About us
We are a boutique full service construction company that builds high end custom and spec homes in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.
Our team of builders and project managers are personally committed to your project from start to finish. We pride ourselves on being a team which is intensely focused on the utmost detail of each home we design. Through our deeply personal yet creative approach, we meld the best in design details with the highest in function, bringing our clients a unique and enjoyable building experience.
RJ Smith Construction has built for professional athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs, curtailing each home to their specific needs. It is this synthesis of design and affinity for the custom build that makes each project RJ Smith Construction pursues its own unique home.
RJ Smith
Founder
RJ was born and raised in nearby Redondo Beach, California, and knew from a young age he would build and design custom homes.
He was introduced to the world of design and build very early on. His mother balanced home duties while thriving as a designer while his step father built his business as a custom builder.
Geoff Chait
Project Manager
A lifelong passion for building, creating and functionality has led Geoff to pursuing a dream career as a home builder. Creating functional and practical works of art that stand the test of time from a design and aesthetic standpoint is his ultimate goal.
Geoff is constantly inspired by the thought of future generations
Trinh Sapsin
Project Manager
Trinh first dipped her toes in the world of human resources prior to joining the RJ Smith team.
Although she anticipated her career in HR would bring her fulfillment, she slowly realized that she had much more to offer. She was introduced to the world of general contracting by a client. Trinh, curious as always
Lauren Bruksch
Project Manager
After years working in tech, Lauren finally took the leap and followed her passion for building.
Lauren treats each home – custom and spec – as her own. Her precision and ability to learn, adapt, and grow has quickly made room for creating incredible outcomes and experiences throughout our homeowners’ journey.
Mike Capobianco
Project Manager
Growing up, Mike became interested in both the world of architectural and interior design. Being part of a family that works in the real estate development industry also allowed Mike to learn from the individuals around him.
Mike went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in finance while gaining a graduate degree in business administration.
Ellen LaBonte
Project Manager
After earning a BA in finance from Loyola Marymount University, Ellen began her career in fixed income trading at Wells Fargo Institutional Brokerage and more recently as director of marketing for Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, a $30 billion asset management company. Although she loved her career in finance, Ellen’s previous roles didn’t enable her to tap into her naturally creative instincts.
Andreas Piaz
Project Manager
Andreas began his love for development build and design while working for a real estate bank. Following his curiosity, Andreas dove into real estate development with the desire to work on more hands on/on-site projects.
Luis Topete
Maintenance Director / Project Manager
Luis grew up in the city of Hawthorne. After graduating high school he attended El Camino CC where he would begin his study in the world of administrative justice.
He soon realized that he needed to change his major before spending the next few years doing something he did not entirely love.
Richard Smith
Support Representative
As a nearly starving college professor, Richard learned to become a finished carpenter to supplement his income. Following the normal progression, his jobs became bigger and bigger and eventually he would end up receiving his general contracting license.
After an early retirement from teaching in 2003,
Michael Boch
On Site Controller
Michael worked many years for his family-owned business, editing film for weddings and ultimately filming on site for various events.
Although Michael loves working alongside his close knit family, he decided to follow his interest for development.
Marilyn Velez
Office Administrator
Marilyn started her career in construction thirteen years ago, beginning with administrative office work. Marilyn is in charge of keeping our RJ Smith team organized while efficiently implementing structure as our team continues to grow.
Marilyn thrives on new challenges that working with a blooming company bring. Our team has given Marilyn the
The Latest on Instagram
While we can’t give you a full tour just yet, we think a sneak peek wouldn’t hurt. We’re thrilled with how Power Street has turned out! The hard work has truly paid off, and if you’re curious to see it in action, just press play
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Architecture | @jfournierdesign
Interior design | @auslandinteriors
Landscape Architecture | @fair.studio
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exteriorgoals #landscape #poolside #homesweethome #architecture #outdoorliving #arch #exteriors #homemade #designdeinteriores #build #interiordesigner #architecture_hunter
A kitchen designed to cater to your family and friends’ needs, creating the perfect space for making memories and enjoying delicious meals together.
Featuring custom cabinetry, a spacious island, high-end appliances, and our favorite addition—a pass-through window. We’ve mentioned this feature often because it provides exceptional convenience, making it easy to serve drinks and food while maintaining a lively and engaging atmosphere
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Photography | @laurentaylorcreative
Interior Design | @juliedonovandesign
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#igbuilders #homegoals #customhomes #exteriordesign #developer #homesweethome #instahome #dreamhome #coastalLiving #instabuild #designers #familyhome
We’re excited to showcase and announce a brand new set of custom homes for this season! As we wrap up and complete the final details on our last set of custom homes, including our lifeguard tower house featured today, we invite you to join us via stories for a week of sneak peeks!
Press play & enjoy.
&& if you’re curious to see how far we’ve come….make sure to swipe left !
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Interior Design | @timclarkedesign
Architecture | @starrdesigngroup
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architecture #howyouhome #homesteading #houseadictive #developer #customhome #homebuilder #homesweethome #exterior #interiordesign #housebuilding #homegoals #architecturedesign #luxurylifestyle
We believe that it’s the hidden details in every home that infuse character and charm.
Our Spanish-inspired Hermosa home beautifully embodies this philosophy, featuring custom pendant lights lining the hallway that leads directly to the primary suite.
Built to evoke the essence of a “staycation,” these delicate touches serve as a reminder of the comfort and style that await in every corner.
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Architecture | @jfournierdesign
Interior Design | @timclarkedesign
Photography | @noahwebb
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#customhomes #architecture #yourhome #hermosa #landscape #bbq #homedesign #homeinspo #builders #homegoals #luxuryliving #pool #exterior #landscapephotography #homebuilder #architecture