Part three in a three part series highlighting every role needed to build an elite project team
In this third installment of our series on building your dream team, we’re excited to sit down with Jason Pierce, founder of Pierce Built Homes. Based in Sugar Land, Texas, Pierce Built Homes has been delivering custom, luxury homes throughout the Houston area since 2013. Jason and his team have earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail.
As a seasoned builder, Jason understands that the journey to creating a luxury home is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about collaboration. In this Q&A, Jason shares insights on how working with the right team of architects, interior designers, and contractors can streamline the process, help manage budgets, and create spaces that truly reflect the client’s vision. Read on for expert advice on making your luxury home project a seamless and successful experience.
At Atelier Interiors, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Pierce Built Homes on both remodels and new construction projects over the past five years. Jason’s collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results align perfectly with our own values. We’ve seen firsthand how his team’s attention to detail and dedication to quality transform each project into something truly remarkable. It’s been a pleasure working alongside Jason and his team to create beautiful, functional spaces that our clients are proud to call home.
1. When is the best time for a client to bring in a builder and start interviewing contractors?
Ideally, as early as possible. Whether you’re purchasing a lot or beginning the design process, having the builder collaborate with the architect and designer from the start makes everything run smoother. It’s all about streamlining the journey to the finish line.
2. What value does a general contractor bring to the project before the architectural plans are finalized?
Budget management is a huge advantage. If the design starts heading toward something outside the client’s budget, the contractor can flag it early. By working in tandem with the design team and the client, we can keep the project moving forward efficiently while staying within financial goals.
3. You often suggest to clients to engage an interior designer to help keep the project progressing forward, and, to ensure that their end vision is achieved. What’s your favorite part of collaborating with interior designers?
I genuinely love how designers bring a space to life. As a builder, I’m focused on the structure and mechanics, but designers add that layer of detail that transforms a house into a home. Whether it’s a unique material choice or a creative layout idea, their input often pushes me to think differently, which makes the final result even better. It’s exciting to bring their vision to fruition. A skilled designer brings both design and project management skills to the team to elevate the client experience and the finished product.
6. Everyone wants to know, “How much will this cost?” How do you help clients understand and navigate their budget?
It’s all about being clear and straightforward. I sit down with clients to explain what their budget can realistically cover. For example, when it comes to windows, I might compare options—like a “Rolls Royce” version versus a reliable “Toyota” equivalent—so they understand the trade-offs. Showing examples from past projects also helps put things into perspective. In addition, transparency is everything. We hard bid all aspects of the project, so clients get accurate pricing upfront. If I see allowances being exceeded, I let them know immediately. Change orders aren’t about profits—they’re about accommodating preferences. Plus, we pass along supplier savings directly to the client, which helps keep budgets on track.
5. Even when people say there’s no budget, we know there’s always a limit to what clients will want to invest. What role does the residential building designer / architect play in initial budgeting, and how do you guide the project to stay within cost parameters?
Everyone has a budget—whether they admit it or not! We back into the square footage using their overall budget parameters, which helps immensely. We often suggest that clients meet with a builder and walk through a similar project to what they’re envisioning. The builder can provide a general square footage cost for that level of detail, finishes, and so on. This can happen right after the initial sketch phase, giving us a solid benchmark for the design. The last thing we want is to go through the whole process and then have to redo plans because we missed the budget mark by a mile.
7. How important is speed in construction, and how do you balance that with quality? Do you have strategies to keep projects on schedule?
Speed is important because clients want to move into their homes as soon as possible, but quality can’t take a back seat. We focus on striking a balance—delivering on time without cutting corners. With over 25 years of experience, that’s something we’re very proud of. Constant communication is critical. We have regular updates—emails, phone calls, whatever it takes to keep everyone aligned. While no timeline is perfect because of unforeseen factors, weekly check-ins ensure clients are informed. My goal is to always have progress on-site. Even if one thing is delayed, there’s usually something else we can move forward with.
8. Some contractors only take on new construction—your team is adept at both. How do you approach renovations differently from new construction?
Renovations require a totally different mindset. We need to assess the existing structure to see how changes will affect systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. For instance, vaulting a ceiling might require significant modifications. I always focus on cost-effective solutions, and in many cases, I recommend comprehensive updates rather than piecemeal fixes. It’s more efficient in the long run and avoids future headaches.
9. Are you noticing a trend between demand for renovations versus new builds?
It really depends on location. In areas where land is scarce or expensive, remodeling often makes more sense. You can achieve a lot with a renovation budget compared to the higher per-square-foot costs of building new. Ultimately, it comes down to what aligns best with the client’s goals and budget.
10. Any final advice for clients considering a new build or a remodel in 2025?
Start by assembling the right team. A great architect, designer, and builder can make all the difference. Trust and communication are critical—don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your concerns. For remodels; plan, plan, plan. I always recommend that clients have 80-90% of the design finalized before we start. Remodels tend to move quickly since homeowners are often displaced, so thorough preparation ensures we can keep things efficient and minimize disruptions.
And remember, this process is a journey. There might be bumps along the way, but with the right team, the end result will be worth it.
Learn more about Pierce Built Homes by visiting their website. We are proud to have completed successful past projects with the Pierce Built team. Atelier Interiors will be working on three projects (both remodel and new build) in 2025. Follow along on our social media pages to see these projects come to life over next year!
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