What we build around
Architecture carried through to the finish.
Architectural intent
We work with the architect and designer to resolve how the home will be made, from the exterior envelope to custom interiors.
Command of the work
The right trades, a disciplined site, and clear decisions on cost and schedule keep a complex build moving toward the intended result.
Finish and follow-through
The final review covers the details owners see and touch every day. Handover includes punch list resolution and support after move-in.
Kenneth Tarczewski
Craft informs every decision.
Kenneth's experience in detailed carpentry and construction management informs his approach to complex residential work. He knows what the drawings ask of the people building the home.
Common questions
Building a custom home in St. Louis.
What makes a custom home builder different from a production or semi-custom builder?
A true custom home builder starts with a blank page. Every plan, every detail, every material selection is developed for one owner on one lot. Production and semi-custom builders work from libraries of pre-engineered plans and pre-priced options — efficient, but not bespoke. A custom builder's value is design collaboration, trade access, and detail-level judgment, not price-per-square-foot.
How do you select a custom home builder in St. Louis?
Look for a founder-led firm with a controlled backlog, longstanding trade relationships, and the willingness to walk you through completed homes and past clients. Ask who runs your project week-to-week, how change orders are handled, and how the builder is compensated. On a complex residence, the quality of the answers matters more than the attractiveness of the initial number.
How are your custom homes priced?
We use a cost-plus agreement with open-book accounting. The owner sees actual project costs and our agreed fee, while we maintain a working budget and report changes as the design and selections develop. We do not promise a fixed price for a one-of-a-kind home and then rely on change orders to reconcile an incomplete scope.
What does a custom home cost in St. Louis?
Construction cost varies substantially with architecture, site conditions, building systems, finish level and the degree of customization. For current planning ranges, see our Owner's Guide to Building a Custom Home in St. Louis.
How long does a custom home take to build?
Plan on 20–30 months from design kickoff to move-in for a $2M–$10M home. Design and preconstruction typically take 6–10 months; construction runs 14–20 months depending on scope and complexity. Rushing either phase is where money is lost.
How many custom homes do you build at a time?
A limited number. This is a private practice, not a volume operation. The founder is personally involved in every meaningful decision — which is only possible when the backlog is deliberately controlled.