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The Foundation Nero Smeraldo is a second-generation builder whose career is defined by a rare duality: the technical rigor of an East Coast craftsman and the experimental spirit of the Los Angeles architectural avant-garde. After transitioning from a family background in sculpture and fine arts to the structural demands of the Hollywood Hills, Smeraldo earned his reputation by tackling the "impossible" small-scale builds—notably bespoke hillside treehouses—that required a master’s touch in both engineering and aesthetics.

The Contemporary Practice Now a licensed California building contractor, Smeraldo specializes in high-value residential builds that demand a "white-glove" approach to construction management. His firm, ENS Builders Inc., is sought after for its ability to navigate the complexities of Los Angeles’ most challenging sites, from the seismic requirements of canyon builds to the delicate restoration of historic estates.

Notable Collaborations & Current Works Smeraldo’s career reflects years of collaboration with the industry’s leading designers and architects.

The Curated Residence: Smeraldo was the lead builder for the deep remodel of director Marc Webb’s 1920s home. Working with Vanessa Alexander, he stripped back decades of disparate additions to reveal a cohesive, masculine sanctuary featured in Luxe.
Experiential Architecture: He served as a key collaborator for Nicolo Bini on the highly publicized, "fantastical" residence for Cara Delevingne. His work here involved the precise execution of custom experiential elements and the integration of fine art installations, including works by James Turrell.
The Future Landscape: Smeraldo is currently engaged in the pre-construction and early-stage development of high-profile canyon projects, including an ambitious Mandeville Canyon build. Working alongside firms like Line Architecture, these upcoming projects represent the next generation of LA's home building legacy.

The Standard In the high-stakes world of luxury construction, Smeraldo’s value lies in his transparency and stewardship. He personally oversees the trajectory of every build—from the initial site prep to the final installation—ensuring that the work is insured and protected through every phase of construction, until it is successfully handed over to the client’s estate.

The Delevingne Residence

A Maximalist Masterpiece

Described by Architectural Digest as an 'adult playhouse' and a cross between "Saint-Tropez meets Coney Island," the Delevingne residence is a landmark of high-concept Los Angeles architecture. Working in close collaboration with architect Nicolò Bini of Line Architecture, Nero Smeraldo spearheaded the construction of a home that rejects traditional residential boundaries in favor of a series of "experiential treasures."

The Webb Residence

A Study in Architectural Archaeology

Tasked with the deep remodel of director Marc Webb’s 1920s Los Angeles estate, Nero Smeraldo worked alongside designer Vanessa Alexander to strip away decades of disparate additions. The goal was to reveal the home’s "great bones" and create a simpler, masculine flow that prioritized the site’s spectacular "jetliner views."

Ashley Benson

For the 1930s Los Angeles estate of Ashley Benson, ENS Builders Inc executed a complete structural reimagining alongside designer Nicole Gordon. As featured in Architectural Digest, the project was an exercise in "tearing out almost every wall" to transition a historically rigid layout into a series of open, atmospheric environments. Smeraldo managed the immense complexity of installing multiple new fireplaces and carving out specialized spaces—including a Parisian-inspired, all-black dining room and a "speakeasy" lounge—while maintaining the home’s original architectural pedigree. The result is a highly personalized sanctuary that balances the scale of a grand estate with the intimacy of a Mediterranean retreat, earning widespread acclaim for its sophisticated, "permanent vacation" vibe.

Hancock Park

Set on a challenging Hollywood Hills lot, this project was less of a renovation and more of a structural reimagining. ENS Builders Inc was commissioned to execute a partial rebuild aimed at transforming a fragmented layout into a cohesive, private sanctuary. The objective was to harmonize high-stakes hillside engineering with the soft, transportive textures of a Mediterranean-inspired retreat. By balancing a complete technical modernization with a deep respect for a "vintage soul," the project serves as a definitive example of how ENS Builders integrates complex structural solutions into a quiet, atmospheric narrative.

Irving Boulevard

The Hancock Park home of author Christine Lennon eschews showroom austerity for a soulful, "lived-in" aesthetic that prioritizes personal storytelling. Layered over time by Lennon herself, the interiors feature a high-low blend of vintage textiles, 1970s mosaic tables, and family heirlooms, ensuring every object bears a "human fingerprint." By balancing East Coast warmth with modern Californian light, the design creates a space where picturesque reading nooks and navy-blue dining areas are built for the actual rhythms of daily life.

Malibu Beachfront

Before she starts a new project, designer Vanessa Alexander spends time getting to know her clients and their lifestyles. So, what was her takeaway after acquainting herself with Shawn and Dorit Evenhaim, the owners of a beachfront Malibu vacation home? “They’re big entertainers with a fridge that’s always stocked,” she says. “They foster an open-door policy and often have 20 to 30 people over at a time.” So, the key would be to create spaces at once sophisticated and luxurious but also comfortable and welcoming for their children and friends. But first, Alexander and general contractor E. Nero Smeraldo had their work cut out for them. (luxe)

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