VISION

To be our clients’ preferred choice when selecting a premier wall and ceiling contractor.

MISSION

Consistently provide high quality construction services while fulfilling the needs of our team members, trade partners, and clients.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1982, Northwest Partitions (NWP) is a full-service union signatory commercial wall and ceiling contractor serving Western Washington. We specialize in metal stud framing, drywall systems, painting, wallcoverings, acoustical ceilings, and more, all backed by a reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and innovation.

With more than 40 years of experience, NWP has earned the trust of general contractors, developers, and building owners throughout the region.

Leadership rooted in experience. Focused on progress.

Our leadership team is committed to driving operational excellence, developing talent, and embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry. Every decision we make is grounded in our core values: Safety, Ownership, Respect, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork.

People first. Performance always.

At NWP, our people are our greatest strength. From union craftspeople in the field to our project managers and office staff, every team member plays a critical role in delivering quality work, safely, efficiently, and with pride.

Our proactive, customer-focused approach fosters collaboration, reduces risk, and drives results from preconstruction through project closeout.

As we continue to grow, our mission remains clear: to be the preferred choice in wall and ceiling construction, delivering exceptional value and results on every project.

LEADERSHIP

JAMES KAHLER
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

James Kahler serves as President and CEO of Northwest Partitions, leading the company with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and team empowerment. James has guided NWP through strategic growth for over 20 years while reinforcing its reputation for quality, reliability, and client-focused service.

Known for his thoughtful leadership style and meticulous attention to detail, James drives continuous improvement across all aspects of the business, from field performance and project delivery to technology adoption and process refinement. He is deeply committed to building strong relationships with employees, clients, and industry partners.

James holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Washington and serves as a Director for both the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association and the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau. He is also a former Trustee of the Western Washington Painters Defined Contribution Pension Trust and a past Director of the American Subcontractors Association of Washington.

Rooted in NWP’s core values — Safety, Ownership, Respect, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork — James remains focused on developing people, delivering outstanding results, and driving long-term success for the company and its partners.

When he’s not at the office, James is usually chasing his kids around, riding his Peloton, or exploring new restaurants with his wife and friends as a passionate foodie.

ERIK BLOCKHUS
DIRECTOR OF ESTIMATING & SALES

Erik Blockhus leads Northwest Partitions’ estimating and sales team with a strong focus on accuracy, strategy, and client relationships. As Director of Estimating and Sales, he’s responsible for driving growth and mentoring a talented team of estimators and project managers.

With over a decade of tenure at NWP, Erik works to shape the company’s sales direction and market position, while also ensuring our bids are thorough, competitive, and aligned with each project’s goals. He brings a collaborative, hands-on approach to leadership, focused on results, continuous improvement, and delivering real value to clients.

A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Construction Management, Erik is also a proud U.S. Army veteran. Known for being a positive, people-oriented leader, he builds strong connections with both internal teams and external partners, creating an environment where collaboration thrives.

Erik is deeply aligned with NWP’s core values and plays a key role in both our day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

DAVE DREILING
VICE PRESIDENT FIELD OPERATIONS

With more than 30 years of experience at NWP, and four decades in total in the commercial construction industry, Dave Dreiling brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and hands-on expertise to his role as Vice President Field Operations at Northwest Partitions. Originally from Colorado, Dave began his career as a union carpenter and steadily advanced through the ranks, building a reputation for field excellence, productivity, and operational integrity.

He works closely with field and office teams to align execution with NWP’s values and strategic goals, coaching crews onsite, analyzing project performance, and ensuring clear communication at every level. Dave is charged with developing talent, building strong jobsite cultures, and serving as the critical link between operations in the field and leadership in the office.

His decades of experience at NWP, combined with a steady focus on continuous improvement, have made him an invaluable part of NWP’s leadership team and trusted partner to clients and field crews alike.

ROBERT KAZNAKOFF
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT

As General Superintendent at Northwest Partitions, Robert Kaznakoff plays a critical role in coordinating and supporting our field operations. As a former union tradesman and with deep experience across drywall, framing, painting, and specialty scopes, Robert oversees the daily scheduling and dispatch of crews, working closely with project foremen to ensure jobsites are staffed, supported, and running smoothly.

Robert manages foremen across all active projects, providing hands-on coaching, jobsite analysis, and guidance on labor, materials, and subcontractor coordination. Known for his technical expertise and calm, solutions-driven leadership, he helps teams make smart field-level decisions that keep work safe, high-quality, and on schedule.

A strong communicator and trusted mentor, Robert is a key link between field crews and the office. He ensures every team member understands their role, embraces our core values, and contributes to a culture of accountability and excellence. He is also instrumental in improving field processes and driving continuous improvement across our operations.

When he’s not on a jobsite, Robert enjoys hiking, camping, mountaineering, and rockhounding.  He’s also a proud lacrosse dad who spends weekends supporting his son’s team and keeping stats on the sidelines.