Meet the Builder: Dawn Hillman

Behind every thoughtfully designed Cabana Lane home is the creative vision and steady hand of Dawn Hillman—a designer, builder, and passionate creator who has spent more than two decades shaping homes that tell a story. As co-founder of Cabana Lane, Dawn leads the construction, remodeling, and interior design divisions, blending craftsmanship, creativity, and care in every project.

A Life Built on Design

Dawn’s journey began long before Cabana Lane. With a lifelong passion for design and a formal education from the Savannah College of Art & Design, she cultivated a deep appreciation for how architecture and interiors shape the way we live. Her design roots run deep—honed through years of hands-on remodeling projects across Charleston, Sanibel, and Amelia Island—each home a reflection of her belief that good design is both timeless and deeply personal. Whether restoring a historic mill cottage in Old Town Fernandina or crafting a modern coastal retreat, Dawn approaches every project with the same guiding question: How will this home make someone feel?

Partnership and Collaboration

Dawn’s success is rooted in collaboration. She works closely with her husband and Cabana Lane co-founder, John Hillman, whose background in land and community development gives every project a sense of place and purpose. Together, they balance form and function—creating homes that not only look beautiful but also contribute to the fabric of their surroundings.

In the field, Dawn partners with veteran builder Chuck Drace, who brings nearly 50 years of hands-on experience. Their partnership blends Dawn’s design instincts with Chuck’s deep construction wisdom—a rare combination that ensures every Cabana Lane home is built to endure and inspire.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Dawn credits much of her eye for detail and love for craftsmanship to her longtime mentor, Bruce Worth of Hickory Creek Builders. Their collaborations—ranging from charming coastal cottages on Sanibel to carefully restored historic homes in Fernandina—stand as testaments to their shared respect for authentic materials and skilled workmanship.

“I’ve been fortunate to learn from true craftsmen,” Dawn says. “They remind me every day that design is not just about how something looks, but how it’s built and how it lasts."

Beyond the Blueprints

Outside of her professional life, Dawn is a wife of 30 years and mother of two, values that inform her approach to building homes meant to be lived in and loved. Her spaces balance beauty and function, offering comfort without compromise—an extension of her belief that home should be a sanctuary that reflects the people within it.

At Cabana Lane, Dawn continues to shape a new standard for design-build living—one that celebrates artistry, craftsmanship, and the joy of creating places that feel like home.

What’s Next: Building the Future on Crane Island

As Dawn looks ahead, she’s embracing an exciting new chapter as a custom home builder on Amelia Island. Her focus is now centered on Crane Island, one of the region’s most celebrated coastal communities known for its Lowcountry-inspired architecture and connection to nature.

Dawn is currently building custom homes within Crane Island and plans to dedicate the coming years to helping complete the community’s final phase. For her, it’s not just about constructing houses—it’s about contributing to a place where craftsmanship, design, and a sense of belonging come together in every detail.

“Crane Island represents everything I love about building,” Dawn shares. “It’s a community grounded in timeless design, natural beauty, and authenticity—exactly the kind of place I want to help bring to life.”

First Home - Permit Issued - Starting October 2025 

For more information, please call 843.475.6686