Our Team
Rory Palubiski
Owner, Rory Palubiski, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning. After graduation, Rory worked as an intern at Vetter-Denk. This award-winning architecture firm exposed him to the practice of incorporating beauty and personal style into his custom made designs.
Rory went backpacking through Europe in the spring and early summer of 1995. Viewing and touring buildings he had studied in school inspired him. Ultimately, these travels led Palubiski to an epiphany to start his own business. Upon arriving home, he founded Fein Design in July 1995.
Rory took his education, work experience, and passion for architecture in design into the field. He worked as a carpenter and helped build many houses. His hands-on knowledge of building and how things work is key to whom he partners with on his projects specially designed for you.
Rory shared his knowledge by teaching at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD). His passion for architecture continues as he teaches clients about the process and how to build their dreams into reality.
Outside of work, Rory is passionately involved with helping his community. This includes being on the Port Washington Main Street Committee and the Community Development Authority of Port Washington. Rory is also actively involved with local sports, whether is be his position as a varsity golf coach at PW High School, or assisting in / coaching his sons endeavors in soccer, baseball and the Boy Scouts.
Catie Barth
Catie earned her Associates degree in Architectural Technology from MATC in 2008.
Rory and Catie go back to the early 90’s when Rory designed Catie’s Dad’s Auto Body business. Ever since Catie was young, she had a fascination with residential architecture. During the design process of her dad’s business, she listened and was intrigued with the process as Rory and her Dad met.
This helped guide her to follow her passion of art and design, taking as many art and architecture classes throughout high school. She then reached out to Rory during high school and job shadowed him during a summer.
After graduation, she enrolled in MATC’s Interior Design program, but found herself enjoying more of the Architectural Design classes, so then switched to MATC’s Architectural Technology program.
During college, Catie was stumped on a project, and again reached out to Rory for his advice. Rory offered Catie an internship in 2007 while she finished her last year of schooling.
After graduation in 2008, Catie worked full time with Rory. It was a unique time during the economic recession which seemed to be a blessing in disguise because with a slower work schedule, it gave Rory the opportunity to focus a lot of time helping Catie grow with his business. Teaching her more about building design and project management. It also gave Catie the opportunity to visit a lot of the specialty companies we work with and learn the process from a client perspective when they go shopping for selections like tile, countertops, and appliances, etc…
While not at work, Catie also volunteers with the Cedarburg Architectural Tour and the Cedarburg Art Museum.
Logan Harp
Logan has been interested in architecture since he was a kid. In fact, he can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to design and build homes and buildings. So, naturally he pursued an education through UW-Milwaukee’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning.
During Logan’s final review at UWM, he was introduced to Rory. Coincidentally, Rory was a prior student of Logan’s professor, and was invited to come & critique that year’s projects. Logan began an internship that summer for Fein Design, and was welcomed aboard not long after.
Logan has been with Fein Design for several years, and he really enjoys growing and learning with the help of Rory and Catie while helping clients build and remodel their homes.
Elise Mathews
Elise is an accomplished interior designer with a passion for transforming spaces into captivating, functional environments. With a keen eye for detail and a creative spirit, Elise brings a unique blend of artistry and practicality to her role as an interior designer at Fein Design. She earned her Associates degree in Interior Design from Madison College, but her love for design started way before that. At the age of 12, Elise knew she had an interest in pursuing Interior Design as a career and stayed firm in that.
Elise has successfully managed a diverse range of luxurious residential spaces. Her ability to tailor her designs to suit the unique needs and preferences of each client ensures that every project is a harmonious blend of architectural vision and interior allure. She believes that interior design is a deeply personal journey, and each project tells a unique story. Her philosophy revolves around creating spaces that reflect the essence of the individuals who inhabit them, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between architecture and interior design. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Elise is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of interior design within all projects that come through our doors.