About us
We are a boutique, full-service construction firm specializing in high-end custom and spec homes in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.
At RJ Smith Construction, 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 seamlessly 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. This fusion of visionary design and passion for custom homebuilding ensures that every RJ Smith Construction project stands apart as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
RJ Smith
Founder
RJ Smith, founder of RJ Smith Construction, a boutique construction firm renowned for crafting unique, high-quality homes in California’s South Bay, particularly in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, was born and raised in Redondo Beach, California.
From a young age, RJ aspired to build and design custom homes, drawing inspiration from his mother, a designer, and his stepfather, a custom builder.
Robin Smith
Founder/Realtor
As Co-Owner of RJ Smith Construction, Robin leverages her real estate expertise to guide both the acquisition of new lots and the successful sale of completed builds, bringing valuable insight to every stage of the development process. With a warm smile, zest for life, and intrepid spirit, Robin and real estate were a natural fit.
Rola Benson
Director of Operations
With over three decades of corporate-level experience in real estate, Rola brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep appreciation for the power of relationships to her role as Director of Operations at RJ Smith Construction. She firmly believes that genuine connection fosters opportunity and approaches every interaction with an open heart and mind.
Pat Leighton
Finance Director
Pat is the driving force behind the numbers at RJ Smith Construction, heading up our accounting team with over 20 years of experience in escrow, real estate, and property management.
She’s passionate about the details and understands how critical sound financial processes are to bringing our clients’ dream homes to life.
Nina Law
Project Accountant
Nina, who joined our team as office manager in early 2024, has seamlessly transitioned to the accounting department as a Project Accountant, quickly proving to be a valuable asset.
Her enthusiasm for learning and her willingness to lend a hand wherever needed have made her an integral part of the team.
The Latest on Instagram
86 Highland: a two-unit development in Manhattan Beach that`s a bit of a departure from the standard two-unit playbook.
Each unit is distinct, with its own layout and orientation, while still feeling cohesive as one property. The front unit faces forward to capture the view; the back unit angles toward the Palos Verdes sightline. Both are built to be comfortable and easy to live in, not just efficient.
Want to learn more before it hits the market? DM us.
architecture: @jfournierdesign
build: @rjsmithco
interior design: @auslandinteriors
Building for real life means prioritizing finishes that stand up to everyday living and look better with time.
At 17th St, traditional craftsmanship meets modern durability: natural stone surfaces, plaster walls, white oak throughout, and unlacquered brass that ages naturally.
Every detail executed for the long haul and everyday ease.
architecture: @jfournierdesign
build: @rjsmithco
interior design: @auslandinteriors
photography: @stephanie___russo
stylist: @catdash
The views make the structural trade-offs worth it every single time.
409 Bayview was dialed in to give a family multiple destination spots that work just as well for an intimate evening as they do for a 60-person gathering.
Architecture: @tomaroarchitecture
Build: @rjsmithco
Interiors: @lisazinteriors
At 409 Bayview, the goal was one seamless living space, flowing from the kitchen out to the pool deck and fireplace. The hard part was bringing so many heavy materials together cleanly: carrying the oak ceiling beams outdoors, tying them into the stone and stucco, and waterproofing the barbecue archway.
Effortless on the surface. Serious coordination underneath.
Architecture: @tomaroarchitecture
Build: @rjsmithco
Interiors: @lisazinteriors
