Custom Homes
With our early design approach and transparent process, you could be living in your dream home sooner than you think. We engage with clients even before they purchase the lot, so the site is right for the house you actually want.

A full-service construction firm specializing in high-end custom and spec homes, built by a team personally invested in every project from concept to completion.
We are a boutique, full-service construction firm specializing in high-end custom and spec homes in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.
Our team of dedicated builders and project managers are personally invested in every project from concept to completion. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each home is not only beautifully designed but also exceptionally functional. With a highly personalized and creative approach, we blend innovative design elements with superior craftsmanship, delivering a truly unique and enjoyable building experience.
Our portfolio includes homes built for professional athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs, each tailored to reflect their distinct lifestyles and preferences.
RJ Smith is a second generation South Bay custom home builder. He knows the area and the trade better than most.RJ Smith · Founder



From finding the lot to maintaining the finished home, the whole arc of a build lives under one roof.
With our early design approach and transparent process, you could be living in your dream home sooner than you think. We engage with clients even before they purchase the lot, so the site is right for the house you actually want.
We design and build custom luxury spec homes for the uncompromising buyer ready to swiftly move into their dream home, with all the benefits you would expect from one of our custom builds.
Finding the perfect location is the first step. Our in-house advisors, Robin Smith and Dan O'Connor, bring a combined 30 years of experience, an extensive network, and access to off-market opportunities.
A collection of well-designed, impeccably maintained short and long-term rental homes in the South Bay's coastal communities, including custom RJS spec homes.
Routine maintenance, handled properly. Every home visit follows a monthly checklist for general upkeep, plus a tailored list of seasonal services that changes with the calendar.
Custom build, spec purchase, or a lot you are considering: start the conversation and book a consultation.
Book a consultationEvery project below was built by our team in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach or Redondo Beach. Tap any photograph to view it full-size.
This striking contemporary residence epitomizes California coastal luxury, blending timeless natural materials with cutting-edge modern design. Limestone cladding extends seamlessly across both levels, while expansive floor-to-ceiling glass and dramatic overhangs blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Inside, a chef's kitchen with marble surfaces, custom oak cabinetry and sculptural pendant lighting anchors the main living space.







An unparalleled fusion of contemporary coastal luxury and cutting-edge design. The façade sets up a bold interplay of materials: expansive floor-to-ceiling glass contrasted by warm wood paneling and crisp white stucco. Inside, a gracefully curved wood-accented wall softens the clean, minimalist lines, and a spiral stair rises through the middle of the home.





A double lot estate that blends indoor and outdoor space into one. The lot allows for an expansive yard with a custom pool, cabana and basketball court, with a "fireplace lounge" protected by a suspended metal and wood canopy. Inside, 22-foot glass walls carry sunlight through the day and Manhattan sunsets into the evening, and the primary suite overlooks the courtyard from its own balcony.






An absolute breath of fresh air within the world of new construction spec homes, 405 7th Street embodies quiet sophistication and modern luxury. Positioned on one of the most sought-after walk streets in Manhattan Beach, with a spacious south-facing front yard, it was built by our team with interior design by Wendy Word and architecture by Joseph Fournier.





A home that blends classic style with modern luxury: a striking stone exterior, clean modern lines and large dark-framed windows. Inside, graceful arches and high ceilings pull in natural light, and the plan flows out to an oasis with a pool, lounge areas and mature landscaping. The spa-like primary bath frames a freestanding tub with tall windows.








This classic walk street stunner is one of our flagship properties. An oversized kitchen with double islands, a butler's pantry and bifold doors spilling out to indoor-outdoor fireplaces make it an entertainer's home. Custom paneling and a breezy beach feel are only outdone by the secret cigar room, the yacht club beach room with wine cellar and bar, and the bunk bed playroom.





This home came to us as a total rebuild, with the brief being an exotic resort-style home you can live in all year long. Our team maximized the 4,500 square foot lot with a rooftop view of both Palos Verdes and Malibu, an outdoor pool and spa surrounded by fountains, and a custom vestibule framed with a Moorish arch separating the primary suite from the rest of the home.






Traditional East Coast with a West Coast vibe. Exterior cedar shingles stained for a weathered look, white trim and black clad windows set the tone, while blue stone carries indoor-outdoor living through the house. The backyard opens to a one of a kind wood burning fireplace, pool and yard; the basement holds a rustic bar, wine cellar and media room. One of our favorite houses we have built to date.





Millwork, tile, stone and steel from custom builds across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.












Custom builds can feel intimidating. Nobody wants their timeline or budget dismissed, or a finished house that misses the point. Getting started early is the most productive way to build your dream home.
Contact us to start the conversation and book a consultation.
We like to engage with clients even before they purchase the lot. That gives us the upper hand in making sure the lot is everything the house needs.
We know the importance of communication and pride ourselves on transparency with our clients throughout the process, on both timeline and budget.
Experience the joy of living in a home that is fully customized to you and your family's lifestyle.

RJ Smith, founder of RJ Smith Construction, was born and raised in Redondo Beach, California. From a young age he aspired to build and design custom homes, drawing inspiration from his mother, a designer, and his stepfather, a custom builder. He has built a team of dedicated, educated and communicative project managers and builders who share his attention to design detail and his passion for high-function homes.





Tell us a little about what you are planning, and we will get back to you to set up a consultation.