Celebrating the newest GHBA Designation Graduates
The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) is proud to congratulate the 2024/2025 graduates of its Professional Designation Program, a prestigious initiative designed to equip industry professionals with the expertise and credentials needed to stand out in the competitive homebuilding industry.
Earning a GHBA designation is no small feat—it requires dedication, commitment, and a passion for ongoing education. By completing this rigorous program, our graduates have demonstrated their drive to elevate their professional knowledge and enhance their credibility in the industry.
There are three designation paths to choose from: Professional Builder (PB), Professional Builder Partner (PBP), and Professional Remodeler (PR). Coursework is designed for project managers, superintendents, residential builders, remodelers, engineers, general contractors, trades, suppliers, vendors and other industry partners.
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The Class of 2024 includes: Haidar Alkhalisi, PB, Khalisi Custom Homes; Jorge Arreola, PR, Greymark Design + Build; Ivannia Delgado, PB, Tushita Builders; Kesavalu Hemanthkumar, PB, HSC Resources LLC; Jeff Roberts, PR, TriFection Remodeling & Construction; Dayton Smith, PB, Partners in Building; Sonora Storm, PBP, Lincoln Jacob Construction; and Apriel Westmoreland, PB, Curbside Construction.
The Class of 2025 (so far!) includes: Christopher Trevino, PB, Refined Renovations; and Ariel Vilorio, PB, Abbott Contracting, LLC. Search all designees here.
The Power of a GHBA Professional Designation
A GHBA designation is more than just a title; it’s a testament to an individual’s expertise and commitment to excellence. The program’s curriculum is tailored to professionals in the Gulf Coast area. Through expert-led courses, participants gain in-depth knowledge on critical construction topics, industry best practices, and business strategies, all while expanding their network with like-minded professionals. For many, the program has had an immediate impact on their careers, strengthening client relationships and improving the quality of their work.
Apriel Westmoreland with Curbside Construction, one of this year’s graduates, shared her perspective on the experience: “I knew that this was an incredible opportunity, and that the knowledge gained from each course would continue to position me as a knowledgeable and trusted professional. To be able to take a class and almost immediately apply what you have learned is invaluable!”
“Having the knowledge gained from the curriculum, I am able to pull out data, standard practices, and share an educated opinion on an issue or phase and that helps to build stronger trust and rapport with clients,” Apriel added.
The GHBA designation program also offers flexibility for busy professionals. While balancing work and personal commitments can be challenging, participants find the effort well worth it. “I set a strict timeline for myself to earn the designation,” Apriel added. “As busy as my life is, this was a bit challenging, but I was committed to my goal. It helped that most of the classes were in the afternoon so I could fulfill other obligations before heading to class. Though sometimes I arrived exhausted, I left full of energy and excitement having gained tons of knowledge after each session.”
For Kesavalu Hemanthkumar with HSC Resources, joining the designation program aligned perfectly with his work on a custom home project in Conroe. “The timing could not have been more perfect for me,” he explained. “I attended every class, beginning with a geotechnical considerations course and culminating in a professional ethics class.” The knowledge gained through the program helped him bring a high-end European-style manor to completion in May 2024. “Earning the Professional Builder designation is the icing on the cake.”
Building Trust and Expanding Professional Networks
Beyond technical knowledge, the GHBA designation enhances professional credibility. Ivannia Delgado with Tushita Builders emphasized how the program has strengthened her reputation as a builder: “Earning a GHBA Professional Builder designation was a natural step in my commitment to excellence in the construction industry. As a builder, I believe in continuous learning and staying ahead of industry standards. Clients appreciate knowing that I have undergone specialized training and adhere to industry best practices, which builds trust and confidence in my work.”
She also highlighted the networking opportunities provided through GHBA, allowing her to collaborate with other professionals and stay informed on the latest industry trends. “The process of earning my GHBA designation was both insightful and rewarding. The courses were structured in a way that made it easy to integrate learning into my busy schedule while still providing deep, practical knowledge. I gained valuable insights on everything from best construction practices to business strategies that directly apply to my work. It was an excellent opportunity to refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and reinforce my commitment to delivering exceptional projects.”
Haidar Alkhalisi with Khalisi Custom Homes echoed these sentiments, noting that the classes offered an opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights. “Although I already knew how to build, I wanted to elevate the quality of my projects to ensure they met the highest industry standards,” he said. “It certainly enhances credibility and allows for more in-depth discussions on specific aspects of the build.” He especially enjoyed class discussions, where tradespeople shared their experiences and challenges, providing real-world context to the curriculum, adding: “It was fascinating to hear tradespeople share their challenges and experiences with the instructor, discussing scenarios you wouldn’t typically encounter unless you were doing that specific job day in, day out. The classes also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts and expand my network, helping me grow my list of potential contractors.”
Join the Designation Program!
If you are considering taking your career to the next level, now is the time to enroll in the 2025 GHBA Designation Program. The knowledge, credibility, and professional connections gained through this program can make a meaningful difference in your career.
Congratulations once again to our graduates! Your hard work and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to the entire GHBA community. We look forward to seeing more industry professionals take advantage of this incredible opportunity in 2025! Learn more at ghba.org/education.