Next Custom Homes – Austin, Texas

July 29, 2024

Next Custom Homes

Building Legacy and Innovation

A family-run business combines craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability to create luxury custom homes that stand the test of time.

Next Custom Homes is a family-operated business led by Mike Drew and Vanessa Myers, a husband-and-wife duo who emphasize craftsmanship and upskilling the next generation. Founded on the principles of quality and skill, the company builds homes and educates young artisans. Vanessa explains, “We wanted to create quality craftsman homes built with skilled craftsmen and a way to teach the next generation those skills to carry on.”

Vanessa Drew

The history of Next Custom Homes is rich with experience. Vanessa’s husband, Mike, has over 40 years in construction, a legacy passed down from his father. “His dad was a builder,” Vanessa notes. “So, this is a multi-generational skill that’s been passed down. He’s always been in the building industry of some sort.”

Mike’s extensive background includes diverse projects, from houses to marinas and churches. Vanessa’s role complements Mike’s technical expertise. With a music degree and a passion for creative projects, she balances the business as the Head Designer and Project Manager. “I have both right and left-brain tendencies,” she says with a laugh.

The company’s team includes eight of Mike’s sons, each contributing to the family-oriented operation. “Would the business have lasted this long without the help of the kids? I don’t know,” Vanessa reflects. “The work pool is getting smaller and smaller in this industry. It was a way to fulfill that, but also give them a leg up and a skill to live off of.”

Vanessa oversees the real estate and design aspects of the business. “I make the acquisitions, find the funding, handle the initial client meetings, and when we’re doing a spec, I handle the design,” she elaborates. This includes selections for colors, tiles, and other finishes, ensuring that every home meets its high standards.

Part of their reputation stems from their deep commitment to creating lasting relationships and quality products. “We only take referrals from people we trust,” Vanessa emphasizes. This approach has allowed them to work with clients who appreciate their creativity and dedication to building functional, beautiful homes. “We’re not just a builder that slaps up a house that we’re told to build,” she says.

Crafting Excellence in Every Detail

Next Custom Homes isn’t just known for constructing homes; they are renowned for creating masterpieces of comfort and elegance. Vanessa shares, “We’ve worked on houses ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 square feet. Each property is unique, reflecting the owner’s vision and the surrounding environment.”

Vanessa highlights a particularly challenging project—an old lake house constrained by new setback regulations. “We can’t tear it down, so we’re doing a full remodel. It’s a small house, but it will be worth a substantial amount when it’s done,” she says. This project exemplifies the company’s ability to blend historic charm with modern luxury, a necessity in Austin’s thriving real estate market. “Austin is still a hot spot. People love the views and the lake. We take that desire into consideration and make sure to the time to create something that’s high-end, yet durable and functional, so it can sell for $10-$20 million.”

Attention to detail is a hallmark of their work. Vanessa notes, “Many of the products that go into these homes are designer tiles and designer light fixtures. It’s the craftsmanship that people notice. We want them to feel like they’re getting a house of value, not just because it’s on the lake or has a view.”

Blending Styles for Timeless Appeal

Mike Drew

Discussing the intricacies of their woodwork, Vanessa reveals, “A lot of the style here in Austin is a modern European style. I was just in Italy for their design week and was intrigued by their sleek, clean lines. However, Americans have brought warmth and dimension to it.” This fusion of European minimalism with American warmth creates a unique aesthetic, balancing comfort with sophistication.

Specific finishes play a crucial role in this blend. “Exposed beams, sleek trims, detailed window build-outs, and baseboards—or sometimes the absence of them—depend on the client’s vision,” Vanessa explains. The challenge is to achieve perfection in simplicity, where any flaw becomes noticeable. “It’s the things you don’t notice that signify a well-built house. If you don’t see any waves in the floorboards or any misalignment in the lights, we’ve done our job right.”

Woodwork, in particular, has seen a resurgence in popularity. “There’s a lot of beautiful wood paneling coming back. Warm woods like oak and walnut, in various tones, are very popular. The light oaks are being replaced with mid-tone oaks, bringing back warmth lost in the trend of cold grays,” she says. These elements contribute to homes that are not only luxurious but also inviting.

In every project, Next Custom Homes ensures that their homes are seamless and sophisticated. Vanessa concludes, “The goal is for things to stand out because they’re meant to, not because they’re flawed. When everything is in harmony, you know it’s truly high-end and luxurious.”

Innovating Amid Challenges: The Cabinetry Shop Story

As the world grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Next Custom Homes found a silver lining by establishing their own cabinetry shop which they aptly named NXT Cabinets. Vanessa recounts, “We were getting European cabinets from Europe, but suddenly the prices increased, and lead times became unbearable. It’s an essential facet of a build, and waiting three months was not feasible.”

With Mike’s previous experience running a cabinetry shop, the family decided to bring this crucial aspect of their operations in-house. “Mike said, ‘I can run a shop again.’ It was just about getting everyone on board,” Vanessa recalls. The need for quicker lead times and greater control over the custom millwork drove the decision to set up the cabinetry shop. “We wanted to bring the European style here, manufacture it locally, and combine it with pieces sourced globally,” she explains. “We are very excited about the new opportunities that we can offer with the expanded shop,” Mike comments eagerly.

Their approach to cabinetry is unique in an industry where handmade cabinets are often produced by small teams or individuals. Vanessa elaborates, “The biggest industry of handmade cabinets is someone in their garage. We wanted to be efficient, not mass-produced, but have quicker turnaround times.” To achieve this, they invested in CNC machines and specialized software. Mike’s son, Tim, who always aspired to be an architect, took on the task of mastering the software, allowing them to design and produce custom cabinets efficiently.

The success of the cabinetry shop has exceeded expectations. “We are fully custom. We don’t build anything until the order is signed off, and we source materials from top-quality wood companies in Spain, Italy, and Belgium,” Vanessa shares. This meticulous approach has paid off. Despite minimal marketing, the demand has been so high that they are expanding from a 6,600-square-foot facility to a 35,000-square-foot warehouse. “We’re excited about the opportunities we will be able to offer with the expanded shop,” she adds.

Future Talent and Workforce Development

Workforce development plays a pivotal role at Next Custom Homes is ensuring the seamless integration of skilled labor into their projects. Vanessa shares insights into how this commitment to education and training influences their operations.

“It starts with the educational part. Mike is naturally a teacher. He wants to know how everything works, and he’s transferred that to his kids,” she explains. This passion for teaching extends beyond their family, embracing young talent and cultivating a skilled workforce.

Vanessa elaborates on the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving in their approach. “Teaching them how to do things properly, think critically, and solve problems is the biggest thing we bring into this. Whether it’s a design issue like a challenging staircase or another challenge, we brainstorm and solve it together,” she says.

Expanding on the workforce strategy, Vanessa mentions, “Throughout the years, any friends of the kids looking for a job were always given an opportunity.” This open-door policy has attracted a diverse group of workers. “We’re willing to teach, and yes, the workforce is young, but they hold their own and pull their weight,” she asserts.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations

Next Custom Homes remains focused on high-quality, high-value projects as they look towards the future. Vanessa outlines their priorities for the next 18 months: “We want to stay within that $10 to $20 million price point for spec homes. It allows us to do quality work and have the money to invest in creativity.”

Their selective approach to client intake further emphasizes their commitment to excellence. “We highly vet our clients and don’t just take anybody,” Vanessa asserts. This meticulous process ensures that every project aligns with their standards and values. The company also values recognition for their hard work. “In the last three years, we’ve won multiple awards for our projects. It’s validating to be recognized for creating something beautiful and sustainable,” she says.

Vanessa acknowledges the complexities and the difficulties involved in their work but ultimately, the driving force behind what they do is a passion for beauty and quality. “We love beautiful spaces and working with great people.” Vanessa declares.

With a clear vision and a dedication to craftsmanship, Next Custom Homes continues to set a high bar in the industry, balancing innovation, sustainability, and aesthetics in every project they undertake.