THE JT BUILDERS TEAM
JAKE WALSH | Owner
Jake Walsh is the founder and owner of JT Builders, a premier custom homes design-build company serving the Durango community since 2006. With decades of experience across various construction fields, Jake's expertise and commitment to excellence have solidified JT Builders' reputation for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service.
A member of both the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado and the National Homebuilders Association, Jake remains at the forefront of industry standards and best practices, ensuring that JT Builders consistently delivers projects of the highest quality.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jake is deeply invested in the well-being of the Durango community. He actively supports local initiatives and organizations, including his contributions to the Durango Area Youth Hockey Association. With his extensive experience and deep roots in Durango—he has lived here since 1998—Jake has the capacity to help people integrate into the community seamlessly.
When he's not personally overseeing construction projects or engaged in the community, Jake cherishes spending quality time outdoors with his wife, Lori, and their daughter, Madi, embracing the vibrant spirit of the Durango community.
DAN CANCILLA | Architect
Dan is a licensed architect with over 15 years of experience working on residential and commercial projects in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. He has worked in architecture firms and with general contractors, and most recently ran his own firm. It was during this time that he met Jake, and discovered a shared commitment to integrating design and construction to ensure the best product and experience for our clients.
SIMONE WOLFF | Interior Designer
Simone is a design-build professional with over eight years of experience working on high-end residential projects throughout Southwest Colorado. Her background spans interior architecture, finish specification, custom cabinetry and millwork, and construction coordination, allowing her to bridge design intent with real-world building conditions. She works closely with architects, project managers, builders, subcontractors, and vendors at JT Builders to ensure every detail is thoughtfully considered and clearly communicated from concept through completion.
Through her work, Simone has developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, collaboration, and transparency in the building process. At JT Builders, she is fully integrated within the architectural and construction team, contributing to a cohesive, streamlined approach where design and build move forward together. She brings a client-focused perspective to each project, helping create homes that are both beautiful and highly functional, with an emphasis on clear communication, quality execution, and a positive overall experience.
LEONARD LA PAZ | Carpenter Apprentice
Native to Southwest Colorado, Leonard is an apprentice carpenter with ambitions to to master the craft. He is an alumni of Fort Lewis college that brings his range of experience to JT Builders. Outside of construction, Leonard is a graphic designer, an avid hiker, angler, and musician.
DYLAN JACKSON | Project Manager
Dylan has earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Fort Lewis College (2020), located in Durango, Colorado. He joined JT Builders because of his love for craftsmanship and his experience in the field of marketing. Dylan's ultimate goal is to continually gain knowledge in all aspects of life. In his free time, you will find Dylan in the trees, either skiing or mountain biking. When he is not there, he is playing hockey, building, or fixing something, as he cannot sit still.
CHRIS NICHOLS | Finance Director
Chris has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College (2008). He is a Durango native. In his time outside of the office, Chris enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and two children. You will find him in the mountains whenever he has a free moment.