Our Team
James King Dressler
Managing Partner, Senior Project Manager
With over 35 years of experience in the building and remodeling trades, James is the heart and soul of MDRN DEVELOPMENT. He began his career as a framer in his teens and quickly advanced to master framer, driven by an insatiable curiosity for the trades. James has apprenticed across specialties including tile, stone, plaster, custom millwork, and staircase fabrication. His passion for design led him to master architectural drafting, with a deep appreciation for modern architecture and personalized spaces.
Over the years, James has held roles ranging from site superintendent to senior superintendent, eventually finding his niche in project management. His wide-ranging field experience enables him to fluently communicate with tradespeople, designers, architects, and clients—serving as a true conduit between all parties. As a project leader, he treats every job as if it were his own, ensuring clear communication, efficient execution, and exceptional attention to detail. James is selective with the projects he takes on, seeking those that speak to his values and craftsmanship. His guiding principle: Do it right, do it light. Do it wrong, do it long.
Beyond the job site, James is a seasoned adventurer—having run ultra-marathons, sailed the East Coast, and explored America’s waterways. Now in his early 50s, he finds new joy in exploring Michelin-starred dining experiences, always seeking the same level of detail and artistry he brings to every project.
John Koglikowszki
Managing Partner, Project Supervisor
John is the boots on the ground at MDRN DEVELOPMENT and serves as the liaison between our tradesmen and our clients. With more than 10 years of field experience—from framing to finish carpentry and cabinetry—John is well-equipped to lead our team of subcontractors and work directly with clients to bring projects across the finish line on time and on budget.
As a former clothing designer specializing in handmade custom menswear, John brings a polished and highly detail-oriented approach to every project we take on. Put simply, John is a perfectionist who works tirelessly to ensure that every project meets the exceptionally high standards we set for ourselves at MDRN DEVELOPMENT. His motto: If you’re going to do it, do it right.
Having lived in over 20 different countries, John is well-traveled and loves exploring new cultures to gain inspiration for current and future projects. He has collaborated with many notable architects and interior designers, including several listed in the AD100 across their respective categories.
In his free time, John enjoys spending time with his daughter, Sebastienne, designing interiors, playing guitar, and antique shopping for unique homewares and midcentury modern furnishings. He also enjoys searching for rare additions to his ever-expanding collection of art from African and Indigenous peoples.