Rodger A. Owen, President
Rodger is the creative lead in charge of design and construction. He applies his extraordinary knowledge and clarity of vision with a characteristically understated style to create a custom living environment for his clients. He is a graduate of Lake Forest Academy, Indiana University, and the MBA program at the University of Chicago. From a young age, Rodger was involved in the renovation, design, and construction of residential apartments.
From his European studies and travels, he discovered a great admiration and inspiration for a 16th-century Italian master Andrea Palladio and his classic principals—symmetry, proportion, and attention to detail. To invigorate his creative side, Rodger and his wife travel extensively, visit classic homes, love to dine al fresco and to sail –a love that is reinforced by the beauty and awe of the Chicago skyline.
Those in the community know Rodger as the president of Bright Promises Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving at-risk children. He is also past president of the Lincoln Central Association, a member of Society of Architectural Historians, and a member of the Chicago Yacht Club. He was inducted into the Merchandise Mart Hall of fame in 2015. He is a supporter of the Grant Park Music Festival and Illinois Masonic Hospital. Rodger is a licensed Illinois Real Estate broker and long-time Lincoln Park resident.
Charles R. Grode, Vice President
Charles has been immersed in real estate and construction for the past 30 years and has been Rodger’s business partner since 1986. He earned a B.S. from Indiana University and received his M.B.A. from Pennsylvania State University. He continued his studies at the Institut de Francais, Villefranche-sur-Mer in France as well as the Art Institute in Chicago.
With a background in computer coding, he has developed the data, budget and quality control systems for the company. His stewardship in business management, legal affairs, and technology has ensured the success of BGD&C as a trusted company.
While Charles maintains the administrative, he embraces his artistic talents after studying fine arts in photography, sculpture, and watercolor. Drawn to the richness in details and materials, he has a trained eye, quite evident when renovating his historic residence, blending Art Deco & Art Nouveau with the traditional late century and, to complement the old, a contemporary-style art studio in the attic. Hence, he is passionate about the superlative quality and details of the company’s custom homes.
Charles as a first generation American believes in a hard work ethic and philanthropy. He is committed to directly helping disenfranchised individuals and particularly supports the work of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago.
Charles has a variety of pursuits, including running, painting, cooking, backpacking, and extensive world travel. Sailboat racing and martial arts were prior pursuits as well. He is a licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker and has been a lifelong resident of Chicago.
Taryn Vrane Lund, Senior Project Manager
Taryn started drawing floor plans while still in grade school, demonstrating her early passion for architecture and design. After receiving degrees in Architecture from Ball State University, she began her varied career, gaining experience in design, estimating, construction, and project management. This multi-dimensional experience, coupled with her ability to not only conceptualize, but implement effective solutions, has led to her success as the Senior Project Manager at BGD&C.
In 2018, Taryn earned the LEED Green Associate credential placing her among an elite group of leading professionals in the green building industry. As a credentialed professional, she possesses knowledge of green building practices and how to support others working on LEED projects.
She is an avid world traveler and loves exploring the culture of design both nationally and abroad. Taryn lived and worked in India for three months and was thrilled to see how vibrant colors and exciting patterns were part of everyday life. She currently lives in the Chicago area with her husband, daughter, and two trouble-making cats.