Austin’s Architecture-First Design-Build Firm

ByBethany Jenkins

Austin’s Architecture-First Design-Build Firm

Luxurious patio with seating and landscape views
Reading Time: 7 minutes

Jenkins Design Build is an Austin design-build firm, which means the architect and the builder are the same team, working from the same set of drawings, under the same contract, from the first sketch through the final walkthrough. That’s different from the traditional path, where a homeowner hires an architect, finishes a full design, and only then goes looking for a builder to bid the job. Design-build removes the gap between those two steps.

We call our version of it architecture-first. Rather than treating design as a box to check before construction starts, our in-house Austin architects lead the process from day one, shaping the home around your lot, your lifestyle, and the character of the Hill Country before a single construction decision gets made. Because the same firm carries the project from concept through completion, there’s one point of accountability for the design intent, the engineering, the budget, and the build quality. No handoff between a separate architecture firm and a separate construction company. No redesign when a builder discovers mid-project that the drawings don’t match reality.

The result is a process that’s faster to start, more predictable on cost, and far less likely to compromise the architecture to fit a budget set before the design existed.

What Makes Jenkins an Architecture-First Design-Build Firm

Unlike a conventional builder, Jenkins Design Build runs a true architecture-first, in-house design build process. Our Austin Architects team collaborates with you from the first sketch (not after the design is already locked) so the home is shaped around your lifestyle, your lot, and the character of the Hill Country from day one. What sets Jenkins apart from other luxury home builders?

  • Integrated Architecture & Construction: Our architects, designers, and builders work under one roof for seamless communication and accountability.
  • Signature Styles: From Hill Country Modern to Transitional and Contemporary, our homes are celebrated for their site-specific design and timeless appeal.
  • Award Winning Portfolio: Explore our Custom Home Portfolio to see why Jenkins homes are recognized for both innovation and craftsmanship.
  • Personalized, Site Specific Solutions: Every design reflects your vision, the character of your site, and the best of Austin and Hill Country style.
  • Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Integration: We deliver homes that are as sustainable as they are stunning.

“Jenkins Design Build made the process enjoyable and transparent. Their expertise in Austin Texas architecture and design-build gave us confidence from day one.”

Westlake Homeowner

The Jenkins Design Build Process: Seamless, Transparent, and Client First

Our process is designed to eliminate the stress and uncertainty common with other builders:

  • Vision & Architecture: Collaborative workshops to define your goals, style, and site opportunities. Learn more about our Austin architects and process.
  • Engineering & Permitting: In house engineers and project managers handle all technical details and approvals. See our building process.
  • Construction & Quality Control: Certified builders ensure every detail is executed to the highest standards.
  • Effortless Selections: Our team guides you through every finish and feature, supported by our interior design experts.
  • Turnkey Delivery: We handle the final walk through, punch list, and provide ongoing support for your peace of mind.

Where We Build: Austin, Lake Travis & The Hill Country

Jenkins Design Build crafts luxury homes in Austin’s most sought after communities, from vibrant city neighborhoods to serene lakeside estates.

  • Explore our Where We Build page for a look at the premier communities we serve, including Westlake, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and more.
  • If you’re dreaming of a lakeside retreat, discover the possibilities on our Lake Travis custom homes page, where you’ll find inspiration for waterfront living, stunning views, and the ultimate in relaxation and recreation.

Whether you’re seeking a modern hillside estate or a classic lakefront sanctuary, our expertise and local knowledge ensure your home is perfectly suited to its setting.

West Austin Luxury Home Builder

Explore Our Award Winning Custom Home Portfolio

Jenkins homes are known for their architectural distinction and livability. See how our approach comes to life:

Lake Travis Luxury Homes

  • Open concept living with panoramic lake views and seamless indoor outdoor flow
  • Chef’s kitchens with custom cabinetry and artisan surfaces
  • Spa inspired bathrooms and wellness suites
  • Integrated smart home automation

Barton Creek Contemporary

  • Solar ready, energy efficient design
  • Gallery walls, floating staircases, and dramatic natural light
  • Outdoor entertaining spaces with infinity pools and covered pavilions

Browse more signature projects in our Custom Home Portfolio. Want a closer look? Watch our latest YouTube architecture video and subscribe for exclusive tours of Austin Texas custom homes.

Interior Design Austin Luxury Homes: The Art of Living Well

Our homes are designed for both beauty and function. Jenkins’ in house interior design team ensures:

  • Luxury finishes, custom millwork, and statement lighting
  • Personalized spaces like home offices, wellness retreats, and media rooms
  • Cohesive flow between architecture and interiors

Get inspired by our Interior Design Ideas for Austin Luxury Custom Homes.

Final walkthrough of custom home interior in Spicewood with modern design

What Our Clients Say: Real Testimonials from Jenkins Design Build Homeowners

At Jenkins Design Build, nothing speaks louder than the experiences of our satisfied homeowners. We take pride in delivering not just beautiful, custom luxury homes, but an exceptional client journey from start to finish. Here’s what some of our clients have shared about working with us:

“Jenkins was the only builder that had the passion and quality we were looking for. Shan was very straightforward with the cost-no big surprises at the end. Their architect carefully plotted our plan on the lot to maximize views, and the quality of the home has been praised by many. We felt like family throughout the process.”

  • Lloyd Warner, Austin

“What a pleasure it has been to build a house with Jenkins. Even when I was stressed, they were incredibly patient and reassuring. The result is a fabulous manifestation of our heart’s desire. The kitchen functioned like a dream hosting 11 for Thanksgiving!”

  • Kristen Manz, Austin

“Jenkins made our dream become a reality. Their design team helped with home placement to captivate views from every room. The Jenkins experience gave us the design we wanted and the home we desired. We are proud of our Jenkins home and the lasting relationship with the team.”

  • Jim and Karen Kuehler, Austin

“We worked with the Jenkins team to design and build our home and would highly recommend them. They built the house as if it were their own, showing care and passion to make it the best it could be.”

“We are absolutely thrilled with our home. Everyone who visits comments on the beauty and quality. Jenkins exemplifies true professionalism through honesty and integrity.”

“We first saw Jenkins Design Build at a Parade of Homes and chose them to build our 6,500 SF home and guest house on Lake Travis. Their team’s expertise and care made the process smooth and the home beautiful.”

For more stories and detailed client experiences, visit our full collection of Client Testimonials.

Awards & Media: Setting the Standard for Austin Custom Home Builders

Jenkins Design Build is the most decorated luxury builder in Austin, with more than 130 awards for architecture, design, and construction excellence. See our full list of accolades and media features on our Home Builder Awards & Media page.

Recent honors include:

  • Custom Builder of the Year (Austin Business Journal, Texas Association of Builders)
  • Best Architectural Design, Best Kitchen, Best Outdoor Living
  • National Association of Home Builders awards
  • Features in Luxe, Dolce Vita, American Dream Homes, and more
Award-winning Design-Build Firm Austin, TX

Many homeowners are surprised to learn just how different the outcomes can be depending on which model they choose. Our detailed comparison of design bid build vs design build breaks down the three critical mistakes that cost luxury homeowners hundreds of thousands in change orders and lost architectural vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Design-build means one firm handles both the architecture and the construction, working as a single team under a single contract from concept through completion. The traditional alternative (often called design-bid-build) has you hire an architect to complete the design first, then take those finished drawings out to multiple builders for competing bids. That approach can work, but it separates the people designing the home from the people who have to build it, which is where scope gaps, redesigns, and change orders tend to originate. Design-build closes that gap by keeping architecture and construction under one roof from day one.

Design-build’s main cost advantage isn’t a lower sticker price, it’s fewer surprises. Because the architect and builder are the same team, budget and buildability get evaluated together as the design develops, rather than after a design is finished and priced by an outside builder for the first time. That collaborative budgeting from the outset is what minimizes the change orders and mid-project redesigns that drive traditional projects over budget.

Timeline depends on the complexity of the home and the permitting requirements for your specific lot and jurisdiction, but design-build generally compresses the front end of a project. Because architecture and construction planning happen in parallel rather than in sequence (design, then a separate bidding process, then construction) there’s no gap waiting for a finished design to go out to bid.

Our in-house Austin architects lead from the first sketch, working alongside the construction team so the design accounts for engineering, budget, and buildability as it develops, not after it’s finished. From there the project moves through engineering and permitting, construction and quality control, selections, and turnkey delivery, all managed by the same firm. See the full process breakdown above, or browse the portfolio to see it in built form.

Start Your Journey: Interactive Tools & Next Steps

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Further Reading & Resources

Jenkins Design Build is the trusted leader for Austin Texas architecture, design build Austin, and custom luxury homes.

Related reading: Travis Club homes, custom builders · luxury new home construction in Austin

If you’re weighing design-build for your Austin custom home and want to see how one accountable team changes the experience, start a conversation with our team, and we’ll walk you through the process from first sketch to move-in.

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