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Bold Statement: Experience Counts

When you choose a custom home builder, you’re not just selecting a construction company — you’re trusting someone with your vision, your investment, and your future home. At Collins Design-Build, we take that responsibility seriously. And that begins with the experience and leadership of our founder, Chad Collins.

A Builder With Deep Roots in North Carolina

My name is Chad Collins, and I’ve been immersed in North Carolina’s residential construction industry for over two decades. I founded Collins Design-Build, Inc. with one mission: to build architecturally distinct, enduring homes that reflect the people who live in them — and the land they’re built on.

I bring a hands-on perspective to every project. I’m a licensed General Contractor (Unlimited), a licensed Home Inspector (former Board Member), a  Accredited Master Builder, a Master Certified Green Professional (MCGP), and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). I’ve had the privilege of designing and building homes for a wide range of families — from young couples starting out, to retirees building their forever home.

Industry Leadership and Education

Beyond the home site, I’ve worked hard to elevate the profession of home building throughout the state. I serve as a Trustee on the Board of the North Carolina Builder Institute (NCBI) and am an instructor for the Continuing Education classes that help raise the standard of excellence for other licensed builders in our industry. I’ve also written and taught courses that are now part of the state’s builder certification curriculum.

This gives me a unique perspective — not only do I build homes, I help shape how North Carolina builds homes.

Award-Winning, Accessibility-Focused Design

I’m especially proud to say that Collins Design-Build has been honored six years in a row with the Best Aging or Accessibility Residential Home in North Carolina by the North Carolina Home Builders Association’s STARS Awards. These homes go beyond trend — they are thoughtfully crafted for safety, independence, and long-term comfort.

That kind of recognition is not just a trophy on the shelf. It’s a reflection of the care we put into every detail, and the trust our clients place in us.

Looking Ahead

Whether you’re building your first home, your dream home, or a home that will grow with your family for decades to come, my team and I are ready to walk with you every step of the way — from the first sketch to the final walk-through.

If you’re thinking about building in the Triangle or surrounding areas, I invite you to explore our portfolio and reach out. Let’s talk about how my experience can help bring your vision to life.

Ready to build?
Visit our portfolio or contact us to schedule a consultation.

Chad & Emilee Collins

Chad Collins is an Unlimited Licensed General Contractor, Licensed Home Inspector, and award-winning custom home builder based in Hillsborough, North Carolina. As the founder of Collins Design-Build, Chad has earned a reputation for creating luxury, timeless custom homes throughout Orange County, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and the surrounding Triangle region. His projects are known for exceptional craftsmanship, high-performance construction, universal design, and premium client experience.

Recognized as one of the Triangle Business Journal’s top custom home builders, Chad blends extensive construction expertise with thoughtful design to build homes that are beautiful, durable, healthy, and highly energy efficient. His credentials include Accredited Master Builder, Master Certified Green Professional, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist—distinctions held by only a select group of builders statewide.

Chad’s 30 plus year career began in building materials, retail, and field operations, quickly earning him leadership roles with local, regional, and national home builders. His ability to streamline operations, lead high-performing teams, and deliver luxury homes with exceptional quality helped him close more than $6 million in custom home projects in a single year and win the 2001 Builder of the Year award.

As the founder of Collins Design-Build, Chad has earned numerous industry honors, including National Certified Green Professional Builder of the Year, Home Builder of the Year for Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties, MAME Building Company of the Year, multiple STARS Awards, Parade of Homes Gold Awards, and multiple Best Green Built Home recognitions. His firm also builds certified green homes and ENERGY STAR homes as a standard—not an upgrade.

Chad is widely respected as a leader in North Carolina’s building community. He has served as President of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties, Regional Vice President for the North Carolina Home Builders Association, and President of the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, he was appointed by the Governor to the North Carolina Home Inspectors Licensing Board.

In addition to building award-winning custom homes, Chad is a residential construction expert witness, assisting attorneys, homeowners, and insurers in cases involving construction defects, building standards, and accessibility issues. His professional background and extensive field experience make him a trusted authority in courtroom, arbitration, and litigation support.

Chad is also an approved Continuing Education Instructor for the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors and a recognized speaker for the National Association of Home Builders. He has written and taught courses on green building, construction management, and aging-in-place for contractors and university programs, including Duke University’s OLLI Continuing Education Program.

Categorized in: Custom Homes

This post was written by Collins Design Build