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TEAM

Matt Pavek is the Co-Founder and Principal Civil Engineer at Civil Site Group, where he leads with a focus on client relationships, thoughtful design, and team-first leadership. With a background in municipal engineering, drainage analysis, private real estate development, and project management, Matt brings decades of well-rounded experience to every project—along with a reputation for being approachable, trustworthy, and solutions-oriented.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Matt has a strong technical foundation in site design, grading and utility planning, stormwater management, and construction observation. His ability to prepare construction documents, drainage reports, and detailed design calculations is matched by his skill in navigating regulatory agencies and working collaboratively with cities, watersheds, and other stakeholders.

What truly sets Matt apart is his communication style and calm, grounded presence. Clients appreciate how down-to-earth and reasonable he is—always taking time to listen, explain, and guide projects from inception to completion with clarity and care. His organizational strengths and approachable leadership have made him a trusted partner across a wide range of projects.

At Civil Site Group, Matt is a servant leader who prioritizes the growth, well-being, and work-life balance of the entire team. Alongside Co-Founder Patrick Sarver, he’s helped build a company culture rooted in respect, flexibility, and excellence—anchored by a commitment to a balanced 40-hour work week and a priority for time well spent with family.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys watching his kids grow up, traveling to out-of-town hockey tournaments, and relaxing at the family cabin up north. He’s also a big fan of family adventures and all things Star Trek. Whether mentoring team members or kicking back with his loved ones, Matt brings purpose, warmth, and perspective to everything he does.

Matt Pavek, PE

Principal Civil Engineer

Patrick Sarver is the Principal Landscape Architect at Civil Site Group, where he brings over 30+ years of experience in site planning, design, and land development strategy. As a registered landscape architect and seasoned project manager, Pat leads clients through new development and re-development projects with a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and grounded guidance.

His professional strengths span master planning, site design, streetscapes, municipal entitlement processes, and construction documentation. From early-stage site prospecting and land analysis to detailed design and construction observation, Pat has a proven ability to navigate complex projects from concept through completion. He’s especially skilled in providing 3D visualization, landscape rendering, and grading design, helping clients see their projects take shape before construction begins.

As one of Civil Site Group’s Co-Founders, Pat is not only a technical leader but a cultural cornerstone of the firm. He leads with humility and purpose, creating an environment where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow. Alongside Matt, he has helped shape a company culture that values excellence without overwork—prioritizing a healthy work-life balance through a consistent, flexible 40-hour work week that respects time with loved ones and time to recharge.

Outside of the office, Pat enjoys spending quality time at his cabin with family, catching up with friends, and experiencing city life as a proud Minneapolis resident. He can often be found attending live shows and events with his wife Cindy, cheering on MN United, or rooting for his favorite football team—the Green Bay Packers. An avid runner, he’s currently working on shaving minutes off his half marathon time. Pat is also the proud owner of the office regulars, two spirited boxers, Ruby and Pearl, who bring energy (and occasional chaos) to the office as beloved team mascots.

Patrick Sarver, LA

Principal Landscape Architect

Robert Binder is a Senior Landscape Architect at Civil Site Group, where he provides clients with practical, efficient, and thoughtful design solutions tailored to a wide range of project types. With expertise in site assessment, master planning, planting design, and construction documentation, Rob brings over 3 decades of focused experience. Particularly in commercial and residential site planning, school and campus sports design, and high-end private residential and estate landscape design.

Throughout his career, Rob has contributed to a diverse portfolio of projects, including mixed-use and commercial developments, senior living communities, school campuses, medical facilities, sports complexes, and institutional landscapes. His ability to lead site design efforts from early schematic concepts through construction administration makes him an invaluable asset to both clients and project teams. Known for his sharp eye for space planning and design efficiency, Rob consistently delivers site layouts that strike the ideal balance of form and function.

What truly distinguishes Rob is his mix of technical acumen and approachable, lighthearted personality. He’s often the prankster in the office and the unofficial morale booster, reminding everyone not to take themselves too seriously. That spirit translates into his collaborative work style and helps foster a creative, supportive team environment.

Outside of work, Rob is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures. He’s a longtime fan of the Minnesota State Fair and knows the hidden spots to relax, eat well, and soak up the “Great Minnesota Get-Together.” Over the years, Rob and his family have planned elaborate vacations around visiting many of the country’s amazing zoological and botanical parks and frequently make the treks back to Michigan to reconnect with his roots. He’s also passionate about cooking and grilling, always happy to gather friends and family around a great meal.

Rob Binder, LA

Senior Landscape Architect

David Knaeble is a seasoned Project Civil Engineer at Civil Site Group with broad experience across the civil engineering landscape. He has over 19 years of experience that spans site and roadway design, grading and drainage, stormwater management, utility design, and construction oversight. He has led successful projects ranging from single-family home developments to large-scale commercial sites for national big-box retailers.

David excels in preparing technical studies, construction documents, drainage reports, specifications, and cost estimates for residential, commercial, educational, and institutional developments. Known for his collaborative leadership, he effectively guides multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, well-coordinated civil engineering solutions.

When he’s not at work, you’ll probably find him out water skiing, mountain biking, running, playing pickup hockey, or hanging out with his wife, 3 kids, and their wild puppy, Buck.

David Knaeble, PE

Senior Civil Engineer

Rory Synstelien is the Principal Land Surveyor at Civil Site Group, where he leads the surveying department and oversees a wide range of boundary, topographic, utility, and ALTA surveys. With a background in land surveying and field operations, Rory brings nearly 30 years of experience in the civil engineering and surveying industry, focusing on precise legal descriptions, easement documentation, and construction.

Before joining Civil Site Group, Rory worked at several surveying and engineering firms across Minnesota, where he honed his skills in drafting complex legal descriptions, managing field crews, and mentoring junior surveyors. Some of his professional highlights include serving as an adjunct instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology for 10 years and presenting industry seminars on ALTA survey standards and legal descriptions.

Outside of work, Rory enjoys motorcycles, boating, woodworking, and spending time with his wife Naomi and their sons, JD and Bodhi. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors or working on home projects, he enjoys staying active, hands-on, and connected both in and out of the office.

Rory Synstelien, PLS

Principal Land Surveyor

Kelsey Bednar is a Project Manager who has been with Civil Site Group since 2015. She has a keen interest in producing innovative, engaging, and sustainable design solutions to her clients. With a background in urban planning and ecological design, Kelsey brings a holistic approach to every project, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and environmental stewardship.

Graduating from North Dakota State University, Kelsey has a Bachelor's Degree in both Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design with a heavy concentration in Horticulture. While attending NDSU, she was fortunate enough to have traveled throughout the country and gained a diverse understanding of site systems, native plantings, and place-making principles that foster long-term community value.

Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible, whether it's hiking local trails, camping under the stars, spending time up north at her family cabin, or simply exploring new landscapes for inspiration. Kelsey's passion for the natural world deeply influences her design philosophy and fuels a lifelong appreciation for the environments she helps shape.

Kelsey Bednar

Landscape Designer

As a Landscape Designer with Civil Site Group, Bill Brohman does more than pick out plants, though that is what he loves. He uses a multi-disciplinary background that gives him a unique design perspective, rooted in creating landscapes that support sustainability, invite human engagement and provide restorative environments. His abilities are grounded in his practical experience gained by working with a diverse group of clients and over varying project complexities. Bill’s acute knowledge of the construction process and local ecosystems provides for an effective and attentive design.

In addition to a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning, Bill has 10 years of diverse experience in housing, residential design build, affordable housing, and park master planning/design. Bill is a passionate designer, who pairs the technical with the creative to create landscapes that are both functional and beautiful.

Bill Brohman

Landscape Designer

Will Bruestle is a Civil Engineer-in-Training that joined Civil Site Group in the summer of 2018. He graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from North Dakota State University in May of 2017. He was born and raised in Bemidji, Minnesota.

In the past, Will worked for the City of Fargo's Engineering Department for four years as an Inspections Intern as well as a Survey Technician. During this time, Will focused on sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and watermain replacement projects as well as street reconstruction projects. He also has experience in construction staking and preliminary surveys.

Will Bruestle

Civil Engineer-in-Training

Sam Christensen

Landscape Designer

Madison Darling is a Civil Engineer-in-Training at Civil Site Group that works primarily on site design, grading, and stormwater management. Madison graduated from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. In her 5 years since joining CSG, Madison has worked on a variety of projects ranging from senior living facilities to residential design to medical offices. Madison strives to provide her clients with detail-oriented designs and efficient coordination.

When Madison is not in the office, she loves to spend quality time with her family, friends, and energetic Australian Shepherd, Banjo!

Madison Darling

Civil Engineer-in-Training

Derek Dimberg, PLS

Land Surveyor

Nathan Dingels is a Project Engineer at Civil Site Group. He received his BS at the University of Iowa and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota and Oregon with close to a decade of experience as a Civil Designer, Engineer, and Project Manager. Nathan has a high level of expertise in all aspects of civil engineering design including; grading, utility, stormwater, erosion & demolition plans, as well as subdivision planning & design, fire suppression system design, and construction administration.

Nathan worked at Civil Site Group for 5.5 years prior to moving to Oregon in 2020 and returned to Civil Site Group in 2025. Prior to working for CSG, Nathan worked at the Public Works Traffic and Parking Department of the City of Minneapolis during college and also worked as a Sailing Instructor at the Minneapolis Sailing Center on Bde Maka Ska for 5 years. Nathan has designed many multi-family, commercial mixed-use, and industrial projects throughout the Metro Area, and more recently has worked on Townhomes Subdivision projects in Bend Oregon. Nathan has also been certified in FEMA Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response and has been registered with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the United States Green Building Council.

Outside of work Nathan enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, disc golf, and attending live music events.

Nathan Dingels

Project Engineer

Jazmin Hernandez is a Landscape Designer at Civil Site Group, where she contributes to sustainable, community-driven landscape architecture projects that prioritize accessibility, walkability, and inclusive infrastructure. With a background in Landscape Architecture and an academic foundation in Computer Science, Jazmin brings a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to design that supports both environmental and social resilience.

Before joining Civil Site Group, Jazmin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and studied Computer Science at the University of Northern Iowa. While at university, she was actively involved in a ballroom dance group, and her passion for movement and community continues to influence her design ethos.

Outside of work, Jazmin enjoys ballroom dancing, baking homemade treats, and exploring new ways to stay engaged with local communities. Whether it’s perfecting a waltz step, whipping up a batch of cookies, or meeting new people in the Twin Cities, she enjoys staying curious and connected both in and out of the office.

Jazmin Hernandez

Landscape Designer

Tom Holker

Survey CAD Technician

Zach Houborg has worked in the Landscape Architecture field for over a decade around the Twin Cities metro and mid-west. He has extensive experience in master planning, urban park designs, new construction techniques, and high-end residential landscape. Zach specializes in 3D visualization and landscape lighting, bringing more creative communication to clients and stake holders alike.

He has extensive knowledge of mid-west native plants and ecosystems and applies best management practices to all his projects. He has worked with several different firms and a wide selection of projects including city parks, trails, multi-family, medical campuses, educational campuses, urban streetscapes, and arboretums. His strength in all stages of design facilitates innovative solutions that expand the boundaries of modern landscape architecture.

Zach Houborg

Landscape Designer

Cody Johnson is a Senior Land Surveyor and manager supervising the output, quality control and deliverables for the survey department. He has been in the survey industry since 2004.

Cody works on a wide range of projects including, but not limited to, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA surveys, easement exhibits, description writing, tree inventories, and construction staking.

Cody has extensive experience in the platting process from the preliminary stages through to the recording of the final plat. He has worked on everything from simple 1 lot plats to plats involving over a hundred lots and multiple phases.

Cody’s strengths include problem solving, an eye for detail, managing multiple projects at a time and ensuring that survey products are delivered in a complete, accurate and timely fashion.

Cody Johnson, PLS

Land Survey Manager

Toshi is a recent addition to the Civil Site Group team, bringing a wealth of experience designing and managing projects ranging from private estates and campuses to embassies and large-scale urban parks. He holds degrees in history and civil engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and went on to earn his Master's degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Outside of work, Toshi loves immersing himself in local and regional culture, and can often be found venturing off to ski or fly fish in the Driftless.

Toshi Karato

Senior Landscape Architect

Charlie Kenet

Survey Crew Technician

Timothy Koerber is a Survey Crew Chief at Civil Site Group, where he brings a sense of adventure (and a bit of mayhem) to the world of construction surveying. With over 21 years of hands-on experience, Tim specializes in construction surveying and has built a career marked by grit, precision, and a good sense of humor.

Before joining Civil Site Group, Tim worked with a variety of construction and surveying companies across Alaska, where he helped build islands in the Arctic Ocean, laid miles of ice road across tundra and sea ice, and contributed to projects in remote villages and along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Along the way, he’s frozen his cheeks more times than he can count — and laughed through it all.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys adventuring with his partner and three amazing kids. Whether it’s camping, rockhounding, exploring concerts and museums, or hunting down the next great meal, Tim thrives on curiosity and connection. He’s also a music and rock enthusiast, a collector, a dog and cat dad (to 4 dogs and 3 cats), and a firm believer in making people smile.

Above all, Tim values staying curious, connected, and always ready for the next adventure — both on the job site and in life.

Tim Koerber

Survey Crew Chief

Terry Larsen is a Field Survey Technician at Civil Site Group, where he works in the Survey Department assisting with data collection and site measurements to support a variety of civil engineering projects. With a background in finance, Terry completed his technical degree in Surveying from The Dunwoody College of Technology in 2023. He brings a growing depth of field experience to the industry, focusing on accurate field data collection and supporting topographic, boundary, and construction surveys.

Outside of work, Terry enjoys fishing, the outdoors, and birdwatching as an avid amateur ornithologist. His hobbies have taken him around the globe as he continues to grow the list of countries and continents visited.

Terry Larsen

Survey Crew Technician

Anders is a Civil Engineer at Civil Site Group who brings a dynamic mix of transportation and emergency response experience to his work. A graduate of North Dakota State University, he launched his career at Sambatek, spending four years playing a key role on the Blue Line Light Rail Extension project. He then moved to Pinnacle Engineering, where he honed his skills responding to emergency situations for rail companies across the region. He has since brought that diverse background to the CSG team, where he continues to be a valued contributor.

When he's not at the office, you'll find him on the golf course, soaking up the outdoors, or spending time with his wife and kids.

Anders Melby, PE

Civil Engineer

Macy Nilsen

Marketing & Administrative Coordinator

Brian Nygard has over 10 years of municipal civil engineering experience. He has worked in surveying, construction management, inspection, utility design, site design, and water resource design. He has worked with multiple design software applications. Brian has always had a very good attention to plan details and has experience ranging from large scale jobs to small site jobs.

In his free time, he loves spending time with his family, traveling, boating, fishing, drinking craft beers, and is a part-time fire fighter.

Brian Nygard

Civil Engineering Technician / Inspector

Doug Pouliot

Survey Crew Chief

Mike Rawlings leads the company’s business operations, overseeing finance and accounting, human resources, marketing, and internal compliance. He enjoys being the go-to resource for administrative initiatives, employee support, company-wide coordination, and serves as the primary point of contact for all business-related inquiries.

Mike Rawlings joined Civil Site Group in 2018, bringing with him a well-rounded background in finance, construction, and operations. His early career included three summers with the City of Roseville’s Public Works Department, four years working in his family’s wood flooring business, and a year as a financial analyst at 3M. Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint John’s University, a campus he continues to visit frequently—drawn back by its stunning architecture, natural beauty, and fall football games. #GoJohnnies

Outside the office, Mike stays active year-round—biking, hiking, playing hockey, and practicing yoga. A dedicated family man, he treasures time with his wife, extended family, and 13 nieces and nephews—earning him the proud title of “fun uncle.” Mike is also an avid home chef, inspired by his mother, grandmother, and their shared Italian heritage. Whether perfecting a pasta sauce from memory or tending to an all-day smoke on his ReqTeq, he brings the same passion and care to the kitchen as he does to his work.

Mike Rawlings

Director of Finance & Operations

Joseph Rief joined Civil Site Group in 2021 after graduating from the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering. As an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), he focuses on site, grading, and stormwater design, adeptly guiding projects through city and watershed permitting processes while supporting construction administration from early coordination through project completion.

Joseph's work spans a wide range of project types, including single family homes, commercial, and large-scale multifamily developments. His portfolio includes single-family lots, churches, banks, restaurants, and complex developments such as; Mound Artessa Senior Co-op, a Real Estate Journal award recipient, The Winn, a 300-unit apartment project in Golden Valley, and Argenta Trail, a 159-unit townhome development in Inver Grove Heights.

He provides responsiveness and clarity to design and review iterations, acting as a consistent force in cross-discipline coordination and approval processes. Outside the office, Joseph is an avid runner, participating in races, and staying active year-round, bringing energy and enthusiasm from these activities into every project.

Joseph Rief

Civil Engineer-in-Training

Kaitlyn Schlink

Civil Engineering Technician

Carly Setter

Civil Engineering Intern

Ethan Shafer

Civil Engineering Technician

Mike Smith

Survey Crew Chief

Derek Steele

Survey CAD Technician

Brand Sullivan

Survey Crew Technician

Steve Vang is a Survey Technician at Civil Site Group, where he supports the Survey Department with a wide range of field services including staking, as-builts, ALTA, and topographic surveys. With a background in surveying, transportation, utilities, and mapping, Steve brings nearly a decade of experience to the industry, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and a strong team-first mindset.

Before joining Civil Site Group, Steve worked with Q3 Contracting, EG Rud, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable hands-on experience at Planners and Engineers Collaborative, Inc., a Georgia-based civil and survey company, where he developed his skills on diverse surveying projects.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time outdoors—especially hiking and camping. Originally from Barrow County, Georgia, he now calls Minnesota home and continues to explore the region’s natural beauty.

Steve Vang

Survey Crew Technician

Sam Weisdorf joined Civil Site Group in 2019 and has since advanced his career by obtaining professional licensure. Sam works on a wide variety of surveying projects and helps manage our office staff including training new employees and ensuring quality controls are in place.

Sam Weisdorf, PLS

Professional Land Surveyor

Katie Wolf is a Civil Engineering Technician at Civil Site Group, where she supports site design and project management with a focus on quality control and collaboration. Katie holds a degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Engineering from South Dakota Mines, bringing a practical and sustainability-minded approach to her work.

Before joining Civil Site Group, Katie gained valuable experience in project management, honing her skills in team coordination and communication across various departments. She leverages this background to help ensure projects run smoothly from concept to completion.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with family and close friends, embracing the balanced lifestyle that CSG champions.

Katie Wolf

Civil Engineering Technician

Ruby is the heart of our team as well as our designated Pawject Manager. Thanks to her unrivaled teamwork and fetching skills.

She is a master of motivation in the office and keeps morale high with expert-level frisbee catches that defy gravity and common sense.

When not overseeing operations from her cozy nap corner, Ruby enjoys mentoring her younger sister, Pearl, through gentle psychological manipulation. Her signature move? Pretending not to care about a toy so she can lure Pearl away and then swoop in for the prize. Some call it cunning, Ruby calls it resource management.

She may be furry, but don't let that fool you—this pup is all business (especially when belly rubs are on the table).

Ruby

Pawject Manager

Pearl takes her role as Senior Snuggle Strategist very seriously, especially when it involves ensuring she receives exactly the same amount of attention, praise, and head scratches as her sister, Ruby. (Bonus points if your nails are long and fabulous—she has standards.)

A true bedtime competitor, Pearl brings Olympic-level hustle to claiming the best corner of the shared dog bed. While she’s still finding her bark, (especially when Ruby unleashes hers) Pearl is bravely stepping up to alert the team of critical yard threats like rogue deer and suspicious squirrels.

She also has experience as a fluff deconstruction specialist (no plush toy survives), a cuddle connoisseur, and an enthusiastic off-leash adventurer whether at the office or the cabin. Just don’t expect her to share the spotlight... unless you're handing out snacks.

Pearl

Senior Snuggle Strategist

Don't let his size fool you. Buck may be a one-dog security team, but he makes up for it with volume, sounding the alarm the moment a delivery truck or suspicious squirrel dares to approach. When he's not on high alert, he channels his energy into world-class zoomies around the office.

Buck

Head of Office Security

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