JAMES J. CLOUD
PRESIDENT
- +1 (305) 537-6105
- info@clouddesignbuild.com
- Miami Beach, FL
- Punta Gorda, FL
James J. Cloud | Florida Construction Expert Witness,
General Contractor & Author
James J. Cloud is a Florida General Contractor, construction expert witness, licensed real estate broker, and founder of Cloud Design Build, with experience spanning large-scale developments, custom residential construction, and complex construction disputes.
Through Cloud Design Build, he is actively involved in the planning and construction of residential and select commercial projects in South and Southwest Florida, alongside consulting and expert engagements throughout Florida.
His work combines active construction experience with expert analysis, providing practical insight into how projects are built, where issues develop, and how those conditions are evaluated and resolved.
This combination of active construction and advisory work provides a current, field-based perspective on both project execution and construction-related issues.
Professional Background
His background in construction began at a young age working in his father's construction business, founded in the early 1970s. Early hands-on experience in carpentry, concrete, and roofing established a practical understanding of how buildings are constructed and the level of discipline required at every stage.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Florida International University's College of Engineering and later completed a Master of Science in International Real Estate from Florida International University's College of Business.
He began his career working with a Florida contractor on projects for major hospitality brands, including Marriott, Hilton, Sonesta, and Residence Inn. He later joined AECOM (NYSE: ACM), where he was involved in complex, multi-phase developments including Miami Worldcenter, Hard Rock Stadium, and The Plaza Coral Gables, along with other large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, and residential projects.
This experience provides a practical understanding of construction at scale, including coordination across multiple disciplines, sequencing, and execution under real-world conditions.
In 2011, he founded Cloud Design Build, continuing a multi-generational legacy in construction. The firm actively acquires land, designs, and builds custom homes and presale residential projects in Southwest Florida, with a focus on planning, coordination, and execution.
Construction Consulting, Owner's
Representative & Expert Witness Services
Alongside active construction operations, James provides construction consulting and owner's representative services, supporting projects from early planning through execution, including coordination, oversight, and technical evaluation.
He is retained by law firms, insurance carriers, developers, contractors, and property owners in construction matters, and also serves as a construction expert witness in matters involving construction defects, contractor standard of care, building code compliance, cost of repair, and related disputes. His work spans pre-litigation analysis and active litigation matters.
Unlike consultants who operate solely in an advisory role, he remains actively involved in construction, providing current, field-based insight into building practices, coordination, and execution.
Published Work
James is the author of Trouble in Paradise: Pitfalls of Buying an Existing Home, which highlights construction defects, hidden risks, and common issues encountered in residential properties, including houses, condominiums, and other residential assets.
A second book is currently in development, focused on new construction, examining construction defects, common oversights, and conditions that impact performance even in newly built homes.
Insights & Industry Commentary
James regularly shares insights on construction, project planning, construction disputes, and real-world building conditions through video content and industry commentary. His insights are grounded in active construction experience and consulting work, offering a practical perspective on issues that are often overlooked in both construction and real estate.
Education
- B.S., Construction Management — Florida International University (College of Engineering)
- M.S., International Real Estate — Florida International University (College of Business)
Licenses & Certifications
- Florida General Contractor
- Florida Roofing Contractor
- Florida Mechanical Contractor
- Florida Plumbing Contractor
- Florida Pool/Spa Contractor
- Florida Real Estate Broker
- Florida Community Association Manager
- ICC Residential Building Inspector
- ICC Commercial Building Inspector
- Ludowici Roof Tile Certification
- Certified Residential Thermographer
- Infrared Moisture Detection
- OSHA 30
Past Licenses & Certifications
- Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting
Subject Matter Expert
- Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor Examination,
Professional Testing, Inc., on behalf of DBPR/CILB, 2024
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- American Society for Testing and Materials International
- Construction Management Association of America
- American Society of Professional Estimators
- Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance
- International Code Council
- WIND Insurance Network
Legal & Bar Associations
- American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law
- Miami Dade Bar Association
- Miami Beach Bar Association
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
Real Estate
Past Memberships
- National Association of Home Builders
- Associated General Contractors
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Toastmasters International
- Urban Land Institute
Honors & Awards
- ABC National Construction Competition Award, Florida International University, College of Engineering, Construction Management Program
- Director's Award, Outstanding Performance and Contribution, Florida International University, College of Business, International Real Estate Program
