Every Sowa Development project benefits from the combined expertise of our leadership team. Together, we bring decades of experience in luxury homebuilding, design, and construction while remaining personally involved throughout every phase of the project. It is this collaborative approach that defines the Sowa Development experience.
Stan P. Sowa
Founder & President
Stan Sowa founded Sowa Development with a simple philosophy: exceptional homes are built through meticulous planning, transparent communication, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Before establishing Sowa Development, Stan spent seven years with several of the nation’s largest residential developers—including Greystone Homes, Lennar Homes, Newhall Land, and John Laing Homes—where he helped oversee the planning and construction of more than 700 homes.
A licensed General Contractor and California Real Estate Broker, Stan holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Real Estate and a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California.
Born and raised in Santa Monica, Stan has a deep appreciation for the architectural character and coastal lifestyle that make Los Angeles’ Westside so distinctive. Today, he works closely with each client from the earliest planning stages through construction, ensuring every home is delivered with thoughtful execution, exceptional craftsmanship, and personal attention.
Michelle Chydzik-Sowa
Principal | Director of Design
Michelle Chydzik-Sowa brings a distinctive design perspective shaped by a lifelong appreciation for architecture, travel, and thoughtful residential design.
Born and raised in London within a family involved in real estate, Michelle developed an early understanding of how thoughtful design enhances the way people live. Before joining Sowa Development, she spent more than a decade as an independent film producer, where she developed the creative vision, editorial eye, and storytelling instincts that continue to influence her work today.
As Director of Design at Sowa Development, Michelle collaborates closely with homeowners, architects, and the construction team to shape the overall design vision for each residence. From refining architectural details to selecting interior finishes and materials, she helps ensure every element works together seamlessly to create homes of lasting beauty and architectural integrity.
Drawing inspiration from international travel, art, and architecture, Michelle believes the most memorable homes are those that reflect the people who live in them. She is passionate about creating residences that are elegant, deeply personal, and designed to enrich everyday living for generations to come.
Miles Helfrich
Director of Construction
Miles Helfrich brings more than 35 years of residential development and construction leadership to Sowa Development, providing the experience and expertise to guide every project from planning through completion.
Before joining Sowa Development, Miles held senior leadership positions with Lennar Homes, Greystone Homes, West Venture Communities, and FivePoint Communities, where he led multidisciplinary teams responsible for planning, scheduling, budgeting, entitlement, and construction operations.
As Director of Construction, Miles works closely with Stan, Michelle, homeowners, architects, consultants, and trade partners to ensure every project is executed with precision, efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to quality. His collaborative approach and decades of experience help ensure each home is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship.