1972
Dan Cloud Construction
Dan Cloud starts Dan Cloud Construction Inc. in Illinois - the origin of the Cloud Design Build standard, built one renovation at a time.
The family business, for over fifty years.
Cloud Design Build is led by James J. Cloud - a Florida General Contractor and construction expert carrying forward a family building legacy that began in 1972, and whose own career has run from custom homes to some of South Florida's largest projects.
Our story
From a 1972 job site in Illinois to Florida.
Cloud Design Build was founded in 2011 by James J. Cloud, but the family's work in construction goes back to 1972, when his father, Dan Cloud, started Dan Cloud Construction Inc. in Illinois. What began with home renovations grew across the decades into custom homes and commercial construction - and a reputation earned one project at a time.
James brought that foundation to Florida with a single goal: align planning, design, and construction under one roof, so the decisions that drive cost and quality are made early - by the people who will actually build. That design-build discipline still guides every project today.
Most problems in construction come from decisions made too late.James J. Cloud
1980s
New construction, at scale
Expands into new custom home construction, growing to multiple self-performing crews.
1990s
Into real estate development
Dan Cloud Construction expands into real estate development, building spec homes and commercial office/warehouse space.
1996
James & his father
James learns the trade on the job site alongside his father - the foundation he would later bring to Florida.
2011
Cloud Design Build founded
James founded Cloud Design Build in Florida - aligning planning, design, and construction under one roof.
2017
First consulting engagement
First retained as a construction consultant on a Hurricane Irma property damage claim.
2024
Expansion into Southwest Florida
Cloud Design Build expands into Punta Gorda and Southwest Florida.
2026
Trouble in Paradise
James publishes "Trouble in Paradise: Pitfalls of Buying an Existing Home."
Our leadership
The people behind the work.
A privately owned, family-led firm - with one clear line of responsibility from planning through completion.
Dan Cloud
Construction
Construction
Daniel Cloud
Dan Cloud's journey in real estate began at a young age, working alongside his father on various smaller renovation projects, where he gained hands-on experience and developed a passion for construction. After completing his education, Dan worked for a prominent general contractor in the Illinois area before founding his own company, Dan Cloud Construction Inc., in 1972. Specializing in luxury single-family homes and light commercial construction, Dan quickly established a reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
As his company grew, Dan expanded into building spec homes and financing his own real estate developments, further solidifying his expertise and presence in the industry. In time, his son, James Cloud, launched Cloud Design Build (CDB) to reflect the integration of design and building services the company offers its clients. Today, Cloud Design Build continues to be known for its dedication to superior craftsmanship and innovative solutions - values Dan instilled in the business from the very beginning.
Joe Cloud
Finance
Finance
Joe Cloud
Joe grew up assisting his father in the family construction business, developing a passion for real estate from an early age. After earning his degree from Princeton University, he began his career with Hines, a global real estate development firm, where he honed his expertise in financing, designing, and developing large-scale real estate projects. Over the next decade, Joe played a key role in optimizing financial performance and driving business growth for both regional and multinational companies.
A strategic leader, Joe specializes in improving operational efficiency and maximizing investment returns. He has led several automation and process improvement initiatives that have streamlined businesses, achieving significant cost reductions and boosting profitability. His comprehensive expertise includes financial reporting, business analytics, capital raising, and forecasting. Joe thrives on transforming a company's vision into actionable projects, always with a focus on measurable results and long-term success.
Outside of work, Joe stays active and enjoys traveling, which not only keeps him energized but also provides him with valuable insights into global markets and trends. His diverse interests fuel his innovative approach to real estate development and business strategy.
Teddy Bantigue
Administration
Administration
Teddy Bantigue
Teddy "Ted" Bantigue is a dedicated Project Administrator at Cloud Design Build, specializing in the management of property insurance claims, home renovations, and new construction projects. In this role, Teddy is instrumental in crafting comprehensive consulting proposals, marketing materials, and detailed reports that support the team's objectives and enhance client satisfaction.
Teddy excels in coordinating project logistics, including assisting with building permits and liaising with subcontractors to ensure seamless project execution. His strong organizational skills and thorough understanding of project requirements enable him to facilitate smooth communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, helping to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
As a key member of the team, Teddy works closely with the CEO to optimize operations. His responsibilities include organizing meetings, managing correspondence via phone and email, and conducting in-depth real estate market research to inform strategic decisions and client recommendations.
Graduating as the Class Valedictorian from high school, Teddy demonstrated a commitment to excellence from an early age. He further enhanced his expertise by earning an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, equipping him with both technical acumen and analytical proficiency.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Teddy is an active volunteer for various charitable organizations, reflecting his commitment to community service. He enjoys traveling and bowling, embracing experiences that foster personal growth and enrichment.
With a blend of project management expertise, technical knowledge, and a passion for collaboration, Teddy Bantigue is a valuable asset in the construction and real estate sectors.
James J. CloudPresident
Built on expertise
One of Florida's most credentialed builders.
James doesn't just hold a general contractor's license - he's licensed across nearly every trade that touches a building, certified to inspect one, and educated in how both buildings and real estate work.
- Florida General Contractor (CGC1520746), plus roofing, mechanical, plumbing, and pool/spa contractor licenses.
- Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker and Community Association Manager.
- ICC-certified residential & commercial building inspector, and OSHA 30 certified.
- B.S. in Construction Management and M.S. in International Real Estate, both from Florida International University.
- Author of "Trouble in Paradise: Pitfalls of Buying an Existing Home."
- Retained by real estate developers, property owners, law firms, and insurers as a construction expert.
Why Cloud Design Build
What makes us different.
The approach
An integrated approach
Planning, design, and construction are aligned from day one, so decisions are made early and carried through consistently - fewer surprises, fewer changes, a project moving in one direction.
The insight
Construction & consulting experience
Beyond building, we work in construction consulting and defect analysis. We know where projects fail - and we manage that risk before it costs you.
The accountability
Project-level accountability
A privately owned firm with one clear line of responsibility from planning through completion. You deal directly with the people accountable for the work.
Start a conversation
Let's talk about your project.
Whether it's a construction project or a matter that needs an expert, you'll work directly with the people who actually do the work.