The Design-First Outdoor Living Company Serving Northern Illinois

Echelon Deck Group was founded in 2021 by Gil Alvarez and Andrew DeBruyne on one operating premise: design the complete outdoor space first, build it as one cohesive scope, and never hand a client a patchwork result.

Communities Served

0 +

Custom Design

0 %

15+ Years

Build Experience

2.5 Weeks

Average Build Time

The Story Behind the Standard

Andrew DeBruyne spent years working for one of the largest deck companies in the country. The technical standard was high; the environment prioritized volume over quality. He came to Gil Alvarez with one proposition: build something of their own, the right way.

Gil brought the right background to say yes. Before Echelon, he had built a custom signs and LED carpentry company from the ground up at 24, running high-end bespoke work where design precision was non-negotiable. When outdoor living became the focus in 2021, that same standard came with it.

The company launched that year. The two commitments that started it are still the ones running it.

WE’RE TRUSTED BY:

The Three Things That Don't Move

Here’s exactly how a project moves from inquiry to completion.

No client should have to wonder what is happening on their project. Direct access to the schedule, updates at every meaningful stage, and a team that answers questions before they have to be asked twice.

The estimate reflects the actual design. The contract says what it means. If something changes on the site, the homeowner knows before anything moves. No surprises after the deposit clears.

Every project is approached as if the crew is building for their own property. Punchlist items are closed at the final walkthrough, not deferred. The standard does not soften as the schedule gets tight.

The People Running Every Project

Gil Alvarez

Managing Member, Sales & Design

Gil has been building things from scratch since 2014, when he launched a custom signs and LED carpentry company at 24. The work was high-end and bespoke; design precision was non-negotiable. When outdoor living became the focus in 2021, the same instinct followed. Gil handles every new client conversation, manages the 3D design process, and is the point of contact from the initial call through design approval.

Andrew DeBruyne

Project Manager

Andrew came to Echelon after years at one of the largest deck companies in the country. The technical experience was strong; the environment did not match the standard he held himself to. He co-founded Echelon to build a company where quality was the baseline, not the pitch. Andrew manages project operations, crew coordination, and every build from pre-construction through the final walkthrough.

Austin DeBaeps

Carpenter

Austin is part of the Echelon crew responsible for turning the approved design into the finished structure on the ground. The craftsmanship at the board level, from picture-frame inlays to railing installation, reflects the standard he brings to every build.

The Work Doesn't Stop Until It's Right.

Founded in 2021, Echelon Deck Group has grown into a two-crew design-build operation serving homeowners across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Every project is a chance to raise the standard.

Next Day Appointments Available