--- title: "Truehome Design Build — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/truehome-design-build-pfvwus-pf~25261871 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~25261871.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Truehome Design Build" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fea3b0f10bc4ae24_6321-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "16070 South Elk Creek Road, Pine, Colorado 80470, United States" latitude: 39.3959 longitude: -105.3506 phone: "(303) 838-0888" website: https://truehomedesignbuild.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 followers: 129 last_updated: 2026-08-19 --- # Truehome Design Build Original Houzz profile: [Truehome Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/truehome-design-build-pfvwus-pf~25261871) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Pine, CO - **Serves:** Arvada, Boulder, Littleton, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Bailey, Conifer, Evergreen, Aspen Park, Morrison, Bergen Park, Buffalo Creek, Central Texas, Gennesee, Pine, Pine Grove - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - Family owned - 40 years in business Do you want your own vision of a perfect home to guide your design, or would you rather surrender to the tastes of your architect? Do you want more control over your project so it fits your priorities and budget? Truehome offers a scientific approach to creating homes that fit the personality, lifestyle, values, priorities and budget of each family and individual. Our in-depth interviews, enables us identify design criteria for homes that fits who you are! We work hard to understand the life outcomes you seek when you decide to change your existing living space, or create a new one. Then, we create a design that allows you to feel the way you want to feel in every room of your new home. Our approach has been endorsed by nationally known psychologists, been the subject of extensive validating research at The University of Texas at Austin. Our method has been featured twice in the New York Times and media all over the world. Don't just design a new building. Design the life you want to live! Truehome Design.Build opened its Colorado office in December of 2015. Previous to that, our architecture firm, Sentient Architecture, LLC, was the premier design firm in the five country Texas region between Houston and Austin, Texas. We are experts in both design and construction. That means we can manage budgets, as well as develop tailored, innovative designs that fit the life you want to live! You will also find that our fees are typically below those of the high quality architecture firms with which we compete in the Denver area, We serve all of Jefferson County, Boulder County and Southwest Denver, including the Pine, Bailey, Evergreen, Aspen Park, Conifer, Morrison, Bergen Park, Genesee and Buffalo Creek and close in parts of Park County. We also take on larger design projects in Breckenridge, and along the I-70 Corridor within 50 miles of Denver. We still offer design services In Texas, where we have been particularly active in Fayette, Austin, Washington, Colorado, Lee and Bastrop counties, but no longer build in that market. We do predominantly high end residential custom homes, major remodeling and historic restoration, but have also completed historic commercial projects, religious projects and other high-touch buildings in which the emotional experience of customers or staff has a high value. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Home Restoration - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Green Building - Porch Design & Construction - Sustainable Design - Sunroom Design & Construction - Space Planning - Lighting Design - Historic Building Conservation - Site Planning - Drafting - Structural Engineering - Laminate Flooring Installation - Lighting Installation ### Areas Served - Arvada - Boulder - Littleton - Wheat Ridge - Golden - Bailey - Conifer - Evergreen - Aspen Park - Morrison - Bergen Park - Buffalo Creek - Central Texas - Gennesee - Pine - Pine Grove ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - $2,500,000 We offer free two hour on-site consultations for prospective customers. Compare our fees with those of other name design firms. You might be surprised to find we can produce tailored high-end design for less than other companies of our caliber. While most of our major design projects are percentage fee based, we do take some hourly work in special circumstances. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Truehome Design Build | | Address | 16070 South Elk Creek Road, Pine, Colorado 80470, United States | | Phone | (303) 838-0888 | | Website | https://truehomedesignbuild.com | | Followers on Houzz | 129 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Sentientarchitecture - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/truehomeguy - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/truehome - Blog — http://www.truehomedesignbuild.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Truehome Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/truehome-design-build-pfvwus-pf~25261871) - **Website:** https://truehomedesignbuild.com - **Phone:** (303) 838-0888 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Build Magazine's "Full Service Architecture Firm of the Year" for South Central Texas T. C Jester Award for Excellence in Historic Design; Christopher Travis named as one of the world's most important architecture trendsetters. "Remodeler of the Year" by the Greater Houston Builder's Association. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — HU-706465, Sept. 2016** > Chris's unique interview process was instrumental in helping us to realize our "dream" house. The whole design/build package was truly outstanding. > His years of experience and attention to detail were significant throughout. He completed the whole project in a very timely manner. We couldn't be more pleased. We can absolutely recommend him without reservation. **★★★★★ — Laurence Dempsey, July 2016** > My husband and I had an opportunity to work with Chris Travis when were planning our new weekend home in Fayetteville, Texas. The process involved discussions, homework, visualizing, photos and many more discussions. Chris spent a great deal of time delving into our questions, qualifying our answers. It wasn't until we completed the process did we realize how much more we knew about our relationship with a house and the specifics that would make a huge difference in our enjoyment of the space. It was an amazing result and we had not starting building. > We ended up doing a major renovation to our existing home. We had such clarity on what we wanted each room to look like and how we wanted it to be utilized and enjoyed by our family and guests. Our home has the character and utility that will last for generations. This, as a result of working with Truehome. **★★★★★ — e\_ellisjr, July 2016** > Chris did the design work our for house. This work included a redo of an old house and an add on. > > At first I was skeptical of Chris's approach but became a believer after living in the finished product. It completely fits our life style. > > The quality of the design is great and, most importantly, the completed house looks and feels like it has been the same structure from the beginning. **★★★★★ — tindallgeneralcontractors91, June 2016** > Chris is one of the Best Design/Build Profesdionals in the Industry. I have Had the Pleasure of Working with Chris on a Couple of Projects. He dedicates Himself to the Task at Hand on Every Project he is involved In. He pretty much set the Bar for some of Us on How It Really works . I would Recomend Chris for a Project of any size at any Time. Colorado your Lucky to Have Him . **★★★★★ — kenneth\_kaase, June 2016** > We used Chris for the design and construction of an 1800’s farm house which involved major renovations, modernization and additions. Through the workshop, Chris developed various design ideas that involved moving and adding windows, doors, and stairway along with repositioning the entire house. The end result has met and exceeded our needs and initial visions. From an execution standpoint, it took approximately 1 year from the start of the workshop process to design and construction completion by Chris and his team, which more than met our anxious timing. **★★★★★ — User, June 2016** > We took on remodeling our living spaces and a complete kitchen renovation, from the slab up. Getting Chris's design support was our very first step. He helped us see a way to optimize our space and functionality in more ways than we could've imagined. In the end, we were left with a design that was beyond what we expected and has truly transformed our lives. As busy parents, with busy teenagers, it cannot be overstated how valuable this is! Every single day we are so grateful for our beautiful new space, and how it is beyond what we dreamed. Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — marygreeson, June 2016** > This unique way to customize a major remodel of an antique house suited our philosophy perfectly. After living in it now for 10 years, we are still amazed at the genius involved to fit us perfectly. One of a kind! **★★★★★ — Cindy Witte, June 2016** > Very talented and easy to work with! Chris helped us renovate a building that was over 150 years old. He made great suggestions but also helped us maintain the integrity and style of the original building. We would hire him again! **★★★★★ — abracagal, June 2016** > Chris Travis designed our home eleven years ago, and a major addition in the last six years. We most appreciated the way he listened and interpreted our needs and wants in creative ways. The result has been a custom home that we enjoy as much today as when we first moved in. **★★★★★ — User, Aug. 2013** > We worked with Chris Travis several years ago as he was developing his home design methodology. Even in its early form, it was incredibly effective in helping us to identify and build in the features that made our home a perfect fit for us. To this day we remain very satisfied and love our home. Additionally, I work with Chris in several community service roles. He is dedicated, reliable and caring. His knowledge of historic architecture and construction makes him a valuable asset to the community. **★★★★★ — tlkflat, Aug. 2013** > I presently live in a residence designed and constructed by this firm. The residence is a unique structure spanning two seasonal waterways. The design and construction required creative solutions to be applied to allow the building on this non standard lot. The layout and construction of the structure required creative thinking and applications to make the layout work. The structure and wraparound deck were integrated to provide 360 degree views and access to all rooms in structure from the deck. **★★★★★ — jhawsey, Aug. 2013** > Mr. Travis is very knowledgable and exhibited great patience in our design job. My wife knew exactly what she wanted and Mr. Travis went back over many parts of our project numerous times in order to get it just right. It required some time and great patience on both sides, but in the end it was worth it because we ended up with a plan that resulted in an excellent and beautiful house. **Comment from Truehome Design Build:** > Thanks Jerry, but if I remember right, your home was closer to $500,000 than to $50,000 :-) ## Selected projects - [Wolf Springs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wolf-springs-pj-vj~1764913) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: Wolf Springs - [Washington County Farmhouse Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/washington-county-farmhouse-contemporary-pj-vj~297908) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Washington County Farmhouse Contemporary - Houston, TX - Round Top - [Arts & Crafts Meets German Farmhouse in Round Top, Texas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-meets-german-farmhouse-in-round-top-texas-pj-vj~298223) - Location: Round Top, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Farmhouse in Round Top, Texas - [Truehome Media](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/truehome-media-pj-vj~1764938) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - Description: Truehome Design Build - Media releases - [Playful Contemporary Addition to Tuscan Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/playful-contemporary-addition-to-tuscan-estate-pj-vj~1791376) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 27 - Description: Addition to Tuscan Estate - [Rustic Party Barn Second Home for Houston family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-party-barn-second-home-for-houston-family-pj-vj~298217) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 9 - Description: Rustic Party Barn Second Home in Houston, TX. - [Primitive Tuscan Near Round Top, Texas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/primitive-tuscan-near-round-top-texas-pj-vj~297920) - Location: Round Top, TX - Photos: 27 - Description: Primitive Tuscan for Houston CEO on ranch in Fayette County, Round Top, TX. - [New Roads Haus at Old Oaks Farm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-roads-haus-at-old-oaks-farm-pj-vj~1791386) - Location: Round Top, TX - Photos: 41 - [Recycled Architecture in Austin County Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/recycled-architecture-in-austin-county-retreat-pj-vj~297884) - Location: Houston area, TX - Photos: 24 - Description: Retreat for Houston family built from recycled period materials. Part of a large ranch estate outside Cat Springs, Texas. - [Eclectic Bridge Home Near Round Top, Texas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-bridge-home-near-round-top-texas-pj-vj~297938) - Location: Round Top, TX - Photos: 9 - [Round Top Family Library](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/round-top-family-library-pj-vj~297873) - Location: Round Top, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: 1920 Gothic church transformed into a public Library. - [Swede Hill Row in East Austin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/swede-hill-row-in-east-austin-pj-vj~298212) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 30 - Description: Development we designed and built across from Swede Hill Park in East Austin. Shiloh Travis was the builder. - [Glory Hill near Brenham Texas built of 1800's Structures](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glory-hill-near-brenham-texas-built-of-1800-s-structures-pj-vj~298221) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 12 - [Victorian Farmhouse in Fayette County](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-farmhouse-in-fayette-county-pj-vj~297929) - Location: La Grange, TX - Photos: 8 - [Creole Masterpiece near Chappell Hill, Texas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creole-masterpiece-near-chappell-hill-texas-pj-vj~297913) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [50's Ranch Style Total Do Over](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/50-s-ranch-style-total-do-over-pj-vj~1791389) - Location: Round Top, TX - Photos: 30 - [Raymond Two – A whimsical Guest Suite for a Tuscan Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/raymond-two-a-whimsical-guest-suite-for-a-tuscan-home-pj-vj~7243361) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: This spacious addition was designed to be the guest suite for the grandchildren of the owner and his wife. She, like many of our past clients, had a lot of design skills of her own so everything we did there was a collaboration. We had designed the main Tuscan residence a few years before. A few years after the first build, we got a call from the homeowner saying they needed a new addition. This playful project was the result. It still has Tuscan bones, but it also includes many diverse and arre… - [Pohlen/Refka Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pohlen-refka-home-pj-vj~7243357) - Location: Bailey, CO - Photos: 17 - Description: These clients used the Truehome Workshop approach, which led to several discoveries that had a powerful influence on the design. While it was not obvious early on, the firm discovered that the wife had serious medical problems. The existing house had a first-floor bedroom where she often slept, but at times she was not able to climb the stairs. This meant that during the mountain winters, she often had to go outside and walk through the snow to get to the kitchen, the utility space and the dinin… - [The Ice House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-ice-house-pj-vj~7243351) - Location: Pine, CO - Photos: 22 - Description: This project was a distressed fixer-upper when the couple who made the improvements bought it almost a decade ago. It was a mess of a house, but it was built in an incredibly beautiful setting. It is set in a historic rustic resort built in the first two decades after the start of the twentieth century. A year-round creek runs under the original bridge that was built when the 1920s cabin was originally on the site but burned down in the late 1980s. The house is private, with no adjacent neighbor… - [Twig Masterpiece](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twig-masterpiece-pj-vj~2111868) - Location: Round Rock, TX - Photos: 7 - Description: This simple brick ranch house needed an update. The clients had some fine twig furniture and wanted something different. So we designed the twig dining porch, fire pit and other improvements to transform their plain home into something special. [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/truehome-design-build-pfvwus-pf~25261871) ## Ideabooks - [Rein garage/studio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151997731/list/rein-garage-studio) — 9 ideas - [Rein images - Rich](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151994729/list/rein-images-rich) — 78 ideas - [Rein Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151993876/list/rein-project) — 61 ideas - [Stairways, balustrades contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/150195430/list/stairways-balustrades-contemporary) — 34 ideas - [Westerberg](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141786665/list/westerberg) — 1 idea - [Congleton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140419866/list/congleton) — 10 ideas - [test](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109520535/list/test) — 2 ideas - [clawater](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84058312/list/clawater) — 3 ideas - [Raymond farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87222913/list/raymond-farmhouse) — 44 ideas - [Bell Project Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30188386/list/bell-project-ideas) — 4 ideas - [Kids play room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30288370/list/kids-play-room) — 1 idea - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30154082/list/kitchens) — 22 ideas [See all 12 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/truehomeguy) ## Community Q&A **Q: curious as to cost per sq foot and if there are any interior pic's** *(in Photo Questions)* A: See more pics of this project in our portfolio - http://www.houzz.com/projects/298217/Rustic-Party-Barn-Second-Home-for-Houston-family The cost of this project would be about $225 per sq, ft, for HVAC space. But is requires a specialized contractor. We do a lot of this kind of design and construction in Texas. Not sure what the cost would be in other markets. **Q: Could you please tell me who makes the ceiling fan?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I am sorry, the fan was supplied by the owner. I don't know its brand and model. So sorry. **Q: Chairs** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you get those chairs? A: At the Round Top antiques show from a vendor. Next one is coming up the last two weeks in March and the first week in April. **Q: Would you happen to know the paint color and stain color for the kitchen cabinets? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Jilllaye, We built these cabinets so it was not a pre-manufactured finish. Our painter, who is an expert in faux antique finishes applied the finish. Basically it is a base coat of a light cream colored enamel, witch a hand-applied glaze over it. You should be able to take the image to a quality paint supplier (not a big box store) and get an idea how such glazes are applied. Good luck! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-19.*