Sculpting Spaces, Shaping Lives

James Bruner is the Vice President of Land Development Southwest at AMH, where he leads the strategic planning and execution of sustainable, community-focused developments. His career began as a superintendent at Roche Constructors, where he gained hands-on field experience. With a degree in Construction Management from the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, he later spent nearly a decade at Tri Pointe Homes, managing large-scale residential projects and mastering every layer of land development, from ALTA surveys to city negotiations.

Building Communities where Life Thrives

Behind every thriving neighborhood and thoughtfully designed community lies more than just blueprints and permits. It’s a story of vision, dedication and the people who bring it to life. For Bruner, building communities is deeply personal; it’s a mission to create spaces where families flourish, neighbors connect and futures are shaped.

The journey began as a superintendent with Roche Constructors, managing crews, coordinating subcontractors and facing the unpredictable realities of construction sites. Those early years in the field shaped his leadership approach, instilling resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges and fostering clear, effective communication. From weather delays to supply chain disruptions, each obstacle honed his skills in problem-solving, collaboration and perseverance.

This hands-on experience has given him a grounded perspective that shapes every decision he makes. He understands that successful development depends on paying attention to every detail, from the soil beneath the foundation to the community that grows above it.

Moving into land development management at Tri Pointe Homes, Bruner shifted his focus to the bigger picture, turning raw land into vibrant neighborhoods. Over nearly nine years, he expanded his focus from details like ALTA surveys to shaping entire communities. Now as VP at AMH, he combines technical expertise with visionary planning by carefully analyzing land, environmental impact and infrastructure needs. Today, Bruner champions green spaces and smart infrastructure to create developments that balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Leadership with a Human Touch

In a world of rapid change, Bruner remains committed to thoughtful and purposeful development.

His portfolio includes public works like the Freedom Park Renovation and the Clark County Waste Water Treatment Plant and projects that improve community infrastructure and quality of life. His retail and commercial developments, including major remodels for Wal-Mart and Target, highlight his versatility and attention to detail.

Colleagues describe Bruner as a “get ’er done” leader who balances can-do optimism with genuine empathy. A colleague, who worked with him at Pulte Homes, remembers him as approachable and solution-focused. She said, “He always brought a positive attitude, even when things got tough”.

Bruner builds spaces where people can grow. He believes that at the end of the day, it’s about people and their stories, helping shape a place where memories are made—that motivates him.