Architectural Designers. Master Contractors. Construction Experts.
Phase One
Pam & CJ — Columbia’s residential construction odd couple.
Phase One Founders Pam and CJ are total opposites in almost every way…
CJ is the numbers.
Pam is the passion.
CJ is a both a junk food connoisseur & a classically trained chef. Pam is a health nut.
CJ likes his cream and sugar with a little coffee. Pam takes it black.
But, when it comes to construction, they are completely aligned.
Before they met, both Pam and CJ had built careers in construction, witnessing first hand how complicated and frustrating the home renovation process can be for everyone involved — designers, contractors, and especially the homeowner.
They knew there could be a better way — that the construction process does not need to be complicated and frustrating. It can be simple and straight forward for everyone involved: designers, contractors and most importantly, the homeowner.
All my life I had been told ‘No! — That’s too expensive. That’s too hard. That’s too much work.’
We are a building company that says, ‘Yes! You can have exactly what you want, and here's how!’
Pam and CJ believe clients deserve to know EXACTLY what they are getting into before they start any construction project — no sugar coating, full transparency, just truth delivered with uncommon clarity and a refreshing perspective.
We firmly believe most residential construction headaches are caused by a lack of understanding the realities of a project.
It often turns into a complete waste of time and money to pay for architectural plans and, especially to start construction (DO NOT GET PAM STARTED) before it has been determined if a project is viable. Can it even be done? And if so, are you going to want to spend the kind of money & time it will take to get it done the way you want?
You speak. We listen.
The Phase One Team
Pam Crane
Owner / Co-Founder
From a young age Pam loved redesigning different spaces for herself, friends and family. After selling her technology business in 2010, she decided to follow that passion and capitalize on the experience she had gained while flipping houses with her husband over the past 25 years.
Through this process, Pam discovered a real affinity for design, specifically around drafting and spatial design, as it relates to construction. Creating an atmosphere where construction is an experience has become a lifelong pursuit for Pam.
She also found an amazing business partner in CJ!
CJ is as determined as she is to create a culture focused on elevating the construction experience by addressing the negative stigmas associated with this industry. Part of this focus is an emphasis on training and developing young people in a way that creates excitement around construction. One of their employees is now pursuing her general contractors license. For Pam, that is the win.
When she is not pursuing this dream, Pam enjoys yoga, coffee (strong), vodka tonics (weak), candles, flowers, music, shopping, traveling, reading and spending time with friends & family. She is the mother of four; one son, one daughter, one retriever & a sheltie!
My greatest strength is ignorance. If you don’t know you can’t do something, you can do anything.
C.J. Disharoon
Owner / Co-Founder
CJ is the license holder for Azalea Building Group. He works with Pam to help deliver the vision of Phase One. Together, our team is trying to remove the negative stereotypes affiliated with construction and bring clarity to the construction process.
Prior to Phase One & Azalea, CJ has worked in the Columbia market on projects ranging from production home building to commercial construction. He has served as an estimator, superintendent, and Director of Operations for a leading home builder. CJ was recently awarded the prestigious Master Builder Award and was one of the youngest ever in the state receive the honor.
Initially trained in project management and vendor management, CJ was responsible for training new builders and managers, rolling out new processes, and maintaining high construction standards. CJ is the “superhero” of the office and with 4 small children at home he still manages to make cold brew for the office every week! On the weekends CJ enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and gardening.
CJ holds his Bachelor’s Degree from University of South Carolina, is a Licensed General Contractor, Licensed Residential Builder, and a Certified South Carolina Master Builder.
I want you to be better than me.
You make the call.
Jon Crane
Senior Project Superintendent
In his role as Senior Project Superintendent, he is responsible for overseeing client, vendor and subcontractor relations. His ability to work closely with our clients and his trades coupled with his strong sense of design and scale make him unique in his role.
In addition to his superintendent role, Jon also is responsible for all cabinetry design, construction, and finish. With two custom cabinet lines coupled with his relationships with talented local craftsmen he is able to deliver cabinetry to exceed each clients vision.
The things we build, build us.
Ellianna Shipp
Architectural Designer
Ellianna believes the best designs begin by understanding her clients’ personalities and lifestyles. She gets to know them individually and recognizes their needs, which allows her to execute their design desires within the layout of their home.
Ellianna graduated from Winthrop University with a BFA in Interior Design. On weekends she enjoys traveling to visit friends and family in her hometown of Greenville, her alma mater near Charlotte — or hosting small gatherings right here in Columbia.
After a solid day of work, she hits the weights alongside her husband (and lift coach). Or you might catch her enjoying a bourbon neat at the newest restaurant in town.
Talent is good. Practice is better. Passion is best.
Claire Guza
Architectural Designer
Claire is a graduate of Winthrop University with a BFA in Interior Design. She thrives on both the technical and creative sides to interior design.
Claire has always had an interest in art and design from an early age. She grew up in Greenville, SC and now enjoys exploring her new home of Columbia.
In her free time Claire enjoys reading Harry Potter, cooking, the outdoors, watching New Girl, and having a glass of wine after a day at work.
No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.
Katie Reilly
Operations Manager
Katie keeps this ship afloat.
She is responsible for scheduling, finances, and maintaining a welcoming environment for both clients and staff.
Born and raised in Columbia, SC with an extensive run in the service industry and catering, she is attuned to caring for the tiniest of details that keep things running smoothly.
When she is not running the office, you can find her in the kitchen making a charcuterie spread for any given occasion or listening to the Crime Junkie podcast with a crisp glass of bubbles in hand.
Though she be but little, she is fierce!
Meredith Carroll
Architectural Designer
Meredith is a passionate designer and the latest addition to our team, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and a minor in Art from Winthrop University.
She firmly believes that art and design have the power to profoundly enhance our quality of life. Committed to creating environments that promote health and well-being, Meredith recognizes the vital role that thoughtfully designed spaces play in our daily lives.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring nature trails, reading, painting, traveling, and staying active in the gym.
Ralph Walden
Architect of Record
Ralph Walden is an expert in the design, planning and construction and industries.
For more than half of his career, Ralph has been registered as an architect in multiple states and held both a general contractors & residential builder’s licenses. As either an architect and/or contractor, Ralph has been involved in more than 475 projects totaling over $95,000,000 in construction.
He has extensive knowledge of the International Building Code, ADA standards, and all of the details involved in construction planning. With nearly a half-century of experience in the AEC space, Ralph is an invaluable asset to our team, clients, and colleagues in construction.
Refreshing. Uncommon. Clarity.
