CDA also has a robust commercial tenant improvement division that specializes in office and retail buildouts and remodels. Over the years, we have helped clients transform their spaces while minimizing disruption to business operations. We offer the same design and preconstruction services as our medical division so that each owner is assured that CDA is committed to their project from inception to turnover.
With over 35 years of experience on these types of projects, CDA gives clients confidence that their projects will be completed on time and on budget.
Thom Thornton is the Founding Partner of Construction Design & Associates (CDA), bringing over forty years of dedicated leadership, craftsmanship, and strategic management to the firm. Thom’s deep industry roots began during his university years, where he worked as a hands-on carpenter. Upon graduating, he chose to channel his academic discipline and exceptional field aptitude entirely into the building trade, rapidly ascending to the top tier of project management.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for greater professional challenges, Thom founded CDA. Under his guidance, the company has grown into a trusted industry partner, with Thom remaining actively involved in directing its operational excellence and long-term vision. Today, he effectively balances his executive responsibilities at CDA with his personal pursuits, splitting his time between Washington and Idaho, where he is an avid fisherman.
Sean Thornton has been immersed in the construction industry from an early age, beginning his career with CDA in 2000 at the age of 16. Starting with a variety of support roles, including site cleanup, debris removal, and material procurement, he gained valuable hands-on experience while learning the construction trade from the ground up.
Throughout high school and college, Sean continued working with CDA whenever possible, balancing his professional growth with his passion for baseball. In 2007, he chose to pursue new opportunities outside of CDA to expand his skill set and broaden his industry knowledge. During this time, he developed expertise in customer relations, sales, service operations, and both team member and client management, gaining experience that would later prove invaluable in his leadership roles.\
In 2022, Sean returned to CDA as a Project Engineer. Through his dedication, industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering exceptional results, he was promoted to Project Manager. In his current role, Sean oversees project management responsibilities while also supporting business development, sales, and estimating efforts.
Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, bowling, coaching youth baseball, and continuing to play baseball on weekends whenever he has the opportunity.
With 40 years of financial and operational experience, Melanie is dedicated to translating complex numbers into strategic business success. Her expansive career spans both public and private accounting sectors, giving her a unique, 360-degree perspective on corporate growth and compliance.
Melanie’s accounting foundation began at Central Washington University, where she balanced her Bachelor of Science studies with 14 years of intensive public accounting and tax preparation work. Driven by a desire to deeply understand how businesses run from the inside out, Melanie transitioned to private industry, dedicating over 30 years to leading financial strategies within the manufacturing, service, and aerospace sectors.
For nearly two decades, Melanie has proudly called University Place, Washington, home. She is deeply committed to supporting the businesses and people within her community. When she isn’t optimizing financial systems, Melanie loves spending time with her family and channeling her focus into competitive archery.
Daniel Jones brings 25 years of comprehensive construction and project management experience to his role at CDA, where he specializes in constructing medical imaging equipment rooms for hospitals. Daniel began his career in the industry in 2001, initially studying architecture before transitioning directly into hands-on field operations. Over the course of seven years with a premier home builder, he advanced to the role of foreman, establishing a strong foundation in structural craftsmanship.
In 2008, Daniel founded and operated a custom cabinetry business, partnering with major general contractors to deliver high-end residential millwork. He later transitioned into commercial and specialized construction as a Superintendent for Belfor, where he successfully managed diverse projects ranging from high-rise commercial insurance restorations to large-scale, 100+ unit residential upgrades. His technical versatility is further highlighted by several years dedicated to the precision craft of restoring historic homes.
Since joining CDA in 2024, Daniel has leveraged his extensive background to deliver highly complex, specialized medical environments. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid sailor who enjoys navigating the waters of the Puget Sound.
