Logo with a teal stylized letter A and a teal sphere underneath.

At Pearl Design Build, we don’t build from the ground up, we transform what’s already there.

Pearl Design Build is a distinguished, female-owned, Florida-licensed construction firm based in the Tampa Bay area, founded by licensed contractor Gretchen Simes. With more than 20 years of experience in residential remodeling, our work is rooted in transforming homes with intention, precision, and elevated craftsmanship.

We specialize in high-quality home renovations that enhance both beauty and functionality, reimagining kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces to better reflect the way our clients live today while preparing them for the future. In addition to transformative remodels, we thoughtfully incorporate aging-in-place solutions, ensuring homes remain safe, accessible, and comfortable for years to come without compromising design.

Our residential expertise gives us a refined eye for detail, intentional space planning, and a seamless design-build process that prioritizes clarity and collaboration from concept to completion. By blending timeless craftsmanship with forward-thinking accessibility features, we create homes that are not only beautiful, but built to support every stage of life.

That same standard of craftsmanship extends into our commercial projects. From office interiors to multifamily units, we bring a residential level of care and aesthetic sensibility into professional environments, creating spaces that feel intentional, polished, and built to last.

At Pearl Design Build, we believe every space, residential or commercial, should reflect the people who use it. Through transparent communication, strong project leadership, and enduring quality, we transform existing spaces into environments that are both inspiring and purposeful.

Gretchen Zayas CEO of Pearl Design Build

“Spaces should feel as good as they look — that’s where great design and great construction meet.”

Gretchen Simes

Founder

Founder | Licensed Contractor | Design-Build Specialist


With an extensive background in construction, Gretchen Simes brings a rare perspective to design and construction, one that combines operational insight with creative precision.

Over the past two decades, she has managed and executed projects ranging from high-end residential remodels to multi-unit developments and commercial spaces across the Tampa Bay region. Her early work in hospitality design helped shape her understanding of how people interact with space, a skill that continues to influence every project Pearl Design Build takes on.

Gretchen is known for her collaborative leadership style, technical expertise, and dedication to delivering beautifully built environments that balance form, function, and flow. She believes every project, whether a home, restaurant, or professional space, deserves the same level of thoughtful detail and craftsmanship that defines the Pearl name.