Israel Pena:
THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND AUTHENTIC CUSTOM HOMES
By Ben Schooley
Cordillera Ranch Living
Israel Pena, President of Authentic Custom Homes, is no stranger to Cordillera Ranch. Having built over 50 homes in Cordillera Ranch alone, Israel has established himself and Authentic Custom Homes as one of the most sought-after builders in one of the most exclusive developments in the Hill Country.
 After graduating from the University of Texas' School of Architecture in 1971, Israel and his family moved to Boerne and began business as Authentic Custom Homes in 1985. "As a youngster I worked construction, so I know that part of the business well. When I went to architecture school, it was a natural fit. So before I graduated, I knew that I wanted to specialize in housing. I felt the home was the single most important purchase a family makes. Designing the living environment for a family is very significant and personal. So when I graduated I went to work in the construction management side of the business and quickly moved on to working on my own."
The 'design-build process" is one that Israel is quite passionate about. "I really wanted to be able to create a house on paper and see it through to the end when it is delivered to the homeowner. We really do consider the client part of our corporate family. The design-build concept is something we have perfected over the years, and we want the process to be enjoyable and memorable, and something that the family will look back fondly on. The entire team is focused on making it easy on the client."
After housing the company's operations in north San Antonio for many years, Israel says that the decision to move the company's headquarters to Boerne was an obvious one. "Early on, 80% of our business was in San Antonio. Only a fraction of our customers were building in the Hill Country. However, in 2002, the business had changed to where 80% of our business was here in Boerne, and so it made sense to move the offices here. We rarely even go into San Antonio anymore. It enables us to keep our reigns on the business even more effectively, and makes us more convenient for more of our customers."
In terms of design, several different philosophies have crossed Israel's desk. As people's needs and tastes have changed, so have their design ideas. However, Israel has worked hard to keep Authentic Custom Homes' core focus on their strengths, while not impressing too many opinions on the client. "I am best known for my hill country designs of our homes. A few years ago, I resisted the ideas to do the whole 'Tuscan villa' design. So it took awhile for me to develop our own 'old world' product, which is more of a hacienda European style house. We've been very pleased with the reception we have had, and the emphasis becomes more on the customer's wants and needs. We are here to serve you and help you fulfill your dreams. We're not here to impress our styles on the client, we are here to interpret and help create a home based on the customer's preferences and dreams."
As for Cordillera Ranch, Israel feels honored to be part of such an amazing community. "In the many years I've been in this business, we've been in numerous developments. Cordillera Ranch is the shining example of developing a very effective community, and responsible restrictions, and they have really enhanced the value and appreciation of the properties by doing that. From an architectural standpoint, I'm very appreciative of that because the standards are very high. I'm so proud to be a part of Cordillera Ranch."
As Authentic Custom Homes continues to prosper, Israel is excited about the future. "The future is very good. I've got a great team of people around me, and I'm a strong believer in a team approach that can serve the client better. By establishing a team of people that are experts at what they do, and deliver the same message that has brought us the success we have, we will continue to grow and prosper. There is great strength in our team. The future is bright here, and I'm enthusiastic about the future of Boerne, and the future of Cordillera Ranch."
For more information contact King Bravo at #830-816-7100. |
