Experience Provides Expertise You Can’t Learn Anywhere Except On The Job Site.
Derek Olander and James Andreatos have decades of experience in the construction industry.
We build relationships and trust with our clients throughout the construction process. We operate as a project guide, sounding board, and consultant.
Happy clients are our goal. And we’re proud to say that our business has grown through many referrals over the years. There’s no greater testament to our brand of service and commitment to quality than a client’s referral.
We’ve used the same subcontractors for more than 20 years developing trusting relationships with all of them and impacting their ability to deliver for our clients on time and within budget.
Meet the Owners
DEREK OLANDER
For as long as he can remember Derek has loved to take apart and build things. It’s a passion that has only grown throughout his lifetime. After graduating college with a BS degree in mechanical engineering, Derek entered the Air Force where he got his first taste of construction after being assigned to the Civil Engineering Group at …
Derek Olander Bio
DEREK OLANDER
For as long as he can remember Derek has loved to take apart and build things. It’s a passion that has only grown throughout his lifetime. After graduating college with a BS degree in mechanical engineering, Derek entered the Air Force where he got his first taste of construction after being assigned to the Civil Engineering Group at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. There he tackled many projects that were directly related to the buildup of our country’s B-2 Bomber fleet, including specialized hangers, control tower upgrades, base infrastructure improvements and other general purpose new buildings. After this he finished up his Air Force career leading an elite division of men known as EOD or explosive ordnance disposal.
The construction bug was in his blood and shortly after leaving the Air Force he was at the University of Texas in Austin as a program manager for a specialized construction contract, where he did numerous diverse projects that included a new bus stop, dormitory renovations and upgrades to the baseball stadium. As he continued down his chosen career path his work took him to projects for NASA at both Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and in Houston as well as U of H, TSU, Harris Health System and the city of Houston. Projects included work in critical hospital areas, simulation areas for astronaut training, recovery work after tropical storm Allison, high level laboratories and research facilities.
Derek also owned and operated a commercial cabinet manufacturing company for six years before selling it. There he built from the ground up a successful business that focused on delivering excellent quality millwork products to banks, schools, offices and commercial properties.
Derek has three children, Kannon, and identical twin girls Olivia and Mason. Ironically James and Derek both have sons named similarly Kannon and Cannon. As a matter of fact, this is how the families initially met. The rest is history.
Derek has an extensive tool collection and enjoys doing creative building projects around the house. Derek has a thirst for knowledge and lives by the philosophy that something should be learned every day and is always willing and able to try new things and explore new experiences.
JAMES ANDREATOS
James started his building career in 1997 with Carl Construction Company where he learned the principles of quality construction while building custom homes. Working under William Carl and Paul Carl as a project manager, James enjoyed 6 years building some of Houston’s finest homes in River Oaks, Memorial, Tanglewood, …
James Andreatos Bio
JAMES ANDREATOS
James started his building career in 1997 with Carl Construction Company where he learned the principles of quality construction while building custom homes. Working under William Carl and Paul Carl as a project manager, James enjoyed 6 years building some of Houston’s finest homes in River Oaks, Memorial, Tanglewood, Spring Branch, Bellaire, BriarGrove, West University, and Afton Oaks. The Carl’s attention to detail and extreme quality would become the foundation on which James modeled his business.
In 2003 James moved into building townhomes for a group of investors. For 2 years, James oversaw the construction of over 300 homes as Operations Manager, handling purchasing, budgeting, warranty, and construction. This combination of responsibilities on such a large scale further allowed James to fully understand all aspects of the construction process and it has proved invaluable experience running his own company.
In 2005 James ventured out to build and remodel custom homes on his own. James has since built many homes and completed a plethora of renovation projects that earned him a reputation for quality, integrity, and attention to detail. James has a unique ability to listen to a client and understand their expectations. He can then deliver on the client’s wishes while maintaining the highest standards of quality and always offering his professional advice and assistance. From understanding green building standards and implementing them to determining cost-effective ways to achieve amazing results, James has earned a positive reputation in the custom homebuilding space–one he works to maintain every day.
In 2015, James joined forces with Derek Olander, and Derek James Homes was formed. James is married to his wonderful wife Brandy, and together they have three children: Costa, Cannon, and Georgia. In his free time, you’ll find James coaching sporting activities in which his kids are involved or fishing on the Gulf of Mexico. James Graduated from Texas A&M University in 1999 and lives in Southwest Houston in a home he built for his family.
Derek James Homes believes in giving back to the communities that give their trust to them. The company has sponsored events and donated to many different organizations such as, but not limited to: Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Heart Association, Kolter Elementary, Boy Scouts, Westbury Little League, American Cancer Society, Make a Wish Foundation, Crosspoint Church, Future Farmers of America FFA, Sunny Glen Children’s Home, Wounded Warrior Foundation, Goodwill of Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Blessings in a Backpack and Shriners Hospital.