Nelson Rockwood - Owner

Nelson Rockwood is a dedicated home builder with a deep passion for craftsmanship and a genuine love for the work he does every day. A father and a husband in training, Nelson brings both humility and experience to his role.

His journey began with a treehouse he built at age 10 in New Orleans. From the ages of 15 to 39, he was mentored by three accomplished high-end general contractors, shaping the foundation of his career. Nelson studied Spanish and Theater at Sewanee, where he built sets and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity—early signs of the hands-on approach and collaborative spirit that define his work today.

In New York City, he worked in nearly every capacity at Regele Builders, gaining a deep understanding of the building process from the ground up. He later spent five formative years with Crowell Builders in Austin, with much of his portfolio rooted in the projects completed under their guidance.

Nelson has held every role in the custom homebuilding process—from sweeping floors to managing complex builds. Fluent in Spanish and well-connected with key subcontractors across Austin, he continues to strengthen and expand his professional network as he leads Nelson Rockwood Homes with skill, integrity, and enthusiasm.

Claudia Villarroel - Operations & Administrative Manager

Claudia Villarroel is the Operations and Administrative Manager at Nelson Rockwood Homes,. Originally from Venezuela, Claudia brings her experience and passion to her work in the United States, where she plays a vital role in maintaining the company’s financial operations and supporting project managers in meeting their goals.

With over 15 years of experience in project management and a decade leading administrative and operational teams, Claudia specializes in building organizational systems from the ground up. She is passionate about implementing strategic processes, ensuring accountability, and driving sustainable growth through structured follow-up and clear goal setting.

Outside of work, Claudia enjoys traveling, discovering great food, and spending quality time with her family. She believes deeply in the importance of human connection and the power of teamwork—values that guide her leadership and daily contributions.

Claudia is proud to be part of the dedicated team at Nelson Rockwood Homes, LLC and remains committed to fostering a strong, successful organizational culture.

Bryan jobe - Project Manager

Bryan Jobe was born in Austin, raised in Fort Worth, and earned his undergraduate degree in architecture from Texas A&M University. After living in San Antonio and the San Francisco Bay Area, he and his family returned to Austin in 2004.

Bryan spent 22 years working in architecture firms—14 of those focused on high-end custom residential design—before transitioning to the construction side of the industry in 2016. With an architect’s eye for detail, he brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of design to every project he manages.

Outside of work, Bryan has a long list of hobbies that keep him busy, including restoring old cars, riding and repairing bicycles, building furniture, cooking, and crafting cocktails. He lives in Austin with his wife, Camille (also an architect), and their two sons.

Josh Hays - Project Manager

Josh Hays was raised in Dripping Springs, a community that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. After graduating from Dripping Springs High School, he attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. His time at Texas Tech sharpened his leadership and organizational skills while deepening his appreciation for hard work and commitment.

A lifelong passion for the outdoors has shaped much of Josh’s perspective. Activities like hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilderness have instilled in him a deep sense of patience, perseverance, and a love for life’s simpler joys.

Professionally, Josh began his career in production home building, gaining hands-on experience managing large-scale projects and developing technical expertise. Over time, it became clear that his true passion lay in custom home building—where creativity and craftsmanship come together to turn a client’s vision into reality.

Jake Orlich - Project Manager

Jake Orlich brings a rare blend of hands-on experience, creative vision, and operational discipline to his role as Project Manager at Nelson Rockwood Homes. With a diverse background in media production, land development, and real estate investment, Jake approaches each project with a sharp eye for detail and a deep respect for both craftsmanship and efficiency.

His ability to coordinate seamlessly across disciplines—including design, construction, permitting, and client communication—helps keep projects on track, on budget, and delivering beyond expectations. Grounded, decisive, and solutions-oriented, Jake thrives in fast-paced environments where quality and precision are non-negotiable.