Located just east of Phoenix, Tempe is a college town, the proud home of Arizona State University. So it’s no surprise that it’s a popular hub for young adults, often playing host to concerts and comedy shows. The town provides its residents a pleasantly suburban feel, in the form of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Homes here are quite affordable, and most residents do own their homes.
Our editorial team has showcased five of the best custom home builders, the area firms behind some of Tempe’s best homes and spaces. These firms were chosen based not only on merit but on their respective portfolios and experiences. Our editorial team was also quite impressed with their various unique services.
Temac Development
21 E 6th Street #112 Tempe, AZ 85281
Temac Development provides its clients a complete and comprehensive range of residential construction and development services. It mainly uses a design-build approach, which allows it to keep the entire process in-house. The company rolls the services of an architect, interior designer, engineer, and construction manager into one. Temac has also curated relationships with an excellent group of specialty subcontractors and skilled craftsmen. The company has been in business since 2003 and operates out of its office in Tempe. The firm is well-known for its great CAD drawings, outstanding material specifications, and comprehensive design packages. Besides these technical aspects, they are also known for getting to know their client before they get to work on their dream homes. The firm’s work has been featured in various publications, including Homes & Lifestyle. Its best work is showcased in the project below.
First showcased in 2020, this home was completed in collaboration with 22 other award-winning design talents and influencers for the luxury designer showhouse, ICONIC HAUS 2020. It features five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The project itself spans 6,767 square feet and sits on a 49,874-square-feet lot. The firms and companies employed a modern take on a classic Mediterranean design.
Reef Builders
228 S Clark Dr. Suite #102, Tempe, AZ 85281
Reef Builders takes a design-build approach. It specializes in residential and commercial construction all throughout the greater part of Phoenix Valley. The firm’s team is comprised of designers, project managers, and craftsmen who bring years of experience and talent to the firm. That depth of talent enables the firm to come up with innovative and creative solutions for its clients. Reef takes great pride in the fact that the majority of its projects come from repeat clients and referrals. It adheres to only the highest of standards and commits itself to high-quality craftsmanship. Co-owners Brandan J. Millan and Timothy Russo lead the company. They are both graduates of Arizona State University and natives of the area who live in the local area. Under their leadership, each of the firm’s spaces and homes receives the benefit of their individual experiences. And over the years, the company has become accustomed to a variety of interesting designs.
The project featured here best demonstrates the firm’s expertise. Completed in the heart of Tempe, this Spanish Revival home was completed in 2016 at a rough cost of a million dollars. It features great stucco exteriors, classic shutters, and terracotta clay roofs. The firm also provided various transitional touches.
Solid Rock Structures Inc.
937 W 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Solid Rock Structures is a family-owned and operated business that offers its clients a complete range of home renovation and construction services. From time to time, the firm also works on commercial tenant improvements. The company draws inspiration from over three decades of experience in the industry and works throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. The company is accredited, licensed, bonded, and insured and assists its clients throughout the entire process. The firm has a great reputation for its strict adherence to the highest standards and for completing all of its projects on time and within the agreed-upon budget.
As for the firm’s designs, it can take on anything regardless of size or scale. Its portfolio depicts an extensive range of architectural themes. Often, the firm infuses various modern touches into its work, as well as minimalist finishes.
Curtis Builders
4500 S Lakeshore Dr. #590, Tempe, AZ 85282
Founded in 1980, Curtis Builders has worked on some of the best and finest neighborhoods throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley. It specializes in both luxury custom home building and remodeling services. The firm also provides excellent planning, blueprinting, drafting, and home inspections. The company has also worked on several home additions. Curtis Builders has a strong reputation for its professional management services and its infusion of several sustainability designs and construction efforts into its work. Homeowners will be impressed by the high efficiency and quality of the firm’s work.
The project featured here is an excellent example of the company’s expertise. The team opted for flat clay roofs and provided several wrought-iron details, transitional finishes, as well as several terraces and patios. Our editorial team especially loved this home’s large windows, stucco exteriors, and archways.
