Paola Placko holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She has worked in several architectural and construction firms in the Chicagoland area over the last 20 years on projects that range from residential to institutional.
Paola believes integration of construction and technology are essential to any architectural design success.
After working as consultant for last 9 years while she raises her 2 daughters, she is currently the lead estimator and architectural designer at Apex Construction Group, focusing to implement lean & BIM process in everyday activities.
Paola is in the path of becoming a licensed architect with 3 passed tests under her belt and three more to go.
When she is not working, Paola volunteers in her children’s school with the PTO. She enjoys cooking/dining and beach vacations with her husband and daughters.

A seasoned, professional with over 25 years in the construction industry, Paul is an experienced new construction and complex renovation senior project manager with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. His comprehensive knowledge of code compliance, accessibility design, and HUD/IHDA regulations are an invaluable resource to the APEX team. Paul’s experience is not limited to project management, he also has development and end-user experience which allows him the think as an owner when managing his projects. Paul has earned the trust of the APEX clients by consistently delivering superior construction management services time and time again. Being a leader at APEX, Paul helps to mentor the young professionals and in doing so has helped build the powerful project management team we have today.

Paul has earned his Applied Science Degree in Architectural Technology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

How long have you been in the construction industry?
Over 25 years

How long have you been with APEX?
6 years

What is your role at Apex?
Senior Project Manager- Cost estimating, contract negotiations, maintaining relationships with clients, architects, and subcontractors. Site inspections, reporting, cost/schedule monitoring, close-out, and contract settlements.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I enjoy golf, skiing, and off-road cycling through forest preserves and state parks.

Noah has quickly grown as a project manager at APEX. He has a keen ability to foresee and implement project advantages as well as detect problems before they occur and efficiently solve them. He is a valuable asset to the APEX team and our clients. As a sought-after project manager in the Chicagoland industry, Noah prefers to work for a company that is value-based and that is devoted to their client’s goals and satisfaction.

Noah has obtained his degree in civil engineering with a focus on construction management, is a highly skilled, meticulous project manager.

How long have you been in the construction industry?
10 Years

How long have you been with APEX?
2.5 years

What is your role at Apex?
Project Manager/Estimator – Managing APEX’s construction projects including material procurement, change orders, RFIs, subcontractor scope/schedule management, interfacing with the clients to ensure they are 100% satisfied. In addition to project management aid in estimating and preconstruction department, preforming material take-offs and pricing, and sourcing subcontractor for upcoming bids.

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
I enjoy managing projects, helping to move a project forward successfully and bringing in new work by networking and bidding projects.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
Most of my time outside of the office is spent with my dog Harvey or with my family. My two nieces are everything to me. During the summer I enjoy spending time on a lake in Michigan.

Dharmendra has been working with Apex since 2018. He has a MS degree in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He began his career with Apex from two back to back summer and fall internship during his grad school.

As a Scheduler, he works with the entire project team to create the project schedule and update it on a regular basis. Dharmendra also reviews the subcontractor proposals, prepares submittals, processes RFI’s and change orders, and helps with payment applications. He currently holds OSHA 30 Hours and CMIT (Construction Manager-In-Training) certification and is affiliated with American Society of Civil Engineers and Construction Management Association of America.

Over the course of his career with Apex, Dharmendra has worked on numerous housing projects in the Chicagoland area.

When not working, Dharmendra enjoy biking and running along the Michigan Lake and has an interest of cooking different international cuisines

Robert is a highly efficient project manager with a great attitude and a depth of experience to lend to the project team. Robert has been in the construction industry for just under 10 years and has successfully managed many complex projects prior to and during his time at APEX. His knowledge of how to effectively manage schedules, subcontractors and budgets has produced great results for our clients.

Robert earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management in 2011 with a Minor in Drafting.

How long have you been with APEX?
7 years

What is your role at Apex?
Project Manager - my day to day duties include collaborating with Architects/Engineers, choosing subcontractors and delegating their responsibilities, reporting project progress to clients, managing project budget, complying with safety standards and project specifications, determining needed resources to ensure construction deadlines are met.

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
I learn a lot working with Apex, and the owner, Valentino is always willing to help no matter what.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I am a very family-oriented person and spending time with family is everything to me. They are my motivation and what keeps me going on a day to day basis.

As Superintendent Bashkhim manages the scope, schedule, and manpower for the plumbing, excavation, and concrete subcontractors and laborers. He has an 18-year career in the construction industry and been with APEX for 6 years. Bashkhim has the diligence and fortitude when managing the subcontractor team, coupled with a positive personality he is able to effectively produce on-time, quality work. He is respected and revered by his APEX and subcontractor team.

Do you have any degrees or certificates?
I am a Licensed Plumber.

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
APEX has a very respectful working environment that appreciates their people and teamwork.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
When not working I enjoy spending time outdoors, being with my wife and our 3 kids!

Erik joined the APEX team in January or 2016. He immediately showed initiative, helping handle complex project tasks and aiding the project team in the successful management of many projects. His hands-on approach and willingness to help in any area needed is a benefit to keeping our jobs on schedule. Erik is adept at effective communication between personnel and suppliers. His desire to be an influential part of a team has gained him additional responsibilities such as: assisting the project manager in managing costs, schedule and project performance, contractor scope and materials procurement.

What is your role at Apex?
Project Manager

Do you have any degrees or certificates?
Illinois State University

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
I love our hardworking team and how we support each other no matter what.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I enjoy powerlifting, skiing, and spending time with friends and family

With over 20 years in the construction industry, Darius is added benefit to any and all of our client’s projects. His skillful systems in helping manager subcontractors’ scope of work and schedule, lead our team in completing a project with finesse and grit. He continues to perform with passion and conviction towards a job well.

How long have you been with APEX?
8 years

What is your role at Apex?
Assistant Superintendent of Carpenter, managing all carpentry scope including rough carpentry, finish carpentry, cabinetry and door installations.

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
I really enjoy working for Apex Construction Group because of the healthy & positive working environment. Apex is a growing company and I'm proud to be part of it.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I like to have fun in my free time and being involved in some activities like skiing in the winter, boat driving, and jet skiing during the summer.

Cieara Thomas began working in the construction industry in 2016 and has been working for Apex from the start. As the safety manager for APEX, her duties are supervising and enforcing all safety rules and regulations in the field, ensuring all measures are taken to avoid job site hazards and accidents. Her top priority is the safety of all workers and project management staff. She works diligently to enforce the most quality instruction of safety precautions.

What do you enjoy about working at APEX? I really enjoy working in the construction industry especially with Apex, such a diverse environment with warm-hearted, hardworking, and respectful people.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I am a hard-working woman who cares about others. I am family-oriented, and I love any form of entertainment especially comedy. I enjoy shopping, music and making people laugh.

Managing the painting subcontractors’ scope and schedule is Fernando’s top responsibility at APEX. Utilizing his 15 years of experience in the construction industry, he leads the cause of quality and timely completion of all coating related scope, guaranteeing client satisfaction. He leads our subcontractor team with confidence and a positive attitude.

How long have you been with APEX?
5 years

What is your role at Apex?
Painter Superintendent- I manage the painting and detailing for every step of a job.

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
What I like is that we are all friends at work and outside. I also love the opportunity at APEX to consistently learn new things.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I love cars. I have learned how to do some mechanic work on my own car and enjoy that in my free time.

Alberto joined APEX only 1 year ago with 15 years of construction experience. With 5 years of carpentry schooling he a wealth of knowledge on how to efficiently manage the project carpentry scope. Alberto has a keen eye for detail and has aided in carpentry value-engineering, producing budget savings and time off the schedule.

How long have you been in the construction industry?
15 years

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
I really enjoy the culture of the company.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I enjoy spending time with my family!

Olga has 8 years of construction administrative and project account experience. Starting at Apex after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Finance from the Donetsk University of Economy and Trade and has also earned a Master of Accounting & Financial Management & Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis from Keller Graduate School. Olga’s has willingness to step in and help any member of the APEX team. She works tirelessly to ensure the administration responsibilities and project accounting responsibilities at APEX are completed efficiently.

What is your role at Apex?
Above managing the office, I work with the project team to complete the project accounting, compliance, and certified payroll.

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
Diversity of responsibilities and a lot of opportunities for personal growth and development.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
In my free time, I love spending time with my son. He is my best friend and the most important person in my life. Also, I like to read and bicycle at every opportunity.

Giovanna has 2 years of Human Resource experience and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development with a minor in Human Resources Management from Purdue University. Giovanna's eagerness to not only help the Apex team but also learn is what makes her an astounding employee.

What is your role at Apex?
My role at Apex involves: Preparing and maintaining employment records, overseeing the hiring process, ensuring new hire paperwork is completed and processed, communicating job duties, responsibilities, and schedules to new and current employees, and addressing employee relation issues

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
I love the diversity at Apex. I also believe that everyone here is presented with incredible opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

What do you enjoy in your personal life?
In my free time, I love traveling, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Laura has been with APEX since February of 2020. She is an important part of the day to day activities at APEX assisting with the administrative duties, project accounting, compliance and certified payroll responsibilities. She has a great attitude and is very giving of her time in helping the team when there is a need.

Laura has a bachelor’s degree in law and a Master's of Science degree in Public Law from University of Tirana, Faculty of Law, Albania.

What is your role at Apex?
Executive Assistant/Accounting Clerk

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?
What I like the most about Apex besides the professional and welcoming atmosphere, is the workforce diversity.

Riley has been with APEX since December of 2019 as an intern.

Riley has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the State Farm College of Business at Illinois State University

What is your role at Apex?
Marketing Coordinator

What do you enjoy about working for APEX?