santa fe roots, enduring design.
Woods Design | Builders is a second-generation design-build firm with nearly fifty years of experience creating exceptional custom homes in Santa Fe. Led by Rob Woods and founded by Sharon Woods, the firm offers a fully integrated approach to architecture, construction, and interiors. This collaborative process allows us to guide each project from the earliest concept through construction with clarity, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Every home we create is approached as a bespoke project—carefully shaped by the unique character of the land, the architecture of the region, and the lifestyle of the people who will live there. Our process begins by listening: understanding how you live, how you gather, and what you envision for your home. From the moment we first walk your property to the day you step across the threshold of your completed residence, our team works alongside you to ensure the experience is both seamless and inspiring.
Through our dedicated furnishings division, WDB Interiors, we extend this same philosophy into the final layers of the home. From custom furnishings and textiles to lighting, art, and accessories, our interiors team helps bring cohesion and warmth to every space, ensuring that each home feels complete and deeply personal.
At Woods Design | Builders and WDB Interiors, our goal is not simply to construct a house, but to create homes that reflect the people who live in them and the extraordinary landscape that surrounds them.
Our Services
By bringing architecture, construction, and interiors together under one roof, we are able to guide every project with clarity, collaboration, and attention to detail from the earliest ideas through the final installation of furnishings. Our work focuses on custom homes and large-scale renovations, with interiors that bring warmth, character, and cohesion to every space.
Designing and building a custom home is a rare opportunity to create a place that reflects both your lifestyle and the extraordinary landscape of Santa Fe.
Our team works closely with you to develop a home that responds thoughtfully to your property, views, and daily rhythms. Because design and construction are fully integrated within our firm, each project evolves with a clear understanding of materials, craftsmanship, and budget—resulting in homes that are both beautifully designed and carefully executed.
Through our furnishings division, WDB Interiors, we provide interior design and furnishing services that bring cohesion and personality to every home.
Our interiors team works with clients to curate furnishings, textiles, lighting, art, and accessories that complement the architecture and create spaces that feel layered, welcoming, and complete. While our architectural and construction services are offered together as part of our design-build process, WDB Interiors also offers furnishings and interior design services independently.
Transforming an existing home requires the same level of care, creativity, and technical expertise as building new.
We specialize in large-scale renovations that reimagine the layout, architecture, and interiors of a home while respecting its original character and structure. Through our integrated design-build approach, we are able to thoughtfully guide each stage of the process—from conceptual design through construction—ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated transformation.
our process
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Discovery
Every project begins with listening.
We take the time to understand your vision, priorities, and how you imagine living in your home. We also walk your property to study the site—its views, light, topography, and relationship to the surrounding landscape. These early conversations form the foundation for a home that is thoughtfully tailored to both its environment and your lifestyle.
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Design
During the design phase, our team develops the architectural plans and interior concepts that will shape your home.
Because design and construction are fully integrated within our firm, we are able to evaluate constructability, materials, and budget as the design evolves. This collaborative approach ensures that the design remains aligned with both your vision and the realities of building.
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Pre-Construction
Before construction begins, we refine the details that bring the project together.
This phase includes finalizing selections, coordinating engineering and permitting, and establishing a clear construction schedule and budget. Our goal is to create a well-defined roadmap so that the building process proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
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Construction
With decades of experience building custom homes in Santa Fe, our construction team approaches every project with craftsmanship, precision, and respect for the process.
Throughout construction, we maintain clear communication and careful oversight, ensuring that every element of the home is executed to the highest standards.
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Furnishing & Installation
Through our furnishings division, WDB Interiors, we guide the final layers that transform a house into a fully realized home.
From custom furnishings and textiles to lighting, art, and accessories, our interiors team curates each space to complement the architecture and reflect your personal style. The result is a home that feels cohesive, welcoming, and complete from the moment you move in.
Meet the Team
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Rob Woods
OWNER
Rob Woods leads Woods Design | Builders, continuing the legacy of the firm founded by his mother, Sharon Woods nearly fifty years ago. Having grown up around the business, Rob developed an early appreciation for the craftsmanship and collaboration required to build exceptional homes in Santa Fe.
Today, Rob oversees the firm’s design-build process from site evaluation and design through construction and completion. His decades of experience building in Northern New Mexico help ensure that each project is executed with precision, care, and respect for the region’s architecture and landscape.
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Thomas Romero
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Thomas Romero serves as Director of Operations at Woods Design | Builders, overseeing construction projects and leading the firm’s team of site superintendents. With more than twenty years at Woods, he brings deep knowledge of the firm’s building process and a strong commitment to craftsmanship.
Born and raised in Santa Fe, Thomas has extensive experience building custom homes throughout Northern New Mexico and works closely with the team to ensure each project is executed with precision and attention to detail.
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Cara Scarola, M.Iarc
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Cara Scarola serves as Principal Designer at Woods Design | Builders, where she guides the design direction of the firm’s projects from early concept through the final layers of interior furnishings. With nearly twenty years of experience in residential design, she brings a thoughtful approach that ensures the architecture and interiors of each home work together seamlessly.
Before joining Woods, Cara led her own interior design firm for fifteen years. Two years ago, she merged her practice with Woods Design | Builders, expanding the firm’s integrated design-build approach to include full-service interior design and furnishings through WDB Interiors.
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Avenelle Gonzales
ESTIMATOR
Avenelle Gonzales has been an integral part of Woods Design | Builders for nearly thirty years and serves as the firm’s estimator. Her decades of experience provide invaluable insight during the pre-construction phase, where she develops thoughtful and accurate project budgets.
Born and raised in New Mexico, Avenelle has a deep understanding of local construction practices, materials, and trades. Her knowledge and steady leadership make her a cornerstone of the Woods team.
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Josie Hultberg
DESIGN ASSOCIATE
Josie Hultberg serves as Office Manager at Woods Design | Builders and plays a central role in the firm’s daily operations. She joined Woods alongside Cara Scarola and quickly became an essential member of the team.
Josie manages procurement, project coordination, design support, and day-to-day office operations. Often a primary point of contact for clients, she helps keep projects organized and running smoothly while bringing a kind and positive energy to the team.
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Fernando Gonzalez
LEAD CARPENTER
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Mike Vanuga
PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT
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Dion Crespin
PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT
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Marcos Rodriguez
FIELD SUPPORT
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Jorge Almanza
CARPENTER
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