RJ Smith Co.

Describe the featured project.

Tucked into the heart of Manhattan Beach’s coveted Tree Section, Poinsettia is a 4,354-square-foot new build that reimagines Classic French Traditional design for modern luxury living. With 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths and an architectural sensibility rooted in elegance and proportion, this home is a seamless blend of timeless style and exceptional craftsmanship. This home was a collaboration with RJ Smith Construction, Tomaro Architecture and Stewart Design Inc.

What’s the first thing you want to understand about a client before you begin a project?

Before we discuss design or aesthetics, we want to understand three things: how you want to live in your home, your budget and your timeline. Many clients come to us first—before selecting an architect or interior designer—which isn’t typical in the industry. By starting with us, clients benefit from strategic matchmaking based on style, budget and project compatibility. We’re not just recommending names; we’re building dream teams. 

That kind of intentional partnership-building from the start separates good projects from great ones. Real collaboration isn’t just executing plans. It’s constant communication, proactive problem-solving and understanding how every decision ripples through the project. 

What small detail makes a big difference in everyday living?

The details that make the biggest difference are often invisible, or they should be. Perfectly aligned doorjambs so every door closes smoothly. Window installations that create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions without air leaks. Countertop overhangs calculated for comfortable seating. These aren’t glamorous details, but in luxury home-building they are the silent expectation. One well-executed detail might go unnoticed, but hundreds of them create a home that simply works—intuitively, beautifully and permanently.

What makes a client relationship truly successful?

A truly successful relationship doesn’t end when we hand over keys. Many projects start with our site preparation and demolition services. From there we move into construction, where our craftsmanship and project management shine as we coordinate with various design trade professionals. But we don’t disappear after completion. Through Homecare, our luxury home management services, we stay connected—handling seasonal maintenance, coordinating repairs and being the first call when something needs attention. Our clients aren’t just hiring a builder; they’re gaining a partner invested in their home from the ground up and for years to come. 

Project photographed by Lauren Taylor  |  RJ photographed by Jeffrey Fiterman