Who we are
Stratagem Construction is a 16-person Chicago-based construction firm specializing in kitchens, bathroom, built-ins, fireplaces, flooring, painting and complete home remodeling including additions.
Founded in 2008 by Dr. Mitchell Newman, he made looking after the clients' interests a cornerstone of our mission. Hundreds of five star ratings across all platforms attest to the success of our approach. We may advise a client not do a project or to do it differently if that's what we believe is in their best interest.
We're technologically savvy. We handle our data like bankers. Once an item enters into our systems, we work it until it's resolved. It means we get back to our clients. We don't need reminders and nothing is forgotten. Our system also allows everyone in the company to see what's going on and contribute. When everyone knows the latest news, things get done efficiently and in the most timely manner.
Our bidding and billing system is integrated into our data system as well so that every work item and is accurately and understandably reflected in our bid and our billing. Working with us, you'll know exactly what you're going to get and where it's going, so there a no surprises.
We believe precise planning yields smoother projects. For instance, we plan down to the square-foot of tile, the exact tile pattern, the edge detail and the grout color for every single tile. We also assess the jobsite in advance and review the plans carefully to anticipate surprises. There still will be a few, but far fewer.
You might have heard that renovation is chaos, not with us.
With Stratagem, you don’t just get high quality craftsmanship, you get a team of people handling every detail at a concierge level from ordering materials, scheduling visits with subcontractors and resolving any issues that may occur.
Our custom cabinetry workshop allows us to deliver solutions that go above and beyond with shorter turn-around times and quicker repair-times if needed.
Our relationship with the design community, whether using our sister company Habitar Design or another outside designer, allows us to provide end-to-end solutions making design and construction one smooth process.
The most important thing to know about us is that we take care of people, meaning our clients, our employees, and our design partners. Our people are the reason we can deliver exceptional quality and our dedication to our clients and partners is why we deliver exceptional experiences. We're partners you can count on and trust.
Our Team
Mitchell Newman
Mitch Newman’s path to founding Stratagem Construction is anything but ordinary. After earning his medical degree from the University of Chicago and becoming a Board-Certified Family Practitioner, Mitch took a different route—one guided by his creative passions.
He spent years exploring the world, studying in Germany at the University of Tubingen, living in Egypt, and writing and directing in Chicago where he served as Artistic Director of Chicago’s Thirsty Theater. He took up real estate development in 1999 when he built his first three-flat in Bucktown. Having built numerous small buildings, in 2005 he launched Habitar Design and Stratagem Construction with Kapan Shipman, combining his love for creativity and construction into a thriving business.
Founder
Kanya Phev
With a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis, Kanya spent her early years managing a design studio in Venice Beach, California. Her love of the cold spurred a spontaneous move to Chicago, which in turn, began her journey at Habitar Design and Stratagem Construction, starting as an assistant project manager to eventually learning the entirety of the business. Now based in NYC, she hopes to continue being able to call a new city home every few years, or maybe even a new country. When she’s not at the computer, you can find her in the kitchen testing new recipes.
Managing Partner
Sebastian Drozd
With over a decade of experience in all areas of construction, Seba brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. He enjoys coordinating efforts with our clients. His professional and friendly approach and clear communication help a great deal to lessen the inherantly stressful conditions of a construction project. He is an attentive leader with a teaching approach, which radiates throughout the rest of the field team. Seba’s dependability is unmatched, putting in long hours to ensure each project is executed to the highest standards. During the moments he is away from his work at Stratagem, Sebastian enjoys soccer, swimming, skiing and enjoying the Chicago lakefront.
Construction SupervisorContact us
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