DesignWorks Development

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.

* * * 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!!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!!!

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!!!

We have just started the design process, but Rodney has already impressed us with his ideas and willingness to listen to ours as well.

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.

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.

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!