MEET THE KDA HOMES TEAM

BUILT BY PEOPLE WHO CARE HOW COMMUNITIES LIVE.

Each member of the KDA Homes team plays an important role in bringing our vision to life and strengthening the communities we build. Our team brings decades of hands-on experience in homebuilding, design, and development, along with a deep understanding of Southern Oregon and the people who live here.

Through years of working in this region, we’ve learned what truly matters—thoughtful design, quality construction, energy-efficient homes, and places that foster connection, comfort, and long-term livability.

We are builders, designers, neighbors, and community partners, all working together to create homes that support meaningful connection and vibrant, lasting communities.

Don’t just take our word for it—meet the KDA Homes team below.

  • Laz Ayala – Founder & Developer, KDA Homes

    Laz Ayala is a visionary real estate developer and community builder. As the founder of KDA Homes, his work is guided by a belief that strong communities are built through thoughtful planning, responsible land stewardship, and meaningful partnerships.

    Laz’s journey began when he came to the United States from El Salvador in search of safety from the war. As he built his life in Southern Oregon through hard work and determination, he developed a deep appreciation for the meaning of home—not just as a place to live, but as the foundation of belonging, connection, and community. That experience sparked a lifelong desire to create neighborhoods where people feel rooted, supported, and truly at home.

    He began his career as a Realtor, working closely with families, first-time buyers, and longtime residents. This gave him a unique window into how people choose where to live, how they move through neighborhoods, and what makes a place feel right. It shaped his belief that great communities start with homes designed around real life—walkable streets, shared spaces, and thoughtful planning that brings people together, not just buildings that fill a lot.

    From there, Laz transitioned into land development, assembling and stewarding significant land holdings across the Rogue Valley. Rather than focusing on individual houses, he began planning entire neighborhoods that prioritize sustainability, green building, long-term livability, and a strong sense of place.

    Through KDA Homes, Laz works closely with cities, architects, builders, and local partners to deliver communities that support workforce housing, environmental responsibility, and regional planning goals. Developments like Beach Creek reflect this collaborative approach—blending energy-efficient homes, smart design, and neighborhood-scale planning into places that naturally belong.

    Today, Laz continues to shape Southern Oregon by developing walkable communities that support people, the environment, and the cities they call home..

  • John Maher - Managing Director / GM

    John leads project financing, capital planning, project management, and day-to-day operations for KDA Homes; and commercial leasing and sales for Ayala Properties. He has over 20 years of management experience in finance, product development, and market strategy, and was previously a Vice President in Wells Fargo's Commercial Real Estate Group and Director of Private Client Marketing at SVB.

    John holds a Bachelor's degree with honors in Economic Development and Econometrics, an MBA from U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate from the Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and serves on The City of Ashland Planning Commission, and Housing and Human Services Subcommittee.


  • Kory Shrader - General Contractor | Construction Partner, KDA Homes

    Kory Shrader is a licensed General Contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in residential construction across Southern Oregon. Licensed since 1996, Kory has built and overseen more than 200 homes, bringing a steady, detail-driven approach to every project.

    As the owner of Shrader Homes Inc., Kory manages all phases of construction—from drawings and scheduling to inspections, subcontractor coordination, budgeting, and final delivery. His background as a journeyman framer and painter provides hands-on expertise that ensures quality, efficiency, and consistency throughout the build process.

    Kory has led large-scale residential developments, including zero-lot-line communities, ADU neighborhoods, and multi-phase subdivisions. He currently serves as General Contractor for Beach Creek, overseeing construction of 45 homes for KDA Homes, and has managed major projects such as Wilson Estates, Jacqulyn Estates, and South Stage West / Willow Bend.

    Known for keeping projects on schedule and within budget, Kory is a trusted partner valued for his accountability, practical problem-solving, and commitment to delivering well-built homes that stand the test of time.

  • -Director of Interior Design & Showcasing

    Marni Owens serves as the Director of Interior Design at KDA, where she seamlessly integrates creativity with strategic insight. With over six years of experience in interior design and a robust background in product design, Marni is instrumental in shaping innovative spaces that reflect the unique aspirations of our clients.

    In her role, Marni collaborates closely with buyers to optimize floor plans and layouts, ensuring that each design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Her partnership with our architect is vital, as they work together to create tailored solutions that embody the highest standards of design excellence.

    In addition to her design responsibilities, Marni leads our website showcasing efforts, effectively conveying KDA’s vision and services to our audience. Her multifaceted expertise and commitment to fostering community connections enhance the overall client experience, making her an invaluable asset to both our team and the clients we serve.