Valerie O’Dell, Founder
Over the course of my career, I’ve managed more than fifty custom construction projects, each one deepening my expertise in the highly detailed world of residential building. Construction demands constant attention, thoughtful coordination, and strong leadership—and taking ownership of that responsibility is where I truly excel.
From the moment you hire Elite Living Builders, you can step away from the stress of managing the process yourself. We handle every moving part with precision and care, allowing you to focus on your life while trusting that your home is in capable hands. From start to finish, collaboration guides our work as we establish a clear framework around budget, schedule, and design. You stay informed and involved, without being burdened by day-to-day decisions.
MY ROOTS
I was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, and have always felt at home along the coastline. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a focus in broadcast journalism—fully expecting to become a news anchor. Life had other plans.
After college, I came across a Craigslist posting for a position at a real estate development company in Delray Beach. While I didn’t land the role I initially applied for, I was offered an entry-level project coordinator position managing new construction. That opportunity launched my career. Over the next four years, I helped build custom homes throughout Boca Raton and Delray Beach, gaining a foundation that still shapes how I lead projects today.
Never Stop Learning
I continued my education through Florida Atlantic University’s School of Architecture, earning advanced certificates in Estimating, Project Management, and Construction Financial Management. I also attended Gold Coast Real Estate School, expanding my knowledge of contractor operations, finance, and trade coordination.
Since then, I’ve managed high-end custom homes in some of South Florida’s most prestigious communities, including The Floridian National Golf Club, Las Olas Isles, and Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Each project strengthened my understanding of building departments, refined my network of trusted subcontractors, and helped grow our team.
Today
At Elite Living Builders, we specialize in transforming vision into reality—while making the process enjoyable along the way. We are more than builders; we are an extension of you. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional homes with clarity, enthusiasm, and attention to detail from start to finish.
We don’t just build houses. We create lasting impressions.
Matt Hurley, Partner
Matt brings nearly two decades of experience leading high-end construction projects across South Florida. As a Florida Certified General Contractor and LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, he blends technical expertise with a passion for building homes that are both sustainable and luxurious. With a background in business management and sustainable construction, Matt approaches every project as more than just a build—he sees it as both a sound investment and a lasting legacy.
Before joining Elite Living Builders, Matt honed his skills at one of the largest construction companies in the country, where he learned firsthand what it takes to deliver landmark projects at scale. From multifamily communities to luxury residences and civic spaces, his work has helped shape the South Florida landscape.
Born and raised in Boca Raton, Matt has deep roots in the community he now builds for. Grounded by his faith in God, he approaches life and work with purpose and balance. When he isn’t on a job site, you’ll likely find him on the sports fields with his kids, spending time with family, or enjoying the beach. The ocean remains his greatest source of inspiration—a daily reminder of the coastal lifestyle that defines South Florida living.
What you can expect…
Work with clients building custom and spec homes during pre-construction planning and consulting to ensure all aspects of architectural plans are designed as desired
Initiate and maintain liaison with Clients, Architects and Engineers; coordination of construction drawings and activities
Coordinate all building department documents to successfully submit and receive a permit for any and all construction items
Monitor/control construction through administrative direction of on-site superintendent
Carefully study all bid proposals from subcontractors and level costs to compare inclusions/exclusions
Process all Change Orders, RFIs and Submittals to clients, architects and building departments
Interpret drawings and facilitate revisions as necessary
Work directly with vendors to ensure scope of work is accurately included in contract documents, hold all subcontractors to the same standard of being relentlessly proactive
Control the buyout process and process contracts, execute/upload to software program and distribute to all parties necessary
Provide weekly status updates to clients and deliver job site/administrative progress, over communicating so the client never has to wonder the status of the job site
Visit job sites multiple times per week to ensure projects are moving forward and items that need to be addressed are resolved in a timely manner
Review and discuss schedule on a regular basis, adjusting as necessary and updating the client
Close out projects to final completion including building department documentation, move-in package for client and maintenance initiation