--- title: "DesignWorks Development — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/designworks-development-pfvwus-pf~125833732 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~125833732.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "DesignWorks Development" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d603953b0f789218_8436-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3125 North El Paso St. Suite B, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907, United States" latitude: 38.876 longitude: -104.817 phone: "(719) 232-2799" website: http://www.designworksdevelopment.com rating: 4.1 review_count: 22 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 344 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # DesignWorks Development Original Houzz profile: [DesignWorks Development](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/designworks-development-pfvwus-pf~125833732) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO - **Serves:** Colorado Springs, Cimarron Hills, Black Forest, Stratmoor, Manitou Springs, Cascade-Chipita Park, Arizona, Cascade, Colorado, New Mexico, Teller County - **Houzz rating:** 4.1 out of 5 (22 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2013–2024), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Offers Custom Work DesignWorks Development is a full-service Design and Construction company. We specialize in Custom Home Design, design, and construction services for Renovations and Remodels. DesignWorks Development also has a full-service Custom woodworking shop; we design and build unique custom furniture, fixtures, and custom built-ins. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Deck Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - House Plans - Multigenerational Homes - 3D Rendering - Home Restoration - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Universal Design - Basement Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Home Bars - Sustainable Design - Porch Design & Construction - Space Planning - Lighting Design - Home Gym Design & Construction - Deck Design - Historic Building Conservation - Site Planning - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Drafting - Garage Design - Tiny House Construction - Barn Design & Construction - Home Theater Design - Staircase Design - Workshop Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Log Home Construction - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - 3d Design Services - CAD services - Custom Furniture and Fabrication - Custom Home - Custom Home Design - Project Analysis - Remodeling - Residential Design - Residential Home Design and Construction - Turnkey Design Services ### Areas Served - Colorado Springs - Cimarron Hills - Black Forest - Stratmoor - Manitou Springs - Cascade-Chipita Park - Arizona - Cascade - Colorado - New Mexico - Teller County ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 15 million Design Costs will vary depending on the overall scope of work and project scale. Typical methods of costing include cost per square foot, the percentage of building cost and fixed rate. DesignWorks development does not charge for an initial site/project visit. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | DesignWorks Development | | Address | 3125 North El Paso St. Suite B, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907, United States | | Phone | (719) 232-2799 | | Website | http://www.designworksdevelopment.com | | License Number | 24023, 2238C, AEC00036 | | Followers on Houzz | 344 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/designworksdevelopment ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [DesignWorks Development](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/designworks-development-pfvwus-pf~125833732) - **Website:** http://www.designworksdevelopment.com - **Phone:** (719) 232-2799 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIBD American Institute of Building Design - DPAC Design - Best Kitchen Design - -LUXE Grand Award - -Grand Award, Interior Design & Elevation - -Grand Award Builder Concept - -Overall Floor Plan - -Realtors Choice Award, Overall Best home - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2013–2024), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [AIBD - American Institute of Building Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aibd-american-institute-of-building-design-pfvwus-pf~1544540709) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 — 22 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 34.0 - Communication: 34.0 - Value: 34.0 ### Reviews **★ — Homeowner Colorado Springs, Sept. 2025** > DO NOT HIRE!! We called Rodney because he did some work on our home for the previous owners and his name was on the drawings. He left us a few sketches of our project, then asked for $15,000 for engineering, permits, and finished project but he ghosted us and never delivered. We have begun a criminal case against him because he stole our original blueprints from the early 1900’s. We could not be more disappointed. The project, of course was not completed because it never started. **★ — Robert L Trapp, July 2025** > \* \* \* WARNING: DO NOT HIRE \* \* \* > > We signed a contract with Rodney (Sensitive Information Hidden), Owner of DesignWorks Development on March 27, 2024 and paid them $91,000+ to design and build a 2-story addition to our home, a simple patio enclosure. > > In April 2025, in the middle of construction, Rodney (Sensitive Information Hidden) stopped communicating. He ghosted us. We attempted to contact Rodney Stephens many times via phone, email, and text. We even stopped by his business several times and he failed to answer the door each time. He took our money. He went silent. We never heard from him again. > > As of July 2025, over one year and four months later, all we have to show for their efforts is a cement slab with a gas line and a PVC pipe for two electric outlets. On top of that, they did NOT pay their subcontractors for the work that they DID finish. > > We had to terminate the contract for cause due to non-disclosures, delays, and breaches of the terms of the contract. Rodney Stephens is not and has never been licensed to practice as an architect in the State of Colorado. > > RUN AWAY!! DO NOT WALK!! **★★★★★ — Kevin Mock, June 2023** > We used DesignWorks Development to assist in a collaboration of our basement design and build for our home in Colorado Springs; Rodney worked with us in developing and submitting our plans to the building department and helped with Permitting and contracting the build-out of our awesome space, including a dedicated theater, bar, and game room. > Working with Rodney and DesignWorks Development was a pleasure; the collaboration was fun, and the result was amazing! **★★★★★ — Loanne Kuller, June 2023** > Sketching out a Tahoe theme gate needed for my deck was effortless and spot on for Rodney. Clearly his artistic architectural side came out in this project and it was done on site in just an hour or so. **★★★★★ — DJB, June 2023** > Working with DesignWorks Development has been an amazingly wonderful productive experience. Even though we faced a few delays due to the pandemic...everything got completed and done so in a professional manner. The only thing I wish we'd done differently is that we had the entire build out done with them....not just the design. I highly recommend! **★ — HU-420359046, May 2020** > Unfortunately I have to leave this review. While Rodney was nice we have not had our project finished. We started this design with Rodney in January and have only some basic drawings to show. We do understand the initial delays due to COVID-19 but after Rodney requested a progress payment in April (which we paid) we have not had any of our emails or calls returned. I am still hoping that I'll be able to change this review but its looking like we may need to seek legal action. **★★★★★ — Ellis Williams, Dec. 2018** > We cannot thank Rodney Stephens - owner of Designworks Development - enough for designing our dream home. He was a pleasure to work with; treating us as friends and not just as customers from the very first meeting. Rodney listened to all of our thoughts and ideas and combined them with his own suggestions. His ability to turn our vision into reality means that we couldn’t be happier with our home. Highly recommended!!! **★★★★★ — Elk Ridge Custom Homes, Dec. 2016** > Rodney is the most talented architect we have ever worked with! His vision and creativity are second to none. He puts so much effort into making sure that every last detail is considered in the design process that the building process goes incredibly smoothly. We highly recommend DesignWorks!!! **★★★★★ — User, Dec. 2015** > We have just started the design process, but Rodney has already impressed us with his ideas and willingness to listen to ours as well. **★★★★★ — tedwardstout, Aug. 2015** > We asked Rodney to create a home design with about 35 criteria, to include for it to be unique. He succeeded extremely well. He was always available to offer suggestions based not only on aesthetics but also cost. Being also a builder, gives him a wealth of knowledge in the practicality of design and I was constantly amazed at his 3 dimensional vision and engineering and code knowledge. His products were timely and based on actually visiting the complex building site out in the mountains. Rodney is very affable person with a great sense of humor and it is a pleasure to work with him. I strongly recommend him to anyone who wants a great architect. The house cost will be approximately $650,000. **★★★★★ — timking84, Aug. 2015** > Over the years Copperleaf Homes has successfully worked with Rodney Stephens (Design Works) on many award-winning projects. I'm always amazed at the investment of time and attention that Rodney brings to the design discussion -- from walking the lots to interviewing the clients to providing strong working designs from the start -- in my mind, nobody takes their projects more seriously than Design Works. > > When I think of Rodney Stephens and Design Works, I think of EXCELLENCE. **★★★★★ — haebichb, July 2015** > Our 117 year old house renovation project began in July 2013. Rodney Stevens/Design Works was there from the beginning – Starting with an initial “What can we do with this house?” through to the final certificate of occupancy in April 2015. The transformation results are amazing and we truly love our “new/old” home. > > We could not have executed this project without his expertise and help. He guided us every step of the way filling multiple roles as architect, general contractor, scheduler, quality control, hands-on carpenter and interface and advocate with the Building Department. In addition to the anticipated “surprises” expected with an old house renovation (floors, roof, structure), Rodney fought countless battles and acted in our best interest with the City Building Department, the construction crews, and building suppliers. He demonstrated integrity and professionalism and was the ever resourceful and optimistic, “OK how can we solve this next issue?” problem solver. > > I know that this project caused him many sleepless nights, countless trips to the Building Department, and endless phone calls trying to get trades people to show up. He worried about the details and worked through each while being mindful of cost and schedule impacts. On more than one occasion, when we could not get contractors or simply to save us costs, Rodney would strap on a tool belt and do the work himself. I am also aware that Rodney donated many hours to this project where a different architect/general contractor would have send us a bill. > > In the end, each issue was solved and results are spectacular. > > Are we over budget? Yes. Are we behind schedule? Yes. Would I take on another project with Rodney/Design Works. Yes. Can I recommend Rodney Steven/Design Works? Absolutely. > > Thank you Design Works and Thank you Rodney! ## Selected projects - [New Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-build-pj-vj~374617) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 13 - Description: Private Residence in Kissing Camels Development-Neill Residence - [Settlers Creek Residence Summit County, Colorado](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/settlers-creek-residence-summit-county-colorado-pj-vj~87345) - Location: Keystone, CO - Photos: 28 - Description: Single Family Residence built in Settlers Creek development near Keystone Colorado. This project was a collaboration with Baker Hogan Houx, Edgwood Log Home Structures, (DesignWorks Development- Rock House Builders aka: Metzler Stephens Design Build), Blehm Interiors, Colorado Lifestyle Furnishings and an amazing group of Artisan trades. - [Scarsbrook Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scarsbrook-renovation-pj-vj~108510) - Location: Monument, CO - Photos: 6 - [Corona Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corona-renovation-pj-vj~893047) - Location: Colona, CO - Photos: 10 - Description: 1800's Residence in Colorado Springs, Renovation of Main Level and Upper Level. - [Broadmoor Residence Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/broadmoor-residence-renovation-pj-vj~108414) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 46 - Description: The "Berthe" Project was a full Re-Design and Renovation of a 1970's Home in the Prestigious Broadmoor Area of Colorado Springs, Colorado. This project consisted of a re-design of the existing floor plan and a complete overhaul of the exisitng electrical, plumbing, interior and exterior elements including the landscaping to current living, design and code standards. - [Summit Residence-2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/summit-residence-2-pj-vj~381775) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [DETAILS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/details-pj-vj~421309) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Erickson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/erickson-residence-pj-vj~374611) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - [Wolf Rock Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wolf-rock-interiors-pj-vj~199061) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Prospect Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prospect-renovation-pj-vj~108504) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Kaya Cabin - Lowe Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kaya-cabin-lowe-residence-pj-vj~111965) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Pegasus Point Elevation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pegasus-point-elevation-pj-vj~108523) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Slojkowski Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/slojkowski-residence-pj-vj~4521777) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 3 - [Williams Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/williams-residence-pj-vj~4521396) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 2 - [Chognard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chognard-residence-pj-vj~4521934) - Location: Sedalia, CO - Photos: 2 - [Nelson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nelson-residence-pj-vj~4521903) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 2 - [Tedder Residence-Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tedder-residence-renovation-pj-vj~4521878) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 1 - [Mulcey Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mulcey-residence-pj-vj~4521849) - Location: Leadville, CO - Photos: 2 - [Goodman Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goodman-residence-pj-vj~4521760) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 1 - [McLean Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mclean-residence-pj-vj~4521686) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 1 [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/designworks-development-pfvwus-pf~125833732) ## Ideabooks - [Trapp Residence Addition](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/174612304/list/trapp-residence-addition) — 1 idea - [Mountain Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141877367/list/mountain-modern) — 25 ideas - [Egress Wells](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70070453/list/egress-wells) — 5 ideas - [Billings Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24317228/list/billings-residence) — 1 idea [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/rodneystephens) ## Community Q&A **Q: minimum width of a sliding barn door** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, do you know the width of these doors? I am trying to do a narrow sliding barn door (to open from the center) but wonder if there is a minimum width that you would suggest A: The Doors shown here are 2' wide the smallest that we have done for a bi-slide is 1'-6" which worked for a 3' rough opening, the opening was cased so it worked out well, as you know the key is to have enough headroom to slide both sides! and of course you will have to have the slide bar modified! **Q: Refrigerator pulls?** *(in Photo Questions)* Do u recall the brand of where the refrigerator pulls were purchased? A: The Handles and Pulls were purchased at Cutting Edge Woodworking, they built all of the cabinets for this project. **Q: Cabinet pulls** *(in Photo Questions)* Do u recall the brand of the cabinet pulls? A: The Handles and Pulls were purchased at Cutting Edge Woodworking, they built all of the cabinets for this project. **Q: under counter washer and dryer** *(in Photo Questions)* rying to do an installation like this but every standard size dryer I look at has a minimum 15" - 18" installation clearance over the top of the dryer. How did you get around this recommended height clearance? Is the washer and dryer you used recommended for under counter installation or did you just make it work? A: Thank you for the inquiry! the washer and dryer that I installed here are not full size, they are an efficiency model from bosch. They were a special order, 24" compact. **Q: Bunk dimensions, please.** *(in Photo Questions)* What size are these bunks? How does electrician get power to niches for the lamps? Thank you. A: The bunk dimensions accommodate a twin size mattress. The Electrical was installed prior the the Reclaimed wood finish being installed, there is actually a wall cavity that support the bunks on the end. **Q: Kitchen island** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dimensions of the top bar and lower body of island? And how many cabinets in island? A: I will look for the shop drawings on the cabinet layouts, the cabinetry is all Custom fabrication, there are (2) tail canniest shown with glass, and base cabinets at the copper farm sink with a pony wall behind and custom wood panel behind the base cabinets with (1) support leg as shown. Let me know if you would like the shop drawing. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*