At Elijah Kord, excellence is the baseline. As a leader in the high-end construction industry, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of precision and elegance in every project—from bespoke residences to multi-unit and commercial projects. Our core value is simple: Achieving excellence through elegance, efficiency, and ethics—in character, communication, and conduct. These principles guide every decision and interaction, ensuring that we maintain integrity and professionalism across all our endeavors. Over the past decade, Elijah Kord has shaped over numerous premier properties, each reflecting our dedication to sophistication, innovation, and quality. Through these values, we continue to create exceptional spaces that elevate experience of life and work environments, fostering enduring relationships built on trust and excellence.
-Ed Balazadeh, Founder & CEO
Matthew is the VP of Construction at Elijah Kord, serving as a vital link in delivering the company’s core values through seamless planning and execution of each project’s vision. With over two decades of experience, he oversees all construction activities, mentors superintendents, and cultivates strong relationships with trade partners. Matthew is committed to maintaining project timelines, budgets, and quality, always emphasizing efficiency and collaboration. He deeply values Elijah Kord’s family-like culture, which he believes sets the company apart—fostering an environment of respect, excellence, and camaraderie among employees and vendors alike.
Over the course of his career, Matthew has led a wide range of projects, from custom homes to large-scale commercial and hospitality developments. His notable achievements include managing Denver’s largest timber-built hospitality project and overseeing the largest interior fit-out in the U.S. in New York City. He has successfully led projects up to 650,000 square feet and valued at over $140 million—while preserving the attention to detail and craftsmanship of a custom builder.
Matthew’s journey in construction began at the age of 14, working alongside his father in the family business. By 18, he was leading teams, and by 25, he had launched his own company. At 27, he was already serving as a superintendent, sharpening the leadership and project management skills that continue to define his approach today.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys traveling with his wife, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his children. A former PGA professional, he also maintains a strong passion for golf. He holds a degree from Southern New Hampshire University and was recognized as the most influential superintendent at his company in New York City. His mission is to build with integrity, lead with passion, and create spaces that reflect exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
As the Executive Assistant at Elijah Kord, she supports the CEO by coordinating executive and construction operations, tracking budgets, and liaising with contractors and project teams to align objectives and meet deadlines. Her work is pivotal in driving project success and aiding strategic decision-making for company growth. What she enjoys most is the continuous professional development, allowing her to expand her expertise and adapt to new challenges while witnessing the tangible results of completed projects. Beyond work, she is passionate about cooking, drawing from her culinary school background, spending time outdoors with her family and dogs, and indulging in thriller books and true crime podcasts. A unique experience that shaped her was moving to a new country sight unseen, teaching her about adaptability and resilience—qualities that she brings into her work. Her biggest personal achievement is her family, while her educational milestone was earning a bachelor’s in accounting as a young mom. With over 11 years of experience since graduating in 2013, she has developed a robust skill set across multiple industries, enriching her professional journey.
As the Design Team Manager at Elijah Kord, Ivan brings 21 years of expertise in all aspects of design development, including furniture and decor, guiding projects from concept to completion and ensuring alignment with client goals. His role involves facilitating client communication, overseeing project management, and creating comprehensive graphic presentations, including 2-D elevations, 3-D renderings, and mood boards. What he values most about working at Elijah Kord is the synergy between his passion for design and the company’s commitment to innovation, fostering continuous growth. Outside of work, he finds inspiration in travel and serenity in swimming, while his unique experiences include participating in motorcycle racing track days in Bogota, which taught him precision and teamwork. His professional accomplishments include attending the Milan Furniture Fair for design insights and obtaining certifications from top kitchen design brands.
As the Superintendent, his primary responsibility is to ensure the projects are built with the utmost efficiency and precision, upholding the highest standards of quality that are reflected in every completed product. With 8 years in the construction industry, he brings both experience and dedication to the role. What Michael values most about working at Elijah Kord is that everyone, regardless of their position, is valued and respected. From day one, he has felt that his opinion truly matters. Outside of work, he is passionate about music, having learned guitar over the past four years and recently exploring singing, which brings him unparalleled joy. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, whether playing or watching. One unique experience that defines him is when he endured severe back pain during a camping trip in 2020 but pushed through to ensure his sons had a great time, only to later discover he had a collapsed vertebra with neurological impingement. This taught him resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook through life’s challenges. His greatest personal accomplishment is becoming a father. Coming from a challenging background, he made it his life’s mission to create a loving and supportive environment for his children, giving them the experiences and stability that he values most.
As a Designer II, he collaborates closely with the Project Manager to draft, devolve the initial design, and create the final vision of each project while preserving the company’s essence and addressing design challenges. He has accumulated 20 years of experience in the building and design industry, having run his own architectural studio from 2004 to 2018 and continuing his work in Texas since 2019. His favorite aspect of working at Elijah Kord is the pursuit of that refined, balanced design that combines interior design, architecture, and light to create unique, clean, and state of the art spaces. Outside of work, he is passionate about exploring new cities and cultures and finding tranquility on mountain bike rides that bring him mental clarity. He is also deeply drawn to the atmosphere of the southern Mexican coast, where the beach, weather, and people create a mystic environment that he loves. One of his most significant educational accomplishments was being selected by his university to compete in Mexico’s most prestigious architecture competition, making it to the final selection.