While San Antonio may have the hustle and bustle of active cities, residents will attest to its casual and relaxed vibe, as well as its cheap real estate, low taxes, and booming economy. The year-round sunny weather makes it a good place for families to spend time together in outdoor spots like the San Antonio RiverWalk and the Alamo. Those who prefer indoor activities also have many options for recreation, given how San Antonio is recognized as a gastronomic city. With a unique history stretching back to Spanish Texas, the city’s food scene offers a fusion between Spanish traditions and the Old West. This distinctive heritage can also be seen in the architecture, especially in the residential areas.

For families and individuals who are interested in moving to the area, we have created a list of the best design-build firms in San Antonio. These firms are known for their fresh takes on traditional construction processes, providing clients with innovative solutions to their home ideas. Experienced leaders guide each firm in bringing quality services and memorable project experiences.

Haven Design and Construction

P.O. Box 701665, San Antonio, TX 78270

Haven Design and Construction is led by husband and wife Armando and Jana Valdez, who combine their construction and interior design expertise to serve clients in the San Antonio area. Armando and Jana began working on projects together sometime after they first met and realized their shared dedication to enhancing the quality of life. After drawing the plans together, Armando takes charge of the construction phase while Jana selects the interior finishes. The synergy of their partnership has resulted in the firm receiving several accolades, including the 2022 Luxe Red Residential Excellence in Design Award and the 2021 ASID Celebrating Design Texas Award.

Haven Design and Construction undertook a renovation project of a 1902 historic kitchen and pantry in an Alamo Heights home. The homeowners loved their house, but were unhappy with the outdated and dark kitchen. The original layout featured a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall, with a screened-in porch adjacent to the kitchen. The clients wanted a new design that could accommodate a 48” gas range, a built-in refrigerator, an island, and a walk-in pantry. The Haven Design and Construction team had to come up with a creative solution to meet these requirements, which involved removing the wall between the breakfast and kitchen areas. The new refrigerator was installed under the stairs, the small screened porch was transformed into a beautiful walk-in pantry with blue and white tile flooring, and a single transom door replaced the French doors in the breakfast area. The result is a modern and functional kitchen that retains the home’s historic charm.

CROSS

11818 Warfield St. San Antonio, TX 78216

CROSS was created to improve the standards of the home remodeling industry, as well as the quality of service that clients receive. In order to do so, the firm strictly observes integrity, honesty, professionalism, and client treatment. Each home receives professional and careful attention, resulting in spaces that balance style, function, and comfort. The firm has received numerous awards for its dedication and skill, including several Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards. In 2020 alone, CROSS was acknowledged for categories like Residential Kitchen Over $150,000, Residential Bath $50,000 – $75,000, Residential Bath $75,000 – $100,000, and Residential Interior $250,000 – $500,000.

One of CROSS’ clients requested help with transforming their dark and gloomy house into a bright and open home. CROSS remodeled the entire house, an undertaking that involved relocating a staircase, removing large structural columns, extending a wall to make room for a coffee bar, and adding a half bath where the old staircase used to be. According to the clients, the home now embodies their dramatic dream home and also provides them with several comfortable entertainment areas.

Urbano Design & Build

7744 Broadway #103, San Antonio, TX 78209

Since the firm’s inception in 2002, Urbano Design & Build has been providing clients with strong craftsmanship, innovative designs, and creative planning. The team uses an approach based on the firm’s mission to “transform your vision into reality.” This commitment to clients’ ideas has created numerous collaborative and prosperous relationships, as well as tailored and stylish homes. Many of Urbano Design & Build’s designs feature engaging architectural details and custom finishes meant to suit the given client’s unique taste. Publications like San Antonio Woman Magazine and San Antonio Express-News Lifestyle Feature | Home & Garden have featured Urbano Design & Build in recent years.

Owner and founder Lori Urbano leads Urbano Design & Build using the experience she accumulated over her 20+ years of service in the industry. She has worked on a wide variety of residential and commercial construction projects, providing quality craftsmanship and creative solutions. One of her design-build projects is this Alamo Heights contemporary home. Urbano incorporated hardwood floors, custom tiles, and quality stainless steel appliances for the kitchen and floor-to-ceiling marble fireplace. The master bedroom and custom deck were designed to give the homeowners stunning views of the San Antonio Country Club Golf Course.

Evolutionary Homes

3623 E Evans Rd. Ste. 107, San Antonio, TX 78259

Evolutionary Homes was founded to improve the quality of life of clients, communities, and employees. As one of San Antonio’s trusted home builders, the firm is known for its fine craftsmanship and strong relationships across the community. It has partnerships with both clients and tradesmen, which it leverages to maximize the potential of each project. The collaborative approach that the firm uses allows it to build spaces that fit the needs and lifestyles of each client without compromising quality.

Deron Stadler, one of Evolutionary Homes’ partners, says that the firm is guided by the goal of creating special places that provide enriching experiences for its clients. The homes featured in the firm’s portfolio are built with a five-step process: describe, design, approve, build, and love. Clients remain involved in the project even after all their ideas are laid out; the firm makes sure to keep them updated and incorporate their feedback during each phase. This home in the Oaklands in San Antonio is among the homes that the firm has completed using its five-step process. It features a blend of French Country and Transitional design, which can be seen in the dramatic ceilings, large natural beams, spacious game room, and a large outdoor entertainment area.

DMJ | Custom Build

19115 FM 2252, Ste. # 14, Garden Ridge, TX 78266

DMJ | Custom Build builds and remodels homes for clients in the San Antonio area to create spaces where people can live comfortably for as long as possible. The firm mission is to consistently provide clients with quality service and craftsmanship, and each project features designs that are a result of bridging the creative liberty of homeowners with the industry expertise of DMJ. Several client testimonials have attested to the firm’s dedication to them, the project, and the craft, while others have mentioned being grateful for the friendly and professional manner with which the team conducted itself. This has led to many of the firm’s clients being either referrals or repeat clients.

This Tiger Lily project features a kitchen that its homeowners had described as dated. DMJ redesigned this kitchen using a traditional craftsman style with a galley layout. Some of its features include a large island with a built-in sink, a dishwasher, and a mini fridge. The white cabinets, light hardwood floors, and gold hardware have replaced the old dark brown palette, elevating the space into something more modern. The new color palette also makes the area seem bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

Designer Michael Designs LLC

11916 Persuasion Dr. San Antonio, TX 78216

Designer Michael Designs LLC brings quality workmanship, competitive prices, and consistent results to homeowners around San Antonio. Having been in the industry for nearly 10 years, the firm has worked to build homes that meet the needs and standards of each client. This dedication has resulted in becoming one of San Antonio’s leading custom home builders and residential remodeling companies.

Clients typically come to D. Michael Designs for custom home, whole home, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling projects, along with home addition construction projects. The firm’s team includes professionals who are ready to guide clients through the construction process, as well as trusted subcontractors who have been with the firm for more than 14 years. D. Michael Designs’ collaborative nature makes it easier for it to build working relationships with all important parties, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Publications like The Express-News have published several articles lauding the firm and its services.