Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Solutions
Thorne Associates has been a trusted leader in specialty construction services since 1986. Founded by Parker and Dana Thorne, our family-owned business combines decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to integrity, innovation, and quality. Our team of 45+ OSHA-certified foremen brings over 500 years of combined construction expertise to every project, from small-scale renovations to large healthcare and commercial developments. We maintain a non-adversarial approach to client partnerships, ensuring seamless collaboration with general contractors and stakeholders. Our services span selective demolition, drywall systems, insulation, architectural finishes, and boutique general contracting. With offices in Chicago and Kenosha, we serve the Midwest region while maintaining national industry affiliations.Our safety-first culture includes mandatory OSHA training, fall hazard programs, and in-house certification for aerial work. Our executive leadership, including CEO Dan Degnan and President Mike Degnan, oversees project execution from schematic design through completion. Our purchasing and accounting departments ensure timely material delivery and accurate documentation, supporting long-term client and vendor relationships. Recognized for excellence in healthcare, commercial, education, and hospitality projects, we remain dedicated to advancing construction standards through continuous safety improvements and technical innovation.
Services
Selective Demolition
Drywall Systems
Spray Foam Insulation
Architectural Finishes
Boutique General Contracting
EIFS Installation
Acoustic Ceilings
Custom Installations
Prefabrication
Safety Training Programs
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 45+ OSHA-certified foremen with 500+ combined years of experience
- Comprehensive safety program including fall hazard recognition
- Family leadership with 35+ years of industry expertise
- Full-service capabilities from schematic design to completion
- Proven track record in complex healthcare and commercial projects
Associations and certifications
- Air Barrier Association of America
- Association of Subcontractors - Chicago
- Association of Wall and Ceiling Industry
- Builders Association
- Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association
- E.I.F.S. Industry Members Association
- Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois
- National Association of Women in Construction
- Chicagoland Associated General Contractors
- Midwest Walls and Ceilings Contractors
- Steel Framing Industry Association
What people say
Outstanding craftsmanship
Excellent safety protocols
Reliable project delivery
Expert team leadership
Quality finishes
Services
Selective Demolition
Specialized demolition services maintaining structural integrity while removing specific components. Our OSHA-certified teams use advanced techniques for controlled material removal in occupied or sensitive environments. Ideal for renovation projects requiring phased demolition with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Drywall Systems
Comprehensive drywall solutions including load-bearing and non-load-bearing framing. We install, finish, and texture drywall systems meeting fire-rated and acoustic requirements. Our skilled craftsmen deliver seamless finishes for commercial, healthcare, and hospitality applications with precision taping and skim coating.
Spray Foam Insulation
High-performance spray foam insulation creating energy-efficient building envelopes. Our technicians apply closed-cell and open-cell foam to meet R-value requirements while preventing air infiltration. Ideal for both new construction and retrofit projects seeking improved thermal regulation and moisture control.
Architectural Finishes
Custom architectural finishes including GRG, GFRC, and ornamental plaster. Our artisans create specialty ceilings, stretch fabric systems, and acoustic wall panels enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Solutions meet strict performance standards for commercial, cultural, and institutional spaces.
Boutique General Contracting
End-to-end project delivery for complex construction needs. From schematic design through final execution, our estimators and project managers ensure budget adherence and schedule efficiency. We coordinate all trades while maintaining direct communication with client stakeholders for seamless project completion.
People
Daniel F. Degnan
CEO
Daniel F. Degnan leads Thorne Associates' strategic operations with 30+ years in construction management. He oversees financial and administrative functions while maintaining client relationships. His leadership emphasizes safety compliance and operational excellence.
Michael J. Degnan
President
Michael J. Degnan directs field operations with 25+ years of construction expertise. He manages project execution and workforce development, ensuring adherence to quality standards. His focus on team training maintains the company's industry-leading safety record.
Nicholas W. Degnan
Vice President/Chief Estimator
Nicholas W. Degnan oversees cost estimation and project bidding. With specialized knowledge in construction economics, he manages project budgets from design phase through completion, ensuring financial accuracy and client transparency.
Nora A. Degnan
Vice President/Business Development
Nora A. Degnan drives business growth and client acquisition. She develops strategic partnerships while expanding market reach. Her focus on client needs maintains the company's competitive edge in specialty construction services.
Dave Piszczek
Superintendent
Dave Piszczek supervises field operations with master carpentry expertise. He ensures quality control across projects, mentoring foremen in best practices. His hands-on leadership maintains the company's reputation for superior craftsmanship.
Questions
What construction services does Thorne Associates offer?
We provide selective demolition, drywall systems, spray foam insulation, architectural finishes, and boutique general contracting services for commercial, healthcare, and residential projects.
Do you handle large-scale commercial projects?
Yes, we've completed major projects including hospitals, corporate headquarters, and hospitality developments with proven capacity for complex, multi-phase construction needs.
What safety certifications do your teams hold?
All field foremen hold OSHA 30-hour certification. We maintain additional safety programs including fall hazard recognition, aerial work certification, and regular in-house training updates.
How do you ensure project quality control?
Our master carpenter superintendent oversees quality assurance. We implement regular inspections, maintain industry accreditations, and use performance metrics to exceed client expectations.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate primarily in the Midwest with Chicago headquarters and Kenosha office. Our project portfolio includes national clients requiring specialized construction expertise.
Can you assist with design-phase construction consulting?
Yes, our estimators collaborate during schematic design to provide cost analysis and material recommendations, ensuring budget alignment from project inception.
