With a unique approach to stylish living, Style Media's new docu-series "Built" follows high-fashion male models whose handy skills extend beyond the runways to remodeling homes. Produced by Endemol USA, "Built" follows a Manhattan home design and construction service staffed exclusively with male models who are also experienced handymen. "Built" debuts Monday, January 28 at 9pm ET/PT with a 10-episode order, following the season five premiere of "Jerseylicious" at 8pm ET/PT on Style.
On each new episode of "Built," the five-man crew will tackle a home makeover project by helping their clients with remodeling challenges. A prominent interior designer with Hott and Handy lends her insight and expertise to ensure that the creative expectations are being met. With their different personalities and skill sets, the "Built" team sometimes struggles to find common ground in their work; however, their dizzying good looks bind them together and ensure a handsome ending.
The "Built" show page on StyleNetwork.com launches tomorrow, Thursday, November 15, and will give viewers a sneak peek into what to expect on this new series. The site provides insider access to the cast through exclusive personal blogs, videos and photo galleries. In addition, the cast will give their personal take on what happens in each episode and how viewers at home can achieve similar design success as their clients.
Meet the "Built" cast:
SHANE DUFFY
As co-owner of Hott and Handy, Shane Duffy is the point person for the company, bringing in the clients and ensuring that they are happy with the job from start to finish. Having recruited his handy, model friends for his business, Shane is the only one who can keep them all in line, especially when any problems arise during a redesign. The idea for this business venture came to Shane a few years ago when he was doing general handyman work in between modeling gigs and a client called him "hot and handy." Now, he has offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami. As a model, he has become one of the most sought-after face and body parts models and has been featured in national and international campaigns for GNC,
Johnny Walker, Banana Republic, ASICS, Marlboro and Under Armour, among others. From Texas, Shane served in the National Guard and is an Afghan war vet who spends time volunteering with the USO.
SANDY DIAS
The foreman of the group, Sandy Dias runs the construction team by the book and manages the execution of all projects. He is proficient in the use of hand and power tools and his experience includes framing, sheet rock, doors, plumbing, trim work and tile, to name a few. He loves to remodel homes, especially kitchens, and his current home is based on a Lego design he built as a child. With a degree in Aeronautical Technology, Sandy always wanted to work with airplanes. However, after several people approached him while he worked at LaGuardia Airport, he decided to give modeling a try - and was an overnight success. One of his main clients is Hugo Boss, and additionally, he has worked with Neiman Marcus, Mercedes-Benz, Brunello Cucinelli,
Ethan Allen,
Tommy Hilfiger and Bloomingdales.
GAGE CASS
Gage Cass is the artist of the group and loves providing his creative flair to each project. In his spare time, Gage works as a designer on large scale performance pieces for creative festivals such as Burning Man and Art Basel Miami as well as other private events in the New York area. He especially loves working with metal and steel. Gage recently has expanded from modeling for clients such as Jose Cuervo, Coke Zero, Gilded Age, 2(X)IST and Microsoft, to stunts and acrobatics. The highlight of his career was being asked to do a performance with Cirque de Soleil (he framed the paycheck!), and he also repelled off of 30 Rock for a "Spiderman 3" marketing stunt. In addition, Gage is co-founder and president of Mythic Bridge, a non-profit organization that teaches narrative filmmaking and storytelling to underprivileged kids in the Tri-State area.
DONNY WARE
The funny guy with great hair and an unforgettable laugh, Donny Ware owns the fact that he is good-looking and is not one to take things too seriously. He may be the comic relief of the crew but his experience working on home remodels includes running heavy equipment and digging trenches. Before he was scouted in the modeling world, he worked at a glass factory in southern Florida. A car accident five years ago left his face partially burnt, and after a hard recovery, Donny is now in demand both nationally and internationally, modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch, Lacoste,
Michael Kors, Bottega Veneta and
Ted Baker, to name a few.
MIKE KEUTE
Raised in a family of "Mr. Fix Its," Mike Keute learned from an early age how to be handy around the house. He excels in carpentry and organizational-inspired design and recently remodeled his penthouse loft into a stunning three-bedroom apartment. Often referred to as "the brains" and "the muscle" of the group, Mike is a personal trainer who is devoted to maintaining his well-toned physique. His efforts have led to an impressive national and international modeling career, and he consistently serves as
Calvin Klein's main underwear model and has worked for such clients as Giorgio Armani, Brunello Cucinelli, Saks Fifth Avenue, GQ and Men's Health. In addition, Mike is pursuing his law degree and MBA simultaneously at Fordham Law School through an accelerated three-year program - a first for any student at the university. Earlier this year, Mike formed Famed International, Inc., an entertainment management company that develops, mentors and legally protects models, actors and artists from around the world. His goal was to start small but with his ambition and drive, his company has grown quickly to become a premier destination for the entertainment industry.
KIM GIESKE
Top interior designer and home stylist Kim Gieske collaborates with the Hott and Handy team on their client services. Her celebrity client list includes
Gwyneth Paltrow,
Chloe Sevigny,
Donatella Versace,
Pamela Anderson,
Martha Stewart and
Ivanka Trump, among others. A former model, Kim's passion for home and fashion led to a career as a lifestyle editor for such magazines as Glamour, Self, House & Garden and Vogue Living. Kim was part of the original team that launched the "
Martha Stewart Living" magazine and television show, offering her tips and advice for decorating and styling the home. In addition, Kim is a New York Times best-selling author with her home renovation book "Paige by Paige: A Year of Trading Spaces" based on the hit television series.
"Built" is produced by Endemol USA with
Karen Young serving as Executive Producer. Sarah Weidman and Merah Chung executive produce the series for Style.
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