About Us
James Samuels Builder was founded in 2018. James set up a construction company which is backed by extensive industry experience and reputation for honesty.
Over the years we have built a team who share similar core values and approaches.
Approach
Honesty
We value the integrity of a hard day's work.
We communicate openly and transparently — no surprises.
We speak plainly and directly, always grounded in facts.
Accountability
Our word is our bond — we follow through on every commitment.
We focus on finding solutions, not excuses.
We take pride in running clean, well-organised worksites.
Growth
We believe teamwork comes from shared action and shared goals.
We constantly seek smarter, more efficient ways to build.
We lead from the front — setting the standard by example.
Outcome
Strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, and clients are at the core of how we operate - backed by deep construction knowledge, it’s what drives everything we do and allows us to deliver purposeful buildings and real results, project after project.
The Team
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James Samuels
BUILDER DIRECTOR
James began his building career with a carpentry apprenticeship under a high-end builder in Mosman, Sydney, where he developed a strong foundation in quality construction. He went on to work as a site foreman and project manager across a range of complex projects, including large-scale renovations, architectural new builds, and commercial office spaces.
Originally from Dubbo in country NSW, James later attended boarding school at Shore in North Sydney.
Outside of work, James is an active surf lifesaver and surf boat rower with the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. He thrives on taking on physical and mental challenges, having rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in 37 days and completed the world’s longest canoe race in Yukon, Canada, lasting 63 hours. These efforts, alongside his teammates, have raised over $250,000 for mental health charity Gotcha4Life, highlighting James’s commitment to causes that matter.
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Liam
FOREMAN-
I completed my apprenticeship in New Zealand, gaining experience across a wide range of projects — from budget renovations and high-end residential builds to commercial developments and renovating my own home. These experiences taught me to be resourceful, efficient, and detail-driven.
I focus on clear communication, collaboration, and thoughtful building practices. I'm passionate about creating healthy, sustainable homes through innovative passive design, and I'm committed to continually learning better ways to build.
Outside of work, I’m dedicated to health and fitness. I enjoy challenging training routines, spending time outdoors, and building healthy habits. My four years in the New Zealand Army instilled discipline and a love for adventure, both of which shape how I approach life and work.
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Grayden
PROJECT MANAGER / ESTIMATOR
With over 18 years of experience in high-end residential construction, I have worked right through to being the principle and licenced builder of my own construction company. During this time I have gained extensive experience in both the practical and administrative side of construction whilst working alongside Sydney’s most renowned architects. Through this experience, I have the knowledge and ability to ensure a project is completed to the highest standard with a focus on time, budget and transparency.
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Sanja
BOOK KEEPER / ADMINISTRATION
Sanja is a meticulous bookkeeper and administrator who thrives in the building and construction environment. She takes pride in ensuring every detail and cost is accounted for - nothing slips through the cracks. From invoices to project budgets, Sanja dots every 'i' and crosses every 't', helping the team stay on track financially and operationally. Her thorough, organised approach and genuine enjoyment of working with builders and trades make her an indispensable part of the business.
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Evander
LEADING HAND
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Cody
SITE FOREMAN
Our Services
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Custom and architecturally designed new homes
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Large scale and full home renovations
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Apartment construction and renovations
Testimonials
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James recently completed a significant renovation on my 100 year old house. Despite being an outstanding builder, James possesses extensive experience and a genuine passion for his craft. His work ethic is impressive and he consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence.
James brought along a talented team of tradespeople, all of who were not only skilled but genuinely pleasant to work with. The scope of our project was extensive, involving major works in plumbing, electrical and air conditioning, along with relocation of rooms, ceilings and structural architecture.
Throughout the renovation James was remarkably flexible and accommodating, handling significant changes to the project’s scope as they arose. He also accommodated my one of a kind design features that were not available on the market, showcasing his creativity and commitment to delivering unique results.
Moreover James worked seamlessly with our architect, projects manager and designer, ensuring that everyone was on the same page with the project progressing. We couldn’t be happier with the final outcome of our renovation and I wholeheartedly recommend Jakes for any building project no matter the size, specificity or budget.
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I had the pleasure of working with James on a large scale residential renovation project in Killara where I was the interior designer. I cannot recommend him highly enough to future clients and stakeholders. James brought a wealth of construction knowledge to the table, but what truly set him apart was his ability to seamlessly merge his practical expertise with a creative vision that enhanced the overall design.
Throughout the project, James demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for collaboration, working closely with the various leaders in their fields to ensure a cohesive and well-executed outcome. His skill in aligning design elements with the building infrastructure was invaluable, as he consistently found innovative solutions that balanced functionality with aesthetics.
James’s ability to adapt and contribute across disciplines made him an integral part of the team. His diverse skill set not only complemented the work of others but elevated the project as a whole. I would not hesitate to work with him again and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking a builder with both technical expertise and a creative touch.
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I had the pleasure of working with James as the foreman on my project in McMahon’s Point and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From start to finish, James was a true professional who displayed exceptional leadership, communication and organisational skills. His attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond was evident throughout the project.
He consistently demonstrated his ability to manage his team effectively, ensuring that the project ran smoothly and was delivered on time and within budget. James’ dedication, commitment and work ethic were truly impressive and I would not hesitate to work with him again in the future.
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As a client-side project manager, I had the opportunity to work with James
on a high end residential project in Killara, and I was thoroughly impressed with his
professionalism, problem-solving skills, and commitment to quality.
His attention to detail and ability to tackle site and delivery challenges head-on made a
huge difference in delivering our high-quality outcome, and ensuring the happiness of
the client with the end product.
Beyond his technical expertise, James has a great way of bringing people together. He
works well with trades, consultants, and clients alike, creating a positive and productive
work environment. His leadership, work ethic, and passion for the industry make him a
standout young builder.
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I had the pleasure of working with James Samuels throughout a project at Chinamans Beach, Mosman.
He was appointed as Project Manager & Site Foreman for the Head Contractor.
James managed the site in a professional manner and showed a high level of
understanding of complex construction concepts and his attention to design detail
contributed significantly toward the success of the project. I write in confidence that
James has the ability to manage and conduct construction projects of larger and or
similar scale.
