Our Team

 

Wayne Jeansonne

President

Wayne was building green homes long before it was the cool thing to do. When Wayne started Solluna Builders in 2002, his goal was to build comfortable, healthy, high-performance homes. He is recognized for his knowledge, years of experience, and ongoing efforts to mentor the industry to a more sustainable path and to protect our quality of life.

Wayne led the Green Building program at American YouthWorks beginning in 1999. It was on-the-job training for students and a busy R&D center for new, exciting materials and techniques.

A popular speaker and consultant, Wayne uses his experience as a former Realtor to help you choose features and materials that increase the value of your property.

 Wayne is an avid photographer and birder. He enjoys camping and hiking.

 

Mary Simon

Vice President of Operations

Mary manages the business and finances and works closely with clients during the planning, estimating, and construction phases.

She's a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

Before joining Solluna in 2008, Mary spent 25 years in high-tech product development, where she was a planner, project manager, and information designer for large-scale projects. “There were lots of moving parts and many many players, plus deadlines, budgets, stakeholders, and constant changes. Lots to juggle. I was keeper of the big picture.” 

Mary is a pianist and choral singer. She enjoys camping, birding, and getting dirty in the garden. 

 
 
 

Ian Pollard

Construction Manager

Ian Pollard has worked in the building trade in some form or fashion since he was a teenager. He headed his own remodel company in Denver and has maintained a hands-on approach throughout his building career. Because of his long history of "doing the work”, Ian has built a deep wealth of experience in the many complex areas of construction.
Ian met Wayne as a high school student pursuing his Eagle Scout rank. Wayne (also an Eagle Scout) volunteered his services to help Ian install and
complete his project. More than a decade later, they reconnected and have been working together for the last three years.
As construction manager for Solluna Builders, Ian brings hands on experience and works closely with Solluna’s trusted trades. While managing
projects he is diligent in keeping them on schedule and budget. Ian relies on his past experience working as a trade himself to guide his management approach, and to keep perspective of the larger goals of a project.
Outside of work, Ian loves to travel, cook, garden, and tinker on automobiles. You may meet his chocolate lab Mari, who can usually be found with her head hanging out of the truck window.

Sarah Nemec

Interior Designer

Sarah Nemec found her way to the practice of interior design out of a “love of space” and constant attention to the environment around her. She began designing homes over fifteen years ago, and in 2011 Sarah started the company that would become Salt Design. Salt is perfect metaphor for her design philosophy: the recipe for the spaces she creates is to use a nuanced
touch that truly allows the essence of the client’s aesthetic to shine. Salt is the complimentary element that enlivens the space.
Throughout the design and building process, Sarah carefully considers how the client will live-in and use their home. She values quality construction as
much as a home’s final appearance; this ensures a finished environment that is well-built and speaks to the client’s sensibilities - a home that is uniquely
theirs.
In 2019 Sarah hired Solluna Builders to build her personal home. The Solluna team and Sarah were so compatible during the project that they decided to
continue their collaboration on future projects.
A 5th generation Texan, Sarah has made Austin her home for two decades.
Sarah holds a BFA in studio art from Texas State University and intuitively brings an artist’s approach to the design process. Sarah continues her creative pursuits by regularly taking art classes. She is currently learning how to weld.

 

 

Awards and Recognition

Cool House Tour 2019, sponsored by Austin Energy Green Building and Texas Solar Energy Society

Cool House Tour 2015, sponsored by Austin Energy Green Building and  Texas Solar Energy Society

Cool House Tour 2014

MAX Award 2014 — Best Green Home, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin

Cool House Tour 2011

Silver MAX award — Best Green Custom Home, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, 2011

Star Awards finalist for Best Green Home – Custom Builder, Texas Association of Builders, 2009

MAX Award for Best Green Home Custom Builder, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, 2009

Silver MAX award — Best Green Custom Home, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, 2008

Cool House Tour 2008

Greenovate TV show — episode “Cynthia B”, 2008

 

Professional Affiliations and Certifications