About Acadian Builders
We pride ourselves on building amazing luxury homes in Naples, FL.
Quality Craftsmanship
Unique Design
Custom Experience
If you are looking for a truly unique home, Acadian Builders will build you an amazing one-of-a-kind home inside and out. We serve only a handful of clients each year, providing a true custom experience for each. Each home we build is unique and never repeated. Our private mill shop and team of talented craftsman are reserved for Acadian Builders’ clients, ensuring that each home we build is truly, one of one. You will appreciate our modern designs and attention to detail.
Robert Gay
Owner
Robert, a Texas native, moved to Naples in 2017 to work with one of the nation’s top construction management firms. Wanting to escape the routine of conventional builds led him to Acadian Builders, where he joined as Principal in 2022. His family’s involvement in the industry spawned his interest in construction and has inspired him to make a name for himself here in SWFL. He brings with him a wealth of experience gathered from working with some of the industry’s most prolific companies.
Robert has a keen eye for high-end finishing and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. He is inspired by the challenge of creating both unprecedented spaces and relationships and approaches each project with a commitment to quality and personalization. Robert values integrity and authenticity. Living by his grandfather’s mantra of “your word is all you have”, he is able to foster the deep connections with his clients and his team that are paramount to our success.
Outside of work, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, Holly, their son, Halen and their dog, Honu. He is a sports enthusiast who enjoys boating and being outdoors. His interest in natural landscapes has urged Robert to be drawn to projects that prioritize site-specific design and seamless integration to an existing environment.
“Our clients are becoming more conscious of environmental impact and as a result more designers are focused on design that emulates its surroundings. We will continue to succeed because we are capable of doing this, and adding our signature uniqueness will make us stand out from the crowd.”
Ray Allain
Founder Emeritus
Ray, Founder of Acadian Builders, established the company in 2002 and has provided steadfast leadership, vision, and integrity throughout its growth and success. A native of Louisiana, Ray began his career in the construction industry as a carpenter while pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Louisiana. This combination of hands-on experience and technical education formed the foundation of his disciplined and detail-oriented approach to building.
Following his graduation, Ray gained valuable experience working with respected design firms and builders, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of the construction process and refined his long-term vision. This experience ultimately led to the founding of Acadian Builders, with a clear mission to deliver exceptional craftsmanship while fostering strong, transparent relationships with clients and partners.
Under Ray’s leadership, Acadian Builders earned a reputation for quality, professionalism, and a client-centered approach. He emphasized collaboration, candor, and accountability in every aspect of the business, establishing a culture that prioritizes thoughtful communication and meticulous execution. His guiding principle—“Just do the right thing”—has served as the cornerstone of the company’s operations and continues to influence its standards today.
After more than two decades of dedicated leadership, Ray has transitioned into the role of Founder Emeritus, entrusting the future of Acadian Builders to Robert Gay, Owner and President. This transition reflects both continuity and evolution, ensuring that the company remains grounded in its founding values while continuing to grow and adapt in a dynamic market.
Ray and his wife of 31 years have built a life centered on family and community, raising two daughters while maintaining an active presence in Southwest Florida. In his retirement, Ray looks forward to dedicating more time to his personal interests, including aviation, boating, and community involvement.
CORE VALUES
Relationships
Building long lasting relationships with clients, partners and communities is the foundation of our success. By nurturing these strong connections we have created a vibrant community that encourages collaboration, open communication and mutual respect. We treat everyone we work with like family!
Integrity
Integrity guides our actions, ensuring we deliver quality construction projects with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We build trust with clients and partners by adhering to ethical practices and consistently honoring our commitments and promises.
Grit
We embody the growth mindset and continuously choose resilience in the face of adversity. We don’t view challenges as setbacks, but instead as opportunities for improvement. Our grit fuels our commitment to exceeding expectations with tenacity.
Authenticity
At Acadian Builders we encourage authenticity and being true to oneself. As a company, we make choices that align with our core values. As individuals, we have built a culture that promotes honest dialogue and every person feels empowered to express their unique perspectives. As a result, the trust and openness in our relationships drive innovation and enhance our collective impact.
Excellence
We accept nothing short of excellence. Excellence inspires us to exceed expectations and strive for the highest standards in everything that we do. We are committed to delivering outstanding quality and results that serve as a representation of our craftsmanship, dedication, and professionalism.
Safety
We practice safety in all our operations. By adhering to rigorous safety standards and proactively improving how we minimize risk, we ensure that every team member returns home at the end of the day. We work together to protect ourselves, our clients and our community while delivering high-quality projects.
Innovation
At Acadian Builders, we recognize that every person has the potential to contribute to groundbreaking solutions. We celebrate curiosity and are constantly seeking creative solutions to complex challenges. By embracing innovation, we are developing exciting new perspectives and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in construction.