It was with a passion for bringing older homes to modern standards while honoring their historic integrity that Jim founded Copper Sky in 2003. After more than 12 years in the corporate sector working for telecom industry leaders such as MCI, WorldCom and a startup VoIP company, Cbeyond Communications, Jim decided to follow his dream of restoring older homes to their original beauty, and Copper Sky was born.
Jim’s passion for the renovation of old houses began early in life, when he would seriously contemplate how to improve the historic homes in which he grew up. Originally from Selma, Alabama, a town steeped in history and resplendent with magnificent civil war era mansions, Jim’s early childhood home was built in 1850, after which he moved with his family into a house built by his great-grandfather in 1902. Jim channeled this inborn enthusiasm towards flipping houses in Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods while simultaneously working in the corporate sector before Copper Sky came to be.
While bringing old homes to modern standards and convenience is paramount, Jim is personally devoted to keeping homes true to their original period of construction. His goal is to thoughtfully and purposefully maintain a home’s original character and personality, such that the finished product is often mistaken for a restoration rather than a renovation. Jim has a robust eye for design, which keeps him heavily immersed in the design process of all Copper Sky’s projects.
On the rare occasion when Jim isn’t working, he enjoys ‘90’s Indy music, riding his Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, biking, restoring his ’71 Buick Skylark and spending time with his wife, Suzanne, and children, Duncan, Nina and Leila.
Jim holds of Bachelor of Science degree in Business, with a major in Finance from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business in New Orleans.
Arrie brings a wealth of experience to the job: from finish carpentry and fine woodworking to 10 years of construction project management.
As the General Manager for Copper Sky, Arrie oversees the entire operations process, and provides the day-to-day leadership for the entire company.
He previously owned his own woodworking business, designing and building custom heirloom furniture.
Arrie enjoys the creative problem solving of construction, especially in remodeling. He likes the idea of seeing what someone else has built, modifying or adding to it to improve its original intended purpose, and delivering that product to the homeowner.
Arrie and his wife, Lauren, are soaking up being new parents since welcoming their son, Nolan, in 2022. Arrie also enjoys woodworking and going for runs with his Labrador retriever, Gil.
Micaela leads the design team and oversees all projects from a design perspective, ensuring a seamless flow from concept through construction.
As Coppers Sky’s Director of Design since 2018, Micaela approaches the design process as a powerful problem-solving tool that combines purpose and function with aesthetics and creativity. In addition to her supervisory role, she also manages to squeeze in time to roll up her sleeves and design a few projects as well. Micaela played an integral role as lead designer on the infamous colorful 1930’s Tudor renovation that led to Copper Sky being named 2024 HGTV Designer of the Year!
With more than fifteen years of experience in both commercial and residential design in Atlanta and throughout the southeast, Micaela has a well-honed passion for design, an eye for clever detail, and an emphasis on integrity and professionalism. Prior to Copper Sky, Micaela spent six years operating her own design company, focusing on restaurants, office spaces, and residential projects.
Micaela holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Interior Design from Valdosta State University. She is a licensed registered interior designer (RID) and received her National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certificate in 2009.
When Micaela is not designing for clients, she’s working on her own ongoing home renovation projects and spending time with her husband, John, daughter, Rosemary and baby boy, Frankie.
IN THIS ROLE, BETSY OVERSEES MARKETING, FINANCE, HR, AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATION FOR COPPER SKY.
Working in an industry that she’s long had a passion for is a dream for Betsy. She began to develop an interest in residential architecture and design at a young age. Growing up in the historic town of Somerville, NJ heightened her awareness and appreciation for preserving the character and charm of older homes and buildings. Betsy was honored to be named 2023 Marketer of the Year by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) for her passionate approach and leadership in the industry.
After graduating from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Betsy began her career at Deloitte. She later attended the University of Georgia in Athens where she earned an MBA. She has had the good fortune of working both with reputable marketing agencies and at leading organizations such as The Weather Channel and Habitat for Humanity International.
When she’s not in the office, Betsy enjoys being outdoors: running, biking, playing basketball and wakeboarding with her children, attending outdoor concerts and festivals, and strolling around the neighborhood with her husband, Tom, their children, Emma and Owen, and their two dogs, Pete and Sunny.
With over 20 years of experience in residential remodeling, Dallas brings valuable insight and know-how to every project.
As the Director or Production for Copper Sky, Dallas spends much of his time managing the team of project managers and carpenters.
Dallas is GSWCC certified, and he brings over 20 years of experience in residential remodeling. Dallas is a people person and truly enjoys the experience of working with clients to bring their vision to life.
Originally from Virginia, Dallas now resides in Decatur, GA. He spends his time out of work with his wife, Lauren, his four children, and their dog Hopper. Dallas is a veteran of the Navy and he enjoys sailing.
One of Copper Sky’s longest-serving employees, Marcy brings a wealth of knowledge and best practices to our operations.
Marcy has more than twenty seven years of bookkeeping experience in the construction industry. Since joining Copper Sky, she has streamlined client contracting procedures and our daily operations considerably. She is passionate about the numbers and details of each client’s projects and makes sure all t’s are crossed and i’s dotted throughout the project lifecycle.
When away from the office, Marcy enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, children and grandchildren, genealogy, reading true crime books, and photography.
In her current role, Amanda provides invaluable contributions to the Marketing and PR functions at Copper Sky.
After graduating from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Amanda went on to work in digital marketing operations for digital media firms based in Michigan. She came to Copper Sky as an administrative consultant in 2022, and immediately made a positive impact managing various operational tasks. She moved into her current role in early 2023, and since then, she’s taken on much of the marketing for Copper Sky without missing a beat.
As a remote employee living in Kalamazoo, Amanda loves to take full advantage of all the outdoor activities that Michigan has to offer. She also enjoys cooking, playing tennis and traveling, especially to Cincinnati, where much of her family lives. She also enjoys visiting the Copper Sky team in Atlanta, particularly when the Michigan winters overstay their welcome!
SICILY JOINED COPPER SKY IN 2023 BRINGING HER PASSION FOR EFFICIENCY AND COLLABORATION TO THE TEAM.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Santa Fe University of Art & Design, Sicily’s background in acting and producing has instilled in her a keen eye for detail and a knack for creative problem-solving.
In the office, Sicily thrives on being an integral part of the collaborative process, ensuring that the team operates seamlessly and efficiently. As a self-proclaimed “fly on the wall,” she finds joy in witnessing the designers’ work come to life, appreciating the intricate details that make each project unique.
Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Bozeman, Montana, Sicily has a deep-rooted love for outdoor recreation, camping, and the arts. When she’s not managing the office, you can find her immersed in her other passions, including painting, acting, and filmmaking. Sicily’s diverse background and love for creative endeavors make her an invaluable asset to Copper Sky’s dynamic team.
KELSEY EXCELS AT FORMING RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL HOMEOWNERS AND HELPING THEM REALIZE THEIR SPACES POTENTIAL.
After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2012, she originally planned to work with non-profits but quickly found her passion in sales. Her wide range of experience combined with her enthusiastic and friendly personality make her the perfect fit for this role.
When Kelsey is not in the office you can find her walking and cuddling up with her senior rescue dog, Orchid, spending time with her husband, Craig, enjoying delicious home cooked meals, or finding estate sales around town. Kelsey and Craig are thrilled to have welcomed their first child in January 2024.
JESSICA BRINGS VALUABLE EXPERIENCE TO THE OFFICE AND HR FUNCTIONS AT COPPER SKY.
Jessica joined the Copper Sky team in May 2024 as our dedicated Office Manager. With over 15 years of experience as an Office/Operations Manager, Jessica provides invaluable knowledge and an organized approach to the team. In conjunction, she also spent over 20 years in the food & beverage industry where she honed her customer service skills that helped shape her successful career today. She is passionate about being in a role where she can ensure the daily office operations run smoothly so others on the team can focus on their specific tasks and deadlines.
Jessica thrives on being a part of a team that prioritizes positive relationships and a collaborative work environment. We are thrilled to have her join Copper Sky as she brings her optimism and forward-thinking approach that enhances our efficiency.
When not in the office, you can find her traveling and exploring new places, enjoying live local music, or giving back to the community through volunteering.
With extensive experience and an intrinsic eye for design, Jaime partners with clients to create spaces that enhance their lives functionally and aesthetically.
Jaime has over ten years of experience in custom design work, including new builds, renovations and full interior design in southwest Florida and intown Atlanta markets. She is especially passionate about the contrast of projects that come across her desk at Copper Sky, allowing her to incorporate a variety of design elements into the final product.
Jaime has a Master of Science degree in Interior Design from Florida State University and she received her National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certificate in 2018.
Jaime keeps busy out of the office spending time with her husband, Greg, daughters Eloise and Madeline, and new bay, Beckham. She loves cooking, traveling, playing tennis, and hanging with their dog, Rooney.
Jessica comes to Copper Sky with a love for guiding clients through the creative process to produce a space that is uniquely them.
Originally from Rochester, New York, Jessica transplanted to Georgia to pursue a degree in interior design from the University of Georgia. The curriculum provided a strong foundation in art and art history that facilitated a creative exploration of the built environment, a love of travel, and a passion for learning. After cutting her teeth at a small Atlanta-based interior design firm, she returned to school and earned a master’s in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology. With 10+ years in the design industry, she has applied her skills to a broad range of projects including healthcare, higher education, adaptive reuse, retail, hospitality, workplace, and residential.
Jessica and her husband, Adam, both enjoy entertaining in their historic 1920s Decatur home that they’re currently renovating.
WHITNEY JOINED THE COPPER SKY DESIGN TEAM IN THE FALL OF 2022 AND BRINGS WITH HER TEN YEARS OF DESIGN-BUILD EXPERIENCE.
Since obtaining her BFA degree from Georgia State, Whitney has worked in the industry, including as the owner and principal designer of Wynter House Design. Best part of her job? The ability to create spaces for clients that become the backdrop of their lives.
While she’s always called Atlanta home, travel to snowy locations invariably warms her heart. Whitney’s go-to dessert? Cheesecake! But for breakfast, it’s bagels all the way.
Whitney’s time out of the office is spent with her husband, and their little ones, Lenox and Ellery. She especially enjoys going to concerts, festivals and on long car drives to the mountains. Given a day with no other plans, Whitney would hop in the car and head on a road trip to explore a place she’s never been.
KATHERINE IS A HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN PSYCHOLOGY ENTHUSIAST WITH A KEEN EYE FOR DETAIL.
With a background in custom residential new construction, Katherine spent four years as a lead designer in the north metro Atlanta area. Throughout her experience she grew her passion for design psychology by considering how the subconscious will respond and interact with a space down to the most minute details. Her journey into design began with a major in English at KSU, ultimately leading her to earn an Associate Degree in Interior Design from Lanier Technical College in 2022.
Outside the office, you’ll often find Katherine enjoying time outdoors, cooking, or baking up her favorite treats. She also enjoys traveling to the North Fork of Long Island to visit her loved ones.
Copper Sky is thrilled to have Katherine join the design team as she brings a unique perspective and skill set.
WITH A PASSION FOR ALL THINGS CREATIVE, SHAWNA BRINGS A FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO OUR DESIGN PROCESSES AND APPROACH.
Shawna finds the experience of walking through completed spaces to be particularly gratifying because what started as an idea has been physically transformed into a special space where clients can relax and enjoy their lives.
While Shawna’s past interior design experience has been primarily in the hospitality industry, she is finding residential design to be even more fulfilling. Her gregarious personality and joy of interacting with people are infused into her work with clients at Copper Sky. Shawna holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta.
For the past eight years, Shawna’s been an avid participant in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and she is currently a purple belt. She’s competed and medaled several times in the sport. She also enjoys creating cosplay ideas and going to conventions and festivals. You very well may have seen her in Atlanta’s famed Dragon Con parade over the past several years!
RACHAEL SUPPORTS THE DESIGN DEPARTMENT WITH HER TECHNICAL DRAFTING ABILITIES, HIGH ATTENTION TO DETAIL, AND CHEERY OPTIMISM.
Rachael joined Copper Sky in 2023 looking for exciting professional growth and a new challenge. Coming from the design + build world, she appreciates a collaborative environment and the constant learning opportunities that it provides, both in design and construction. She loves the ability to express herself creatively in her career. She has a Bachelor of Science in Furnishings and Interiors and Certificate of Sustainability both from University of Georgia. She is also a LEED Green Associate.
She has a passion for creative problem solving, which is great for Copper Sky as our projects are often tricky and require thinking outside the box, which Rachael enjoys. She is a very skilled technical designer, always thinking about how all the pieces of the puzzle come together.
Originally from Atlanta, you may find Rachael around town at a local coffee shop or walking her two rescue dogs, Riley and Pepper. She also loves traveling to places like Israel and national parks within the US.
Evan brings versatilility to the team with 10+ years of experience in architectural design, procurement, and estimating.
Evan finds joy in every opportunity to enhance the lives of homeowners, trade partners, and his Copper Sky teammates. With a focus on industry expertise, active listening, and meticulous attention to detail, Evan believes these qualities are the winning formula to delivering exceptional results and meaningful experiences.
With an associate’s degree in architectural drafting and design from Middle Georgia Technical College, Evan has spent the last decade in a variety of roles across the AEC industry. His experience spans civil and architectural design, procurement, and estimating, giving him a well-rounded perspective that helps him build strong relationships and empathize with clients and partners alike.
Outside the office, Evan enjoys quality time with friends and family, volunteering to help others find joy and purpose, and catching a good movie or sporting event.
Kourtney brings a diverse array of skills making her a great asset to the Copper Sky team.
As a passionate advocate for conservation and innovation, Kourtney thrives in a role that allows her to engage in problem-solving and the meticulous nature of process design and assembly. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree focused on Environmental Science from Georgia State University, which led her to work abroad with esteemed wildlife conservation organizations such as Children of Conservation, the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance, and the Jane Goodall Institute. These experiences, spanning six African countries, were instrumental in shaping her personal and professional growth. Kourtney’s career trajectory took a turn towards the construction industry, where she held pivotal roles at companies like Brock Built Homes, Toll Brothers, and Crow Holdings Development. Holding a certificate for Building Information Modeling (BIM) & 3D Measurement in CostX Estimating Software, she is committed to leveraging her background and expertise to contribute to Copper Sky’s projects and uphold the company’s values.
Outside of the office, you can often find her exploring the great outdoors through hiking, rafting, or camping adventures. She has a love for travel, exploring new places, cultures and cuisines. She also enjoys learning about and creating artisanal crafts such as candles and home goods. An Atlanta native, she has spent the past decade residing in the vibrant communities of east Atlanta, recently laying down roots in Candler Park.
CODY HAS BEEN A TRUSTED ARCHITECTURAL PARTNER OF COPPER SKY FOR OVER TEN YEARS.
His experience in designing renovations and additions for the intown Atlanta neighborhoods is unmatched. Cody has a keen sense for designing spaces that allow for modern conveniences while staying true to the original character of the home, and that are in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.
Cody established Patton Architects in 2010 after working with several small and medium sized firms in the Atlanta area. He received a Bachelor of Architecture in 1999 and a Master of Architecture in 2004, both from The Georgia Institute of Technology. He has over 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, and adaptive reuse design. Cody is LEED accredited and licensed in the state of Georgia.
Clay brings unique experience and ardent enthusiasm to his role at Copper Sky.
Clay has been honing his project management skills since he began the Residential Construction Remodeling program at Gwinnett Technical College in 2018. He has been working with his hands – as a carpenter, a furniture-maker, even a chocolate-maker – for much of his adult life.
He has a special knack for working with our skilled trade partners and he gets great satisfaction in collaborating with them to bring our clients’ visions to life.
When not working, Clay spends a lot of time outdoors: hiking, camping, golfing and playing disc golf. He grew up in Warner Robins, GA, but he also loves to travel abroad.
Evan’s common-sense approach and expert organizational skills are a few reasons he excels at his job.
Evan brings enthusiastic energy to the office and his job sites. He’s a results-oriented PM, with the goal of exceeding our clients’ expectations on every project.
Evan graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He’s also a Georgia licensed real estate agent and has worked as a professional realtor in the past.
Evan has a variety of hobbies including grilling, playing the guitar, biking, and playing cards and board games. He also enjoys spending his free time with his wife and young daughter.
TJ brings his passion for project management and diverse professional experience to the team at Copper Sky.
TJ infuses each project that he works on with his collaborative spirit and thrives on bringing building plans to life. Prior to working in residential construction, TJ produced live sporting and experiential events around the world.
TJ’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional achievements; he is a certified PMP (Project Management Professional), and holds a Master’s Degree in Sport Management and Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate from Florida State University.
In his free time, TJ enjoys weightlifting, travelling, cooking and exploring everything Atlanta has to offer with his wife, Meghan, and dog, Loki.
In this role, Marckel brings a strategic approach to project management and inventory oversight.
Marckel joined Copper Sky in 2024 as our Logistics Coordinator. With a decade of professional expertise, Marckel has excelled in roles such as Project Quotations Coordinator/Supervisor at Vallen Distribution in Atlanta, showcasing his proficiency in order processing, customer satisfaction, and effective communication.
Currently pursuing an MBA at Albany State University, Marckel holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Paine College. Beyond his professional life, he actively engages in community volunteering, youth basketball coaching, and church initiatives.
With Marckel on board, we’re excited about the enhanced efficiency he brings to our logistics operations. Originally from Stone Mountain, Georgia, he adds valuable experience and a professional touch to the Copper Sky team.
Chris not only supervises on-site construction activity, but he manages the Copper Sky warranty program.
Chris is a life-long Atlanta resident and has more than twenty-five years in the construction industry. Chris handles finish carpentry for his projects and also leads the warranty and punch list crews. He is extremely meticulous in his work ethic and drives results into his finished product. Chris is truly a jack-of-all-trades and can handle almost anything.
When Chris isn’t at work, he loves … to work! He enjoys working on his house, deck, and yard, and also fishing, hunting, and cooking.
The longest-serving employee at Copper Sky, Eddie is our go-to carpenter.
With more than thirty years of experience in the residential construction industry, Eddie specializes in framing, finish carpentry and working with reclaimed wood. He’s a skilled craftsman and takes great pride being part of the Copper Sky team and the finished work we produce.
When Eddie is away from the office, he loves watching Georgia Bulldog football, the Braves, NASCAR, and spending time with his wife, kids, and many grandkids.
Rico joined our Production Team as a carpenter in the Spring of 2022 and he’s already making a big impact.
Born and raised in Dekalb County, Rico is one of those rare people you’ll meet who actually grew up in the Atlanta area.
He’s a dad of three and when not at work or spending time with them, he likes to fish, relax while listening to old school R&B music, and watch Falcons and UGA football games. When he has the opportunity to travel, he especially enjoys visiting Newport News, VA.
As to the ever-important question of “Bagels or donuts?”, Rico is a donuts all-the-way kind of guy.
Responsible for the physical safety of the business operations, people, and infrastructure, Kyle takes his job quite seriously.
Originally from Greensboro, NC, Kyle brings inherent street smarts, people skills, and a natural aptitude for surveillance to the leadership team. Since 2013, Kyle has vigilantly patrolled and secured Copper Sky’s offices and has implemented rigorous new programs to identify possible security breaches, including; sniffing out and censuring shifty vendors and delivery personnel, performing surprise security inspections of trash cans and under employee desks (especially the office manager), and ensuring all clients are screened – upon entry AND exit – for the presence of food and/or potential shiftiness. Kyle also plays a key role in new employee vetting and training.
When not at the office, Kyle enjoys long walks, meditating in the sun, keeping random small children on their toes (just the slow ones), protecting his home and family from the mailman and other dangers of the great outdoors, and head hugs.
Copper Sky Design + Remodel uses the design-build methodology, a proven process that combines design and construction. Our team excels at major renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions, ADU’s, and specialty projects with a minimum investment of $100,000.
