---
title: "Pillar Custom Homes, Inc. — Design-Build Firms | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/pillar-custom-homes-inc-pfvwus-pf~251801464
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~251801464.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Pillar Custom Homes, Inc."
category: ["Design-Build Firms"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/30537c4a0078e2fa_9706-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "3604 Juniper Rim Road, Leander, Texas 78641, United States"
latitude: 30.5835
longitude: -97.8575
phone: 1000000000
website: http://pillarcustom.com
rating: 5
review_count: 21
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 438
last_updated: 2026-09-23
---

# Pillar Custom Homes, Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Pillar Custom Homes, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/pillar-custom-homes-inc-pfvwus-pf~251801464)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms
- **Location:** Leander, TX
- **Serves:** Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Brushy Creek, Lakeway, Jollyville, Wells Branch, Lago Vista, Anderson Mill, Marble Falls, Liberty Hill, Jonestown, Serenada, Point Venture, Windemere, Volente, Greater Austin Area
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (21 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2020), for Service, Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves

Pillar Custom Homes is one of the premier builders of green architecture in the Austin, Texas, area. We build the finest homes using only top-quality materials and the most experienced craftsmen available.

Master builder Michael A. Cohen, owner of Pillar Custom Homes, personally oversees all aspects of the construction of every project. His personal involvement and attention to details reflects his pride in the homes he builds. For Michael, homebuilding is a family tradition. He is proudly following the footsteps of his father, who was a skilled woodworker and a homebuilder.

“We are building homes, not just houses, and that philosophy is engrained in the custom homes we build today,” 

Michael makes sure that the traditional craftsmanship involved in homebuilding evolves, as he stays abreast of the latest trends, newest techniques, improved materials and state-of-the-art technology. He participates in the continuing education provided by the numerous professional associations to which he belongs. In addition, Michael has a degree in landscape architecture from Purdue University as well as a Masters Degree in Computer Science from the New York Institute of Technology. These modern-day skills combined with the roll-up-your-sleeves, hands-on homebuilding skills taught by his father, give his homebuyers the best of both worlds.

You can be assured that your new home will be well designed, soundly constructed, environmentally considerate, and energy efficient. You will feel the confidence and security represented by Pillar Custom Homes.

### Services Provided

- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Architectural Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Construction
- Multigenerational Homes
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Universal Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Green Building
- Sustainable Design
- Landscape Plans
- Workshop Design & Construction

### Areas Served

- Austin
- Round Rock
- Cedar Park
- Georgetown
- Pflugerville
- Leander
- Brushy Creek
- Lakeway
- Jollyville
- Wells Branch
- Lago Vista
- Anderson Mill
- Marble Falls
- Liberty Hill
- Jonestown
- Serenada
- Point Venture
- Windemere
- Volente
- Greater Austin Area

### Typical Job Cost

$1 million - 5 million

New Home Design and Construction

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Pillar Custom Homes, Inc. |
| Address | 3604 Juniper Rim Road, Leander, Texas 78641, United States |
| Phone | 1000000000 |
| Website | http://pillarcustom.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 438 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/pillar-custom-homes-inc/126524657419668
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/pillar-custom-homes-inc.

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Pillar Custom Homes, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/pillar-custom-homes-inc-pfvwus-pf~251801464)
- **Website:** http://pillarcustom.com
- **Phone:** 1000000000

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- 2015 Best of Houzz Design \* 2014 Best of Houzz Design \* 2013 ASID Design Winner \* 2012 Parade of Homes - 4 Categories \* 2010 MAX Award -- Best Custom Home Outdoor Living Space \* 2010 Silver MAX Award -- 4 Categories \* 2009 Golden Trowel Award \* 2004 Flintrock Showcase of Homes - 2 Categories

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2020), for Service, Design.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 21 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Carrie Holland-Barnett, July 2020**

> We have been extremely pleased with our custom home built by Micheal Cohen of Pillar Custom Homes 2 years ago.  We received real value for the cost of our home, including our venetian plaster walls, heated bathroom flooring, gorgeous walk-in closets and fabulously designed fireplaces.  The longer we live here the more we appreciate the quality of building, attention to detail and durability of our home.  It still looks and feels like we just moved in!
> The Barnett Family

**★★★★★ — Matt Jacobi, Oct. 2019**

> We had a great experience with Michael Cohen and Pillar Custom Homes. The measure of a truly great contractor is responsiveness and pride in their work. You want someone who is going to be available if you have questions or concerns and stand by their work and ensure everything is done right. Michael is exactly this. Michael was incredibly responsive; whenever we contacted him, he always responded the same day, typically within just minutes. He would often be at the house to oversee work and ensure it was done right. If there was ever a problem, he would make it right, no questions asked. Michael is very transparent about the budget. In the online portal, you can see where every dollar is being spent, which we loved. Overall, it was a good experience and we would happily use Michael Cohen and Pillar Custom Homes again.

**★★★★★ — Rafael Gonzalez, March 2019**

> My family and I worked with Pillar Custom Homes and Michael Cohen for the building of our dream custom home. For those of you that have not gone through this process, it's a time consuming and possibly stressful activity. Working with Pillar made this process as painless as possible. Michael's commitment to quality building is second to none. Transparency was something that was very important to us. We knew where we were in terms of cost and progress during the entire process. We could not have been more pleased. We indeed got our dream home! I would strongly recommend Pillar Custom Homes to anyone.

**★★★★★ — Maria Schembri, Sept. 2018**

> Michael and the Pillar team built a great house with a lot of quality and superior materials and design.  We’ve enjoyed our house for a year and a half and had no warranty issues during our first year of ownership. We very much recommend Pillar.

**★★★★★ — Chelsea Kloss Interiors, June 2015**

> I had the opportunity to collaborate with Michael Cohen of Pillar Custom Homes, Inc. on a Parade of Homes project back in 2012.  As an Interior Designer, my role on the project was to help make all of the material selections from exterior facade to all interior surfaces. Michael and I were tasked with the challenge of building a speculative new construction home that pushed the envelope on home design, utilizing cutting edge materials in unique applications. From 10 years experience practicing design in the Austin area, I was pleasantly surprised by how involved Michael was in the selections process. While he gave me plenty of flexibility and freedom in my selections, Michael brought countless ideas to the table and was an integral part of the design process in addition to the huge task of building it!
>
> Michael had a regimented order of operations which not only kept the project on schedule, but also on budget without compromising our ability to break the mold on unique design concepts. His attention to detail and his high level of quality control made working with Michael both a pleasurable and efficient experience.

**★★★★★ — msqssq, July 2013**

> My wife and I used Michael to do a complex backyard pool, outdoor kitchen and landscaping project for our existing residence. He also installed a stained concrete walking to the lake. We couldn't have been more happy with his work. He was always there supervising and checking his subcontractors work. He has built 3 homes in our subdivision and the owners also recommended Michael.

**★★★★★ — Austin Wood Works, Inc., June 2013**

> I have enjoyed working with Michael on several projects. He is a very good builder, who pays attention to detail and works hard to build a very high quality home.

**★★★★★ — kdg30, June 2013**

> Michael Cohen did an excellent job. He was on the job site every day and our home turned out perfect.

**★★★★★ — dmg1817, June 2013**

> Professional and personable.  Micheal Cohen builds beautiful homes with great attention to all aspects of the building process. His continued presence after closing sets him apart from other builders we have used. We would love to work with him again.

**★★★★★ — phillipleach, June 2013**

> We are very excited to be a partner with Pillar Custom Homes and look forward to more in the coming years.
>
> Michael is a visionary and his committment to excellence shows through in each home that he builds.  He's knowledgeable, educated and continues to learn as buiding practices and products become more detailed and advanced.
>
> He builds each home with the the attention to detail that he would put into it if it were his own home.
>
> Phillip Leach,
> Vice President - Austin Air Conditioning, Inc.

**★★★★★ — paigecarter1, June 2013**

> I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pillar Custom Homes for many years.  Pillar Custom Homes’ expertise and attention to detail is apparent in the superior quality of workmanship present in each home.  And based on good time management and excellent rapport with tradesman, the principal owner is able to complete the homes within a reasonable timeframe.

**★★★★★ — sfatigato, June 2013**

> Pillar Custom Homes builds an absolutely unique, solid custom home.  Michael Cohen, builder/owner, is a completely hands-on builder with great ideas, instincts and incredible attention to detail.  He is a pleasure to work with.  From start to finish, Michael was involved with every aspect of building his custom home for the 2012 HBA Parade of Homes.  He works with the best subcontractors and interior designers in the business.  I highly recommend meeting with Michael to explore how Pillar Custom Homes can seamlessly bring your new home to life.

## Selected projects

- [Hill Country Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-country-contemporary-pj-vj~5729021)
  - Location: Leander, TX
  - Photos: 36
  - Description: Hill Country Contemporary
- [Amarra French Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/amarra-french-country-pj-vj~5469724)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 32
- [Cimarron Eclectic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cimarron-eclectic-pj-vj~5427340)
  - Location: Georgetown, TX
  - Photos: 46
- [Cimarron Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cimarron-contemporary-pj-vj~1771112)
  - Location: Georgetown, TX
  - Photos: 25
  - Description: Amazing Contemporary set in the Golf Course Community of Cimarron Hills, Georgetown Texas. Home is oriented to look down the \#1 fairway. Green construction takes advantage of clean lines, lots of natural light, and a gray neutral palette. Exterior is native Texas limestone, stucco, and a standing seam metal roof. Interior has Brazilian Pecan Graphite wood floors and extensive porcelain and glass tile.
- [Austin Transitional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/austin-transitional-pj-vj~1014316)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 36
- [Parade Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parade-home-pj-vj~103276)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 48
- [Contemporary Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-lake-house-pj-vj~96233)
  - Location: Jonestown, TX
  - Photos: 14
- [Eclectic Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-lake-house-pj-vj~96049)
  - Location: Jonestown, TX
  - Photos: 17
- [Lake Travis Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-travis-mediterranean-pj-vj~96167)
  - Location: Jonestown, TX
  - Photos: 12
- [Westminster Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westminster-mediterranean-pj-vj~96177)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 9
- [Lakeway Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeway-mediterranean-pj-vj~96235)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 10

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/pillar-custom-homes-inc-pfvwus-pf~251801464)

## Ideabooks

- [LED Ribbon Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129823913/list/led-ribbon-lighting) — 5 ideas
- [Bathroom Benches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111361269/list/bathroom-benches) — 5 ideas
- [Terrace Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108824159/list/terrace-furniture) — 8 ideas
- [Bar Stools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108611963/list/bar-stools) — 12 ideas
- [Dining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102959064/list/dining) — 2 ideas
- [kitchen cabinets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92889254/list/kitchen-cabinets) — 2 ideas
- [Entry Semi-Flush Mount Fixtures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92270376/list/entry-semi-flush-mount-fixtures) — 6 ideas
- [Brackets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90063054/list/brackets) — 5 ideas
- [Kitchen Storage Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89895685/list/kitchen-storage-ideas) — 11 ideas
- [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83533136/list/fireplaces) — 1 idea
- [Ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83422399/list/ceilings) — 2 ideas
- [Wine Cellar Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50612590/list/wine-cellar-doors) — 5 ideas
- [Firepits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45595391/list/firepits) — 14 ideas
- [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6597512/list/furniture) — 30 ideas
- [Utility and Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6280582/list/utility-and-laundry) — 10 ideas
- [Elevations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4840769/list/elevations) — 48 ideas
- [Staircases](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5729882/list/staircases) — 37 ideas
- [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6016349/list/bedrooms) — 23 ideas
- [Home Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5924084/list/home-office) — 15 ideas
- [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5729822/list/pools) — 16 ideas

[See all 27 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/pillarcustom)

## Community Q&A

**Q: what is the color of the white trim that goes across the house??** *(in Photo Questions)*

?

A: I'm guessing by "trim" you actually mean the stucco color.   It is not white but a very light shade of gray.  The top stucco coat is a colored coat called STO.  It was made to match Sherwin Williams Repose Gray 7015.   Hope that helps!

**Q: what is the exterior trim color** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the exterior trim color

A: We built this house a number of years ago and my records do not show the exterior trim color.   But based upon my emails, I am pretty sure it was Sherwin Williams Stout \#8409.    This color appears to have been discontinued.   Maybe they can look it up for you at a Sherwin Williams store.  Be sure to get a sample to ensure this is what you want.  Hope this helps.

**Q: Love the stone!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me the exact name of the stone used? Thanks!

A: Glad you like the stone!   It is Grey Leuder.

**Q: Love the exterior paint, mind sharing details?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Looking for something just like this exterior paint & trim. Would you mind sharing the details? Thanks!

A: The cornice (facia and soffit) as well as the garage doors and trim were a custom color to match the roof which was Berridge Charcoal Gray.  The stucco is a match to Sherwin Williams Repose Gray \#7015.  Stone is Gray Leuder.    Glad you like the colors!

**Q: what is the wallpaper in the powder bath?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What product line and name is the wallpaper?

A: Thanks for the question.   I know it looks like wall paper but it is not.  It is a faux finish done by Imago Dei.

**Q: Beautiful bathroom!  What is the countertop material and color?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Beautiful bathroom!  What is the countertop material and color?

A: Glad you like this Master Bathroom!   According to my records, this is 3CM Mystery White Granite.   Thanks for the question!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*