James Halls
Founder & Principal
James is a Wilmington native with more than 30 years of experience building high-end coastal residences throughout southeastern North Carolina. His foundation in craftsmanship was shaped early through hands-on work, instilling a lasting respect for materials, precision, and quality.
With a comprehensive, ground-up understanding of construction and deep experience in demanding coastal environments, James brings a disciplined, detail-driven approach to every project. He works closely with clients, architects, and design partners to deliver refined homes defined by performance, longevity, and timeless appeal.
Guided by integrity and professionalism, James believes trust and transparency are essential to successful projects and enduring client relationships.
Core Strengths: Coastal construction expertise, craftsmanship, client collaboration, and execution excellence
Style: Principled, detail-oriented, and uncompromising in quality
David “Lee” Pridgen
Project Coordinator | Estimator
Lee supports the planning and execution of high-end residential projects at The Craftsmen Group. As Project Coordinator and Estimator, he manages communication, scheduling, estimating, and documentation between field and office operations, ensuring projects are organized and efficiently executed from preconstruction through completion.
Lee brings a disciplined, logistics-focused approach shaped by his military service, enabling him to manage complex schedules and maintain clarity across teams. This allows project managers to focus on on-site execution while clients remain informed and confident throughout the building process.
A Bald Head Island native, Lee offers valuable local insight and has been married for more than 24 years, reflecting the same sense of commitment and reliability he brings to his professional work.
Core Strengths: Organization, estimating, scheduling, documentation, and cross-team communication
Style: Dependable, detail-oriented, and responsive
Ann White Schutte
Lead Designer & Client Liaison
Ann White Schutte directs design development and client experience for The Craftsmen Group, bridging creativity and construction. With an elegant eye for coastal design and spatial harmony, Ann guides clients through the selection process, ensuring each home reflects both beauty and function.
She collaborates closely with architects, project managers, and trade partners to align design intent with budget and build timeline. Her approachable communication style and design expertise create a seamless, enjoyable client experience that embodies The Craftsmen Group’s signature style and quality.
Core Strengths: Design development, client communication, selections management, and vendor coordination.
Style: Collaborative, creative, and detail-driven.
Jim Howard
Project Manager – Bald Head Island
Jim, based in Southport, NC, oversees all Bald Head Island construction operations for The Craftsmen Group. With extensive experience managing the island’s unique logistics, ARC compliance, and transportation challenges, Jim ensures smooth execution and precision craftsmanship on every project.
His calm leadership, technical knowledge, and local expertise make him indispensable to both the company and its clients. Jim’s commitment to efficiency, safety, and detail ensures that each Bald Head project reflects The Craftsmen Group’s coastal excellence.
Core Strengths: Island logistics, field management, subcontractor coordination, and quality control.
Style: Reliable, composed, and detail-focused.
Mark Tippett
Project Manager – Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach
Mark, based in Wilmington, NC, manages residential projects across Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Known for his organization and proactive leadership, Mark ensures that project schedules, budgets, and quality standards remain on track from groundbreaking through completion.
His clear communication and steady presence foster teamwork between clients, trades, and design partners. Mark’s ability to anticipate challenges and maintain focus on client satisfaction reinforces The Craftsmen Group’s strong reputation in the region.
Core Strengths: Scheduling, client communication, subcontractor coordination, and site supervision.
Approach: Professional, calm, and results-oriented.
Elaine Aikman
Bookkeeper
Elaine manages all day-to-day accounting and financial tracking for The Craftsmen Group, LLC, ensuring precise job costing, timely vendor payments, and accurate reporting. Elaine’s attention to detail and commitment to accuracy help maintain the company’s fiscal strength and operational efficiency.
Her strong background in construction bookkeeping supports both field and office operations, providing real-time visibility into budgets and financial performance across multiple projects.
Core Strengths: Construction accounting, job costing, vendor management, and reporting.
Approach: Organized, meticulous, and dependable.