Distinctive Pergolas by MKE Development Corp: Twenty Years of Building Excellence, Innovation, and Family Values

This year marks a proud milestone: the parent company of Distinctive Pergolas, MKE Development Corporation, celebrates 20 years of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, this family-run firm has become a trusted name across the South Shore’s homebuilding landscape, known for energy-efficient, all-electric homes, custom additions, private home theaters, louvered roof pergolas, and innovative living solutions.
 
In 2020, the company began building motorized louvered roof pergolas, initially to meet growing client demand for functional outdoor spaces. Since 2023, Distinctive Pergolas has become the fastest-growing division within the company, now representing 70% of its total business.
 
Distinctive Pergolas specializes in premium louvered roof systems and architectural shade structures that combine beauty, performance, and smart technology. The company offers two signature pergola lines: Sundance, made in the USA, and manufactured and powder-coated in New England, and a high-end Italian luxury brand called Pratic. Both systems have double-walled louvers that are reinforced in multiple locations, including built-in gutter channels and structural components engineered to withstand harsh New England conditions. These high-end luxury pergola systems come with an array of accessories like retractable glass walls, retractable screens, lighting, ceiling fans, speakers, and outdoor TVs.
 
“All of our pergolas are built with reinforced double-walled louvers and smart technology integration,” said Kathy Egasti, co-founder and project manager. “They’re designed to deliver comfort, control, and style all year long.”
 
In addition to the louvered roof pergolas, Distinctive Pergolas offers awnings, all-glass pergolas, and Bahama Jumbrellas.
 
Installations span residential and commercial projects throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. But this is not a one-size-fits-all model.
 
“We specify the right system based on each client’s needs,” Kathy explained. “We’re selective in what we offer and always fair in our pricing.”
 
What sets Distinctive Pergolas apart is its fully in-house approach. Sales, design, project management, installation, and especially customer service, are all managed by the family-led team. Michael Egasti, a Clarkson-educated engineer, oversees design and construction. Kathy leads sales, project management, and customer service. Their son, Paolo, who began helping on installations at the age of 14, now produces all rendering and layout visuals. Even the sales team and their office manager are family.
 
“We don’t subcontract any of our core services,” Kathy emphasized. “Every project reflects our high standards, and we stand by our work.”
 
Customer relationships are a cornerstone of Distinctive Pergolas. Every client receives personalized attention, system education, and complimentary first-year cleanings and performance checkups.
 
“We treat people well, and we’ve built our name on trust and transparency,” Kathy added.
 
Rooted in Westwood and active members of St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Church, on Clapboardtree St, the Egasti family brings a foundation of values, integrity, and hard work to everything they build.
 
As MKE Development Corp celebrates 20 years in business, Distinctive Pergolas continues to lead the way, offering enduring design, elevated comfort, and unparalleled service in outdoor living. As they look toward the future, the Egastis are staying true to their original vision: delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed construction with family values at the center.