A middle-aged man with brown hair and blue eyes smiling and looking to his left. He is wearing a blue collared shirt with a company logo that reads 'DWELL MICHIGAN, LLC.'

Dan Ross

Founder, Construction Consultant

Dan Ross has spent more than 40 years in the construction industry, with experience across residential, multifamily, municipal, and commercial work. He spent more than 20 years at O’Brien Construction, where he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Project Manager and helped lead major projects from early feasibility through construction and closeout.

Over the course of his career, Dan has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to move projects forward well: realistic budgeting, strong coordination, thoughtful problem-solving, and steady leadership from start to finish.

Today, through dWell Michigan, he offers that experience in a more flexible way—giving owners, developers, and project teams access to senior-level expertise on a project-by-project basis.

Dan is known for being personable and approachable with clients while also being clear, assertive, and effective when a project needs strong professional leadership. He is especially valuable for owners or clients who may not be deeply familiar with the construction industry and want someone experienced in their corner.

His long-standing reputation for integrity and fairness has helped him build strong relationships throughout the Metro Detroit construction community. Clients value not only his technical and managerial expertise, but also the way he works—with honesty, steadiness, and respect for the people involved.

The DWELL DIFFERENCE

dWell Michigan was created to offer clients a smarter way to access construction expertise.

Instead of navigating complex projects alone—or absorbing the cost of a permanent senior-level hire—clients can engage dWell for the level of support they actually need. The result is a service that is flexible, experienced, and tailored to the realities of each project, whether that means guidance in the early stages, hands-on management during construction, or trusted representation throughout the process.

At its best, dWell provides more than construction support. It provides peace of mind. Clients gain a knowledgeable partner who can help anticipate challenges, improve decision-making, reduce costly errors, and keep the project aligned with their goals. The focus is always on bringing clarity, stability, and long-term value to the work, so clients can move forward knowing their project is being handled with care, competence, and integrity.

Experience

Dan’s background includes award-recognized multifamily and mixed-use work, renovations, rehabilitation projects, and complex urban developments.

He has stepped into projects at many different phases—sometimes from the beginning, and sometimes when experienced leadership was needed to stabilize a difficult situation.

A large historic brick building with a tall tower section, located at a street corner under a clear sky.
A courtyard with grass and small trees enclosed by a black metal fence, in front of a large brick building with multiple windows. Eight flags, including the United States flag, are flying on poles in the center of the courtyard against a partly cloudy sky.
A multi-story brick building with large window arches on top, located at a street corner with cars and a traffic light in view.
A modern multi-story building with commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above, located at the corner of an intersection on West Grand Blvd, with street signs, traffic lights, trees, and a blue sky. 
Piquette Square
Nso Bell Building
Third & Grand
Elliot Building
Notable Projects

  • Role: Project Manager, Project Superintendent*, Project Engineer*
    Builder: O’Brien Construction
    Construction Type: New Construction
    Total SF: 344,432
    # of Units: 231
    Commercial SF: 20,000
    Contract Value: $48,111,524
    Year Completed: 2019

    Brought in after the original general contractor defaulted following site excavation. Worked with ownership to reestablish budget and schedule, provide value engineering, negotiate trade subcontracts, and help lead the project through rough MEP approvals.

    See completed project here.

    *acted in an interim capacity until role was permanently filled

  • Role: Project Manager
    Builder: O’Brien Construction
    Construction Type: Historic Renovation
    Total SF: 107,000
    # of Units: 150
    Commercial SF: 12,060
    Total Construction Cost: $14,802,727
    Year Completed: 2011

    Served as Project Manager from feasibility through certificate of occupancy and warranty period for repeat client Southwest Housing Solutions.

  • Role: Project Manager
    Builder: O’Brien Construction
    Construction Type: Historic Rehabilitation
    Total SF: 42,392
    # of Units: 23
    Commercial SF: 43,000
    Contract Value: $8,048,432
    Year Completed: 2017

    Building on previous relationship with the Owner, helped establish construction feasibility study and establish preliminary project budget. Acted as senior project manager from conception through rough Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing approvals.

    See the finished project here.

  • Role: Project Manager
    Builder: O’Brien Construction
    Construction Type: Historic Rehabilitation
    Total SF: 302,000
    # of Units: 155
    Commercial SF: 58,500
    Contract Value: $34,600,000
    Year Completed: 2013

    Served as Project Manager during preconstruction, feasibility, design, and core-and-shell construction.

    See the finished project here.

the Mission

At dWell Michigan, the name itself carries the philosophy.

By emphasizing the word “well” within “dwell,” it reflects a belief that the built environment should do more than meet basic needs. The spaces we live and work in influence our daily lives in real ways, and building well means creating places that are thoughtful, durable, welcoming, and good for the people who use them.

That is the heart behind dWell Michigan’s purpose. The company exists to bring experience, sound judgment, and thoughtful leadership to the construction process in a way that genuinely serves people. Every project is an opportunity to help create a space that is not only well-built, but also well-suited to the lives of the people who will inhabit it.