Team

Karen is a licensed Architect in Colorado with over 20 years of experience, receiving her architectural education from Louisiana State University. With a background in community planning and mixed use, her career has evolved to focus on residential projects, from Single- to Multi-Family. Karen brings a modern aesthetic to her work while balancing context and environment unique to each project. She places a high priority on the art of place-making whether that be at the neighborhood or individual unit level. Additionally, as a licensed real estate agent, Karen can identify best value market trends from both micro and macro economic perspectives.

Bryanna Urbina Lagos works as an Architecture Design Technician. In her role she takes on challenges head on and is motivated by her desire to succeed. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Leadership Studies and Photography from the University of Colorado Denver.

James Herron

Owner, Managing Partner

james@highlandbuild.com

James has been involved with real estate development in Denver for over 12 years. He has
completed more than 30 projects in the Northwest Denver sub-market leading the acquisition,
financing, entitlement, construction, and profitable disposition for each. James has vast
knowledge of various zoning codes and understands the nuances of dealing with municipalities
from project concept through completion. James has extensive experience managing and
directing third party providers such as: engineers, architects and general contractors. Prior to
real estate, James was an Operations Manager and Manufacturing consultant where he
received several certificates for Lean Manufacturing and Theory of Constraints. He consulted
for several large Chinese manufacturers in the compressed gas industry. James applies the
same principles of Lean Manufacturing when solving real estate problems.
James received a Bachelor of Science from the Colorado School of Mines.

Meaghan Herron

Principal, Designer

meaghan@highlandbuild.com

Meaghan has over a decade in real estate development where she has designed and overseen
more than 30 residential and commercial renovations and new build units. What began with a
hands-on renovation of her own home she purchased in her early twenties, has propelled into
an extremely profitable business. Meaghan continues to prove that she is forward thinking
while designing townhomes and multifamily developments. Her most recent design and
management accomplishments include a custom multimillion-dollar new build home as well as
a 24-unit apartment complex. Additionally, she shares a background in corporate sales with
over 15 years of experience where she successfully exceeded multimillion-dollar quotas. This
rare combination allows Meaghan to effectively know what buyers/renters seek and how to
value engineer those desires. Meaghan received a Bachelor of Science from the University of
Colorado.

Scott Smith
Construction Manager
scott@highlandbuild.com

Mr. Smith’s background varies in experience ranging from a 6-year enlistment in the Army National Guard where he served as a Combat Medic, a senior restaurant manager for 18 years, and lead construction superintendent for Highland Builders.

Mr. Smith has an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Art in Public Service/Non-Profit Management from the University of Colorado. Scott is certified in OSHA regulations, CPR/First Aid, and has taken courses on a variety of construction-related topics. 

Kevin Caiafa
Assistant Superintendent
kevin@highlandbuild.com

Kevin has worked in customer service since college, obtained his real estate license and worked as a realtor here in Colorado, and worked for a small house flipping company in Denver. In January 2019, Kevin and his wife bought a fixer upper home to renovate. Kevin has done a plethora of home renovations himself including: a complete kitchen remodel, wall removal and wall installation, bathroom makeovers, laminate flooring , privacy fence, front door, landscaping, and just about everything in between. Kevin received a bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!).