31370 Railway Road, Unit 2
Ocean View, DE 19970

About Us

I became self-employed in 1981 and founded Bruce Mears Designer-Builder, Inc. in 1985. Within five years, the company had earned a reputation as one of the premier custom home builders and renovation firms serving coastal Sussex County, Delaware.

Whether building a luxury oceanfront residence from the ground up or transforming an existing home, I have built my reputation on imaginative design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a commitment to client service that extends well beyond the completion of construction.

Design has always been my greatest passion. I personally design approximately 14 out of every 15 homes my company builds, creating residences that take full advantage of each property's unique geography, views, and natural surroundings. Every home is thoughtfully designed with timeless architectural character, distinctive curb appeal, and floor plans tailored to complement each homeowner's lifestyle while maximizing the beauty of the outdoor environment.

More than four decades in residential design and construction have reinforced my belief that success is measured not only by the homes we build but also by the trust we earn. That philosophy has guided my commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term relationships with clients, many of whom continue to rely on my expertise years after their homes are completed.

Community Leadership and Public Service

Giving back to the Sussex County community has always been an important part of my life and career. Over the years, I have been privileged to serve in numerous leadership positions, including:

  • Co-Director of the Delaware ESA for four years.
  • Trustee, Mariners Bethel United Methodist Church.
  • Construction and Design Consultant for the Mariners Bethel United Methodist Church sanctuary project, developing four conceptual designs that helped guide the congregation's selection of its new sanctuary.
  • Chairman of the 38th Representative District Republican Committee for two consecutive two-year terms.
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce for three years, where I donated the architectural design for the Chamber's building expansion and renovation and assisted the construction management team throughout the project.
  • Active member of both the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rehoboth-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.
  • Member of the Sussex County Board of Adjustment from October 2017 through January 2019.
  • Member of the Sussex County Board of Building Code Appeals beginning in 1996, serving as Chairman from 2003 until January 2019. After 22 years of service, I resigned upon my appointment to the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.
  • Appointed member of the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.

Throughout my career, I have sought to create a culture of excellence built on creative design, uncompromising quality, ethical leadership, and personal accountability. Those principles continue to guide my work today as I remain committed to designing exceptional homes and serving the Sussex County community that has supported my business for more than 40 years.