CS Underground, LLC is one of the few specialized exterior contractors that combine all areas of landscape construction, site excavation/grading/trenching, and architectural concrete work.
Incorporating the very best professionals from each component of exterior construction, CS Underground achieves a successful process from start to finish. It is in this integration that enables the production of the highest quality exterior construction while infusing design elements envisioned by the architect and/or designer. Through artistic collaboration and professional building execution, CS Underground effectively combines architectural concepts with innovative construction methods resulting in the successful creation of the final product.
Joe Colella – Owner
As a general contractor specializing in custom residential building, concrete and masonry, Joe's 27 years of experience allows for a variety of areas of expertise. Joe began his career in custom building in southern California constructing hillside homes and architectural concrete projects for high-end residential homes in the Bel Air and Beverly Hills areas. In San Francisco, Joe's work can be seen in the award-winning development of the Embarcadero waterfront, where he supervised all the concrete work on this project. In addition, Joe has developed concrete finishing techniques to achieve economical, high-level finishes. Joe's development of new methods of unique concrete finishes and pre-cast concrete provide additional options for custom concrete work. joe@csunderground.org
Dorte Colella – Owner
A business manager with extensive background in financial, legal, and operations management, Dorte has been in business management for over 15 years including successfully establishing several new business entities in San Francisco and Seattle. Dorte's background in commercial & film production as an operations and financial manager provided the necessary foundation for establishing two contracting companies, Colella Construction, Inc. and CS Underground, LLC along with husband, Joe Colella. Dorte provides both contract administration and project management services, with emphasis on project detail and communication, which are essential for both architect and client on any project. dorte@csunderground.org
Mark Kihlstrom – Project Manager and Estimator
A landscape contractor whose published work can be seen in Sunset Magazine and Seattle Home, Mark's garden creations have been showcased at the Seattle Flower & Garden Show. Mark's experience specializes in high-end residential design and installation. He is a certified horticulturist and certified arborist whose career has included plant buyer, exotic plant sourcing and plant propagation. Mark's expertise includes all facets of landscape construction including earthwork, drainage, masonry, carpentry, irrigation, low-voltage lighting, plant design, transplanting large trees, and installation of pools, spas, ponds, and water features. mark@csunderground.org
Rick Silva – Project Superintendent
As a site contractor with extensive experience in commercial site excavation, equipment operation, site grading, underground utilities, including storm, sewer, and water systems, Rick provides seasoned project supervision, along with earthwork and site installation. Rick has supervised and managed site work projects for over 19 years in California, Hawaii and Washington states. His projects have included federal and state jobs, as well as large-scale residential developments, ranches, and commercial installations. Rick's attention to detail and execution is essential for the overall production process. rick@csunderground.org
