James Kenalty, BBA, AIBD, CPBD
NCBDC Certified #44-528 • Two-Time ARDA Award Winner
James Kenalty is a Certified Professional Building Designer and the Founder and President of Riverside Home Designs in Kerrville, Texas. With over 40 years of experience in residential design and construction, he has personally designed well over 500 custom homes throughout the Texas Hill Country.
"Unlike some architects, I am not here to design something that honors me—I want to design something that is perfect for the client."
Quick Facts
- Location: Kerrville, Texas (Texas Hill Country)
- Citizenship: United States (naturalized)
- Experience: 500+ custom homes designed since 1984
- Education: BBA, HEC Montréal (1979)
- Certifications: AIBD Professional Member (2005), NCBDC Certified #44-528 (2012)
- Awards: 2x ARDA Grand Trophy Winner - Best Architectural Working Drawings (2017, 2023)
- Service Area: Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Comfort, Bandera, Boerne, and the Texas Hill Country
Background
Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, James began his career in construction. He worked with Federal Construction, where in the early 1980s he was awarded a trophy for exceeding $1 million in construction sales. He then founded a commercial contracting firm with a partner.
While running the contracting business, he discovered a need for quality technical drawings—specifically shop drawings required by architects. Unable to find reliable drafting services, he learned the skill himself, which sparked a lifelong passion for architectural design.
During winter vacations in the 1980s, James discovered the Texas Hill Country and fell in love with the region's natural beauty, warm climate, and unique architectural character. In 1989, he sold his interest in the Canadian contracting firm and relocated to Texas permanently. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen and has made the Hill Country his home ever since.
James earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from HEC Montréal (École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Montréal) in 1979. His business education, combined with hands-on construction experience, gives him a unique perspective that benefits clients—he understands both the design process and the practical realities of building.
A Builder Who Designs
What sets James apart from many designers is that he has actually built homes himself—hammer in hand, doing the physical work. Because he has actually built what he designs, James understands how a home comes together—from foundation to roofline.
"There is no gravity on paper. The real world has gravity and we have to ensure that what we put on paper meets real world requirements."
As a former commercial contractor, James understands what works on paper and what works in the field—a distinction that saves clients time, money, and frustration during construction. He transitioned from hand drafting to AutoCAD in 1996, combining traditional design principles with modern technology.
Professional Credentials
2x ARDA Grand Trophy
Best Architectural Working Drawings
2017 & 2023
BBA
Bachelor of Business Administration
HEC Montréal, 1979
The ARDA (American Residential Design Awards) Grand Trophy is a national award recognizing excellence in residential design. James won this prestigious award twice—in 2017 for the Medina Ranch Project and in 2023 for the Horizon Project. His 2017 win was selected from 140 projects submitted by 35 design firms across the United States. Learn more about these awards →
"Our job as professional designers is to give clients professional advice. Their job as consumers is to make decisions based on our recommendations and their wants and needs. At no extra cost, we will make as many changes as required for the client to get exactly what they need."— James Kenalty
Experience & Expertise
His expertise includes:
- Custom home design for sloped and rocky Hill Country terrain
- Energy-efficient design, including SIP construction and solar integration
- Permit-ready construction documents that meet local and state building codes
- Coordination with structural engineers and builders
- Traditional Texas Hill Country architecture and German-Texas vernacular design
Additional Training & Certifications
- Class "D" Water Operator — Texas A&M University / Texas Engineering Extension Service (2000)
- Grade "D" Waterworks Operator — Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
- Microsoft Access Basics & Advanced Access — Microsoft Certified
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional work, James has deep roots in the Kerrville community and a heart for service.
Star Ranch Children's Home (1989–2016)
For 27 years, James volunteered at Star Ranch Children's Home, providing support and mentorship to children in need. He considers this Christian ministry among the most meaningful experiences of his life—a calling that shaped who he is today.
Habitat for Humanity (2002)
James volunteered as Superintendent of Construction for Habitat for Humanity, overseeing typically 20-30 volunteers on job sites, and sometimes up to 100. (Certificate of Appreciation, 2002)
Kerrville Noon Rotary Club (10 years)
James was a dedicated Rotarian with perfect attendance for 10 years. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation, and a member of the Rotary Bequest Society.
The Four Way Test
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Leadership Kerr County (Class of 2002)
A program promoting civic engagement and involvement in local government and community issues.
Additional Community Recognition
- Institute of Charitable Giving — "How to Become a Philanthropist" (1997)
- Partners in Parenting Education (1992)
- Funding Sources for the Nonprofit (1996)
- Episcopal Diocese of West Texas — Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Training (1999)
- Task Force to End Partial Birth Abortions — Recognition
- Numerous community plaques and recognitions for volunteer service
Personal
James lives in Kerrville with his wife Joan, who serves as Office Manager for Riverside Home Designs. Together they have four children: twin daughters, daughter Ashlea (who works in commercial aircraft insurance), and son Curtis (a mechanical engineer). Both Ashlea and Curtis are graduates of Texas A&M University.
An avid student of the U.S. Constitution, James embraced American citizenship and values after immigrating from Canada.
Connect with James
See James's Work
Browse over four decades of custom home designs in the Texas Hill Country.