Marie Betty Blea
Marie (Betty) Blea is a pioneering custom home builder and the owner of Design/Build NM – Custom Homes By Marie, operating across Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Hobbs, Roswell, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. With over 36 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, Marie is celebrated for her commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and complete client satisfaction. Her work spans high-end custom homes, commercial projects such as the Nature Pointe Clubhouse and Chili Rio Restaurant, and specialized remodeling projects, reflecting her versatility and dedication to quality.
Before venturing into construction, Marie enjoyed an 18-year career in banking, rising to the position of Vice President with oversight of consumer lending, marketing, and legal matters. Inspired by a need for true custom homes, she left banking to pursue homebuilding, starting in El Dorado near Santa Fe and eventually expanding to Albuquerque and across New Mexico. Her bold career transition led to remarkable recognition, including being the only builder in New Mexico—man or woman—to win the National Custom Home Builder of the Year award in 2012. She has also received more than 76 awards from the Home Builders Association, including Builder of the Year, Best Kitchen, and Woman of the Year.
Marie’s philosophy centers on accountability, personalized service, and building lasting relationships with clients and trusted subcontractors. She is also a committed philanthropist, supporting causes such as the Children’s Hospital, the New Mexico Cancer Center, and community development projects. Inducted into the New Mexico Home Builders Hall of Fame, Marie continues to shape the state’s architectural landscape with her signature contemporary Southwest and Tuscan-style homes, combining thoughtful design, functionality, and timeless quality for every client.
• Distinction Realty Inc-Qualifying Broker
• GB98 Design/Build Nm/ Custom Homes By Marie
• 2016 BUYERS CHOICE AWARD
• 2016 Best Kitchen
• 2015 Buyers Choice Award
• 2015 Parade of Homes BEST KITCHEN
• 2014 Hall of Fame
• 2012 National Custom Homebuilder of the Year
• 2003 Women on the Move- Woman of the Year
• 1998 Feature Home Builder of the Year
• 1999 Builder Member of the Year
• 2001-2008 New Mexico Woman Top 25 Woman Owned Business in New Mexico
• Home Builders Association
• 1993-2000 Sandia Prep Board of Trustee
• 2005 Albuquerque Economic Development
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for what I do and my commitment to excellence. I take pride in every project, treating each as personal and ensuring it’s done right. I surround myself with people who share this dedication, emphasizing ownership and accountability in every aspect of their work. For me, success comes from caring deeply about the craft, taking responsibility, and creating results that reflect integrity and pride.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to be tough. Working in a male-dominated industry, I quickly learned the importance of developing a thick skin and not letting challenges or criticism shake me. You have to stand up for yourself, assert your expertise, and show that you mean business. Being confident and resilient has been essential to earning respect and succeeding in this field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to come prepared with knowledge and passion. Learn the basics and the terminology—understand what a sheathing or soffit is—so you can confidently engage in conversations and decisions on site. This is a demanding, male-dominated field, and you will be challenged, but being thick-skinned, doing your homework, and showing confidence will earn respect. Most importantly, let your passion guide you; it’s what makes the challenges worthwhile.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced recently has been establishing myself in a new market. Moving to Carlsbad, New Mexico, I encountered resistance from a tight-knit local building community—many were skeptical of a woman entering the field and unfamiliar with my experience. My focus has been on proving my capabilities through quality work, building recognition, and earning respect in this new community. The opportunity lies in showing that custom, high-quality homes can thrive here, and that dedication and expertise speak louder than reputation alone.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to quality. I instilled these values in my sons by involving them in the business, teaching them about finance, business, and the importance of doing things well. Professionally, I take my clients personally—the homes I build are often their largest investment, and I ensure every detail reflects care and excellence. I also emphasize accountability, making sure everyone on my team takes ownership of their work just as I do.