Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 12:06 am
Austin is a city that attracts creative and design-loving people, many of whom seek to build innovative and one-of-a-kind custom homes. The following list ranks the best design-build custom home builders in Austin who collaborate with the homeowners and their subcontractors and vendors to create the best space possible. Many of the architects on this list aim to be sustainable by using ecologically friendly materials and processes. Since many of these homes are in natural settings, these luxury home builders are used to working around the natural elements of the site. The firms on this list deliver the highest quality spaces with innovative and eco-conscious designs that have won them industry recognitions.
Forsite Studio
1205 East Cesar Chavez, Austin TX 78702
Forsite Studio is a design-build firm that integrates sustainable and contemporary methods throughout its project-building process. The award-winning company has earned a solid reputation for its team’s workmanship and customer-centered approach, earning several third-party awards for design and service excellence as voted by former clientele. Ajit Smith established the practice in 2007 with a mission to provide environmentally-responsible and efficient homes within the Austin area. The LEED Accredited Professional works on residential and commercial markets, with a network of clients that include American Apparel, Define Fitness Center, and Jack and Adam Bicycle Shop.
Completed in 2019, the Embouldin house is a residential property located in south Austin. It was designed by Forsite Studios together with the engineering team of JM Structural. The four-bedroom estate features an open aesthetic that seamlessly balances indoor and outdoor elements. Its structure uses locally-sourced materials of the highest standard. White oak makes up the floors and walls, which exudes a pristine aesthetic complemented by the natural light. Clear windows all around the house allow sunlight during daytime and crisp wood paneling both inside and out gives the property a rustic charm. Additional features include a pool and a covered veranda, where homeowners can relax and unwind any time of the day.
Jenkins Design Build
3813 Juniper Trace #100, Austin, TX 78738
As a three-time Builder of the Year within the state of Texas, Jenkins Design-Build has earned its spot as one of the top names in the Austin home building arena. The studio has built an impressive track record throughout its three-decade tenure, earning 110 awards on international, national, and state levels. That success can be attributed to an efficient process fortified through the leadership of Shan Jenkins, a seasoned veteran with extensive knowledge in the science of building and management. A decade-long tenure for the renowned Hensel Phelps company propelled Jenkins’ career to great heights, eventually working on large-scale projects all around Texas which range from massive chemical plants to the first recycling facility in the state. Jenkins is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin, Texas Association of Builders, and Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin.
A featured home is The Entrepreneur, an award-winning estate that has won several “Best in Texas” accolades due to its excellent visual and structural quality. The luxury residence measures over 9,000 square feet, its lavish design infused with wood and limestone materials that enhance its country charm. State-of-the-art features were installed within the manor including smart home technology and a large movie theater filled with motion chairs.
Triton Austin
P.O. Box 341295, Austin, TX 78734
Triton Custom House was founded in 2006 by Tommy Roberts. Triton is a family-based company established to provide honest, ethical, and dependable homebuilding service to the people of Austin. Its team has extensive experience in home remodeling and new construction and specializes in building design, custom homes, home additions, and extensions. Triton typically works on projects within the 500,000 to 2 million bracket and operates with a three-pronged vision: to use their background in engineering to build quality homes, to ensure that the home building experience is satisfying, easy, and rewarding, and to help enhance Austin’s beauty. The firm also excels in building long-lasting and loyal relationships with their clients.
The Lake Travis Modern residence is a fantastic example of Triton’s work. The contemporary design suits this private home and enhances its extensive views. The family room has a bright green accent wall with plenty of gathering space. The kitchen and dining area employs white and cream color palettes with dark wooden accents. The space is adorned with unique light fixtures and a custom white backsplash that adds a subtle, stylish touch. Another featured project is the Rough Hollow Parade Home. The elegant and modern space is full of contemporary and classical elements. Yellow and golden accents are sprinkled throughout the home. It features a spacious master bath with a custom closet and storage area. A large pool and large backyard area can be used for gatherings and events.
Eppright Homes
13301 Galleria Circle, Suite B-175, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Founded in 1995 by Russell Eppright, Eppright Homes is one of Austin’s premier custom builders. The firm’s highly experienced, professional team aims to make home-building as enjoyable as possible. Doug Clark, Eppright’s president and manager, has been involved with the company since 1997. Prior to working for the practice, he earned the prestigious “Project of the Year” award from the National Association of Homebuilders. The firm aims to create designs that maximize the homeowner’s assets and is committed to consistently working with subcontractors to ensure high quality and efficiency. Eppright has established a budget-based design program that sets the project’s cost value with the client’s specifications before work even begins.
Eppright’s Lakeway Hilltop Contemporary residence, located in the Las Colinas Estates at Serene Hills, is a great example of the studio’s work. Situated on a site with mature trees and an expansive view over the Lake and Hill Country, this house is a prime location for entertaining family and friends. An open floor plan, covered porch, and an abundance of windows create an extra welcoming vibe. A color palette of mostly blacks and whites were used, with hints of wooden accents. Another featured project is the Stratford Treehouse. The house is situated right amongst the trees, which the design acknowledges. Stonework is used throughout the main floor for a calming effect. Simple wooden accents are integrated throughout the home. A jacuzzi, an outside shower, and a garden round out the backyard.
Modus Design Build
Austin, TX
Modus Design Build aims to create spaces that cater to the homeowner, not to a passing trend. The firm specializes in high-end residential remodeling and custom homes and is certified by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). They were also named as a CotY Contractor of the Year in 2012 for a residential bathroom remodel and honored with a Certificate of Achievement by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. President Dylan Martin leads this firm with Vice President Killian Ivy. Martin is a third-generation builder in the Austin area. Working in the construction business from a young age, he ran his own handyman service early into his career. After serving in the US Army, he established his own construction business, Modus Design Build.
Modus oversaw a Downridge Drive remodel, which features an open floor plan with refinished hardwood floors. A calming color palette of soft blues and greens was used with wooden accents. The kitchen has a modern black and white tile backsplash. Numerous windows all around the house invite homeowners to enjoy the expansive views surrounding the property. The bathrooms all have classic granite countertops in various neutral colors. Modus also did an extensive kitchen remodel for a home in Austin. White cabinetry was installed to allow for more storage. A yellow stove is the focal point of the design, making the space warm and cheery. A cream-colored island is in the center with a wooden countertop and a white and yellow checkered backsplash was added behind the stove.
CG&S Design-Build
402 Corral Lane, Austin, TX 78745
Founded in 1957, CG&S is a family-run construction business led by Clarence and Stella Guerrero. CG&S stands for “Clarence Guerrero and Sons” to reflect the whole family’s involvement. This design-build firm has built a solid reputation for quality and reliability that was passed on by word of mouth. The work ethic passed on from Clarence to his sons are evident in every worksite. In the 1990s, the original Guerreros sold the company to their children. In 1994, Stewart Davis joined the team as an architect and established the design studio. As the studio evolved, the firm became more design-build oriented and was rebranded as CG&S Design-Build. This award-winning firm has now completed hundreds of projects and has been in business for over 60 years.
One of their design-build homes is the Light, Bright, and Airy Project. Once a duplex, the two-story home was modernized and improved by CG&S. The layout of the home was completely changed and 500 square feet were added; the kitchen was expanded to better entertain guests. Natural elements are combined with a modern design throughout the home. A back-painted glass backsplash and a two-story bookshelf give a stylistic flair to the dramatic home. Another featured project is the Transitional Pushes to Modern residence. The design retained many of the house’s original parts while introducing contemporary elements like pendant lighting and loft space in the children’s room. Extensive storage was added along the bedroom hallway as well as a fairly sizeable addition to the back of the home. The garage was renovated together with multi-use space which acts as a mudroom, dog room, and laundry room.
Moontower Design Build
828 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78702
Moontower Design Build is a design-oriented firm led by seasoned collaborators Frank Farkash, Greg Esparza, and Jeff Munoz, who all serve as co-founding partners of the firm. Farkash and Esparza met while studying and collaborating at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. They believe that all Austinites deserve a space “to chill outside and inside with loved ones and cold ones.” They started out with small projects and remodels and eventually worked their way up to large-scale buildings. The team currently contributes their extensive knowledge in architecture, construction management, and interior design to the larger Austin market. The studio typically works on projects in the 100,000-400,000 dollar range.
The firm’s Lincoln residence used very few materials for both the exteriors and interiors. The monochromatic color scheme paired with wood accents makes the home stand out. A beautiful minimalist kitchen has open shelving that displays dishware. There’s also a backyard patio with seating and a small garden area. Another notable project is the Central Austin Farmhouse Trimble. Moontower had worked with the homeowners before. The studio renovated the interior and completed a porch rebuild on this historic home. They edited walls and cased openings to improve the floorplan, and a loft space was enclosed to carve out an additional bedroom. Contemporary stains were used to spruce up the hardwood floors.
RRS Design Build
10107 Janet Loop, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
RRS Design Build is led by the husband and wife team of Randy and Cara. The studio is built on family values and operates with a commitment to improvement, informed by industry trends and feedback from clients and subcontractors. Randy and Cara both come from families in the building industry and were fascinated by design at a young age. Their firm specializes in high-end remodels and custom home builds in Austin and the surrounding areas and offers 3D computer renderings through an online client portal to get a better understanding of the design. RRS has been recognized by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) with Best Kitchen Remodel and Best Bathroom Remodel awards. The firm also won two awards for their work on a whole home remodel and master bathroom remodel at the 2016 Master Design Awards and won a 2017 Star Award for Best Whole Home Remodel ($250-500K).
RRS Design + Build worked on a stunning home in Westlake Hills. Surrounded by nature and bordered by a running creek, the house’s natural beauty required a structural update. RRS completely reworked the interiors without any additions to the exterior walls. A spacious open floor plan was designed with a Mid-century Modern style. The welcoming home has plenty of room for gatherings: the owner’s goal. RRS also designed the Belvedere Beauty residence. The family was expecting another child, so the remodel was broken into phases for the clients’ convenience. Office space and a half bath were reconfigured into a nursery, and new flooring and paint spruced up the home. New Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances were also installed to increase storage space.
Audino Construction
7701 Grovedale Trail, Austin, TX 78729
Audino Construction is led by Mark Audino, a principal and second-generation builder who grew up in the construction industry. Debbie Audino, Mark’s wife, serves as president of the company. Audino has served Austin for over 30 years, working on everything from small, specialized projects to large, complex projects. The firm is dedicated to continued education, always seeking out the latest building technologies, materials, and methods. Audino uses the same suppliers, vendors, and trade contractors that they cultivated relationships with from the start to maintain the quality of work they are known for. In 2007, Remodeling Magazine named them as one of the Top 50 Remodelers in the Nation. The National Association of Remodeling Industry also named them Contractor of the Year in 2004, and the firm was named the Central Texas Remodeler of the Year in 2001.
Audino completed a whole house remodel for a gorgeous residence in Lakeway. Multi-level decks and stairways made of IPE wood were constructed on the exterior of the house. The dining room benefitted from new lighting, herringbone floors, and multi-sliding glass doors. The simple yet welcoming entryway has white oak floors in a Herringbone pattern. White Oak kitchen cabinets with Calcutta marble island with waterfall edge, Audino also completed another whole house remodel for a Stratford home. The kitchen was redone with White Oak cabinets, and a new kitchen island featuring Carrera countertops and enough space to accommodate five barstools. The dining room area features a show-stopping chandelier that brightens up the space. A backyard porch area with a large gathering space overlooks the pool and large yard.
Katz Builders
7901 Southwest Parkway #12, Austin, TX 78735
In 1984, Joel B. Katz started Katz Builders, a custom home building and renovation company. Always committed to sustainability, the firm has been a member of the Austin Energy Green Building Program since 1995. The team operates with a goal to make every home energy efficient and ecologically friendly. Joel Katz, president of the company, is a Graduate Master Builder and a Certified Green Professional. He was awarded the Distinguished Excellence Award by and was inducted in the Association Hall of Honor from the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. From the Texas Association of Builders he has been awarded, the J. B. Sandlin Builder of the Year Award and in 2019 the Ted Schlossman Life Time Achievement Award. Vice President Lucy Katz was an affiliate of the National Chair of the Green Remodeling Committee in 2010, as well as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. She is also one of the Commissioners for the Austin Residential Design Compatibility Commission. The firm is dedicated to creating sustainable and long-lasting designs for satisfied homeowners. A founding member of the Austin Custom Builders USA, Katz Builders partnered with other top custom builders to leverage buying power and achieve the most competitive pricing from preferred vendors. They have been consistently recognized for their commitment to superb customer excellence by Pulse of the City, the National Association of Home Builders, and Custom Home Magazine for Custom Home. The firm was also recognized as Remodeler of the Month by Qualified Remodeler. They were even featured on a national PBS program, Planet Neighborhood, due to their dedication to green building.
Katz Builders’ Travis Heights residence showcases the studio’s design prowess. A sage green, glass tile backsplash lines the kitchen walls and highlights the crisp white cabinets. Rope lighting underneath the countertop makes it pop in a subtle way. The master bathroom includes tall vanities, so both husband and wife can get ready in the morning in their own space. A mature tree in the front yard ties in the surrounding nature to the design. Katz also worked on another noteworthy project, the Lakeway residence. A Five Star Energy Home, this residence has closed cell spray foam, a metal roof, and high performing commercial windows. The home is tucked in the hills and has a 180-degree view of Lake Austin. Lots of open exterior space was developed, including a screened-in porch with a fireplace. An oversized laundry room has plenty of space for overflow from large parties, and also has a full-sized dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator for caterers.
Austin Impressions
7000 North Mopac, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Owner John Gehlken leads the team at Austin Impressions and brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial and corporate leadership to the position. Gehlken aims to combine highly professional in-house staff with consistent and high-quality subcontractors in architecture and design. He is actively involved in the local remodeling industry and once served on the Board of Directors for the NARI’s Austin Chapter. Austin Impressions’ specialties include whole home renovations, room additions, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, outdoor rooms, and design and build projects. The firm follows a five-step design process to ensure the highest customer satisfaction: free onsite consultation, decision-making guidance, creative design, construction, and a satisfaction guarantee. Austin Impressions is a certified Austin Energy Green Builder and has been recognized as Contractor of the Year by COTY (Chicagoans of the Year) and NARI.
Austin Impressions worked on an Upper Northwest Hills residence from the 1970s that needed an update. The complete remodel took the house down to the studs. The main highlights include an open floor plan, an upgraded kitchen, a master suite, and an energy-efficient structure. The exterior part of the main wall was raised and the fireplace was removed to provide for more light. A pony wall was installed between the front door and the dining room because the owners wanted a more formal entryway. Austin Impressions completed a custom greenhouse in Spicewood Springs. The hilltop location allows for great views, so energy-efficient windows are included in the design. Insulating concrete forms (ICF) was used to create low-maintenance, energy-efficient walls. Solar panels were also installed on the roof to create a “net-zero” energy use at the end of the year.
Gingerwood Design
4412 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 101, Austin, TX 78759
Principal designer and owner Amanda Stephenson leads Gingerwood, a top luxury design-build-furnish firm in the Austin area. They are the only interior design firm to include on-staff general contractors in the Austin area. The firm provides a one-stop-shop for design, renovation, construction, project management, furnishing, and home adornment services for luxury homes and multi-family developments. Gingerwood works with excellent subcontractors, local artisans, and vendors to ensure innovative and curated spaces. Fortune 500 leaders, oil investors, venture capitalists, professional athletes, surgeons, celebrities, and local families have all sought out Gingerwood’s services. Gingerwood has won multiple American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Design Excellence and Legacy Design awards, rendering them a top industry leader. Their work has been featured in Austin-San Antonio Urban Home, Austin Woman, Modern Luxury Interiors, Luxe, and the Austin-American Statesman.
Gingerwood’s Spanish Oaks residence is exceptional. The master suite was designed to mimic a contemporary luxury hotel room with a full-bed wall structure that sets a bold tone. Before entering the suite, attention is drawn to a contemporary, multiple pendant chandelier made of mercury glass. Midnight blue and silver accents were used in the family room to complement the metallic elements in showcased, commissioned art. High-end fixtures and custom cabinetry were also created for the project. Another noteworthy residence is the Westview on the Lake home. Caviar and ice were the color inspirations for the master suite, with pops of jewel tones. Eclectic textiles, fabrics, and artwork were interwoven seamlessly into the room. Greek key blackout curtains hang over access to the courtyard. A black lacquer secretary serves as a workspace and storage.
