychology, from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Sara went on to earn an associate in arts, interior design, degree from Monterey Peninsula College.

With almost 15 years of interior design experience, Sara has built an impressive portfolio by working on projects with the Monterey County Health Department, Stanford and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare, Bernardus Lodge, Sherwood Recreation Center, Vista Blue Spa and Corral de Tierra Country Club, amongst several others.

Sara’s experience includes space planning, developing new floor plans and interior elevations, and sourcing materials for interior and exterior finishes. She develops detailed schedules and coordinates with sub-contractors, architectural representatives, and consultants in order to keep projects moving and on schedule. Sara has extensive experience in sourcing, coordination, procurement and installation of furnishings and textiles.

Sara is a well-rounded and versatile designer known for creating innovative and functional spaces within a variety of market segments, including hospitality, public works, mixed-use, commercial and residential projects.

Sara is an active member of Interior Design Monterey Bay along with Meryl.