Meet Chelsea Nelson | Builder and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I never appreciated its beauty growing up but now that I have moved away, I often wonder why I haven’t moved back. There is nothing more peaceful than the rolling hills and the Guadalupe River. I miss the small town feel and the people there are always so welcoming and friendly.  I hope to retire there someday and maybe even own a home decor boutique to keep me busy. I absolutely love the Hill Country’s architectural style and the use of Limestone mixed with stucco and metal roofs. There’s not much to do growing up in a small town so  I would spend hours driving around looking at houses. I always knew I wanted to go into design and have been fascinated with the build process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My true love is new builds. I have learned along the way that remodels often times comes with expensive surprises. With new builds you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. I have a love for charming older homes but don’t necessarily want to take on the risk of restoring them. I have done a few custom builds but my primary focus is spec homes since it allows me to be fully creative with the layout of the home and the finish out. I design and build spec homes as if our family was going to live in them. When building a home I want to make sure the finest materials are used. I want to make sure people know that PAC Designs stands for quality. You hear “attention to detail” from just about every designer and home builder, but I truly stand by it. I take on just a handful of new builds a year to make sure I have the time to dedicate to each project and get it done right.

This was a tough lesson to learn at first. When we first started out we were overwhelmed with work and it took a few years to realize that it wasn’t worth stretching ourselves thin and sacrificing a quality product.

Starting your own business comes with many lessons and in construction most of those lessons are learned the hard way and can be very costly. We have learned the importance of vetting our subcontractors this includes background and reference checks. When you find quality subs you establish long lasting working relationships and this makes the build process more streamline and cost effective.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We really enjoy the patio at J. Theodore or Haywire. We have also enjoyed exploring the shops and restaurants in downtown McKinney. Dallas is a sports city so we would have to check out a Mavs or Stars game. Especially if it was during the playoff season. We would start the day with brunch at Restoration Hardware’s rooftop restaurant and spend the afternoon exploring the shops in the Knox street area and shopping at North Park. Then we would end the day with a playoff game. If someone was coming for a week long stay though I would have to suggest we spend the majority of the time in Fort Worth. It’s my favorite city in Texas. I love the people, culture and charm. The zoo is incredible and the botanical garden is absolutely beautiful. We would explore Sundance Square and experience the Stockyards and cattle drive. We would end the day with dinner on the patio at Joe T Garcia’s. The next day we would explore the Magnolia area and end with dinner at Nonna Tata, the best Italian food in DFW. It’s a BYOB small family owned hidden gem. There are some beautiful trails along the Trinity River I love to walk or bike ride then enjoy lunch at Press Cafe and end the day with a show at Bass Performance Hall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Aaron Nelson, my husband, has always been there to support and encourage. He helps in so many different realms of life and I am thankful to have him in my corner. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to branch out on my own if it wasn’t for his continuous support. He has always encourages me to take chances and push beyond my comfort zone. I am fortunate to have married someone that shares the passion and love for design.

Steve Isdale, gave me my first remodel job after moving to Austin. Years later he gave me the opportunity to leave corporate America and pursue my passion. He has been a great mentor, friend and business partner. I am so grateful he pushed me to take a chance and still provides insightful business advice today.

Bobby Arnold, took a chance on us when we were just starting out many years ago. We did several projects together early on in my career. He has continued to be supportive through the years and someone I still look to for insightful business advice and guidance on real estate opportunities.

Jennifer Floren, my aunt, has had a great impact on my life. She was a general contractor and designer early in her career and I was moved by the way she used her ingenuity and creativity to create something real and useable out of nothing but an idea. Her creative eye and imagination truly impressive.
It was through her I realized a female could excel in a male dominate profession.

“Yes Please” by Amy Poehler is a book that changed my life. I read it after the passing of a person very dear to me and her words about parenthood pushed me and my husband to decide to try to get pregnant. About 14 months later we welcomed a healthy baby girl for which I am so grateful.

Website: https://www.pacdesignsbuild.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pac.designs.build/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-nelson-147207bb/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PACBuilders

Image Credits
Trey Freeze Photography