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.
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Before the reveal, there`s the dirt.
This is construction at its most honest—excavation, shoring, rebar, framing, rough electrical. The work that gets buried, covered, and hidden once finishes go in.
But this is where quality is built. Not in the pretty parts you see at the end, but in the foundation, the structure, the precision of systems you`ll never lay eyes on again.
Luxury doesn`t start with marble countertops. It starts here.
Surrounded by friends, partners, clients, and the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, we marked the evolution from RJ Smith Construction to RJ Smith Co—a name that reflects who we`ve become and the comprehensive service we`ve always believed in providing.
RJ Smith Construction – Custom luxury homebuilding
RJ Smith Cleanup – Site preparation and demolition
RJ Smith Home Care – Ongoing maintenance and home management
One team. Three divisions. Beginning to forever.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, to the Chamber for hosting, and to this community that has supported us for 16 years. The work continues but now our name reflects the full partnership we`ve always provided.
Here`s to the next chapter.
Choosing the right builder changes everything.
If you`re starting your custom home journey, you`re probably wondering: how do I evaluate builders? What questions should I ask? What really matters?
Here`s what to look for:
Experience in your area. Local builders understand city requirements, have relationships with inspectors, and know which trades deliver quality work. We`ve been in the South Bay for 25+ years—we know these communities inside and out.
Transparent communication. You shouldn`t have to chase your builder for updates. Look for someone who proactively keeps you informed, answers questions honestly, and makes the process feel collaborative, not stressful.
Process clarity. A good builder can walk you through every phase, explain decision timelines, and help you understand what to expect. If they can`t clearly articulate their process, that`s a red flag.
Long-term partnership. What happens after you move in? Do they disappear, or do they stay invested in your home`s success? We offer luxury home management because we believe the relationship shouldn`t end at completion.
Choosing a builder is one of the biggest decisions you`ll make. Take your time. Ask questions. Find a partner you trust.
Save this for when you`re ready to start your search.
Manhattan Avenue is almost there.
This Manhattan Beach home was designed for indoor-outdoor living—the kitchen opens directly to the pool, with an ADU beyond and a rooftop deck above. Every space flows into the next, creating connection between inside and out.
We`re in the final stretch now. Finishing touches, final details, and soon this family gets to move into the home they`ve been envisioning for years.
This is what beginning-to-forever looks like in progress.
