Delivering complex luxury homes, Vought Construction prioritizes relationships throughout the process
Founded in 2010, Vought Construction (Vought) has grown from humble beginnings into a boutique construction firm specializing in luxury hillside homes. Based in Berkeley, California, Vought serves clients building architecturally ambitious homes with exacting standards. Regardless of how complex the company’s projects are, often including elements like music studios, glass curtain walls, and elevators, Vought ensures a positive and seamless experience for clients, delivering a high-touch, end-to-end service that’s thoughtful, polished, and unforgettable.
President Devon Vought shares an insider view on the company’s growth and evolution so far. “Our roots go back to when I was a young handyman prepping homes for realtors in the East Bay,” he opens. “I didn’t follow a traditional path, as I struggled in school but found direction in the trades. What began as prep work for homes on the market turned into bathroom remodels, then kitchens, and eventually whole-house renovations. At 22, I became one of the youngest licensed general contractors in California. I quickly realized that if I focused on providing the absolute best experience, clients would keep coming back. I’ve evolved from being a tradesperson to running a full-service management company, but the mindset and foundation are the same: doing great work, being present, and treating people with care.
“Our services span the entire project lifecycle, from preconstruction planning and permitting to construction management and warranty care. We often serve as the bridge between architect and homeowner, providing clarity, structure, and communication that brings everyone’s vision together. In addition to construction, we manage neighborhood relationships, host housewarming events for our clients, and maintain ongoing client care.
“We bring transparency and personalization to every step of the homebuilding process,” Devon states. “Clients get daily updates through texts, emails, a shared Google photo album, and full access to their project data via JobTread, which is especially helpful when they’re remote. Beyond tech, we host weekly site meetings, take clients to dinner, and celebrate the finish line in a big way, hosting housewarming parties that bring neighbors, friends, and the design team together.”
Collaborative process
In terms of projects, we ask Devon to reflect on his favorite homes to date. “One that truly stands out is the Claremont Hills Residence, a modern hillside home in Berkley that embodies our values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and design excellence,” Devon shares. “The original home was completed in 2022, but around one year later, we returned to create a hillside luxury deck that expanded the property into a full-blown sanctuary. Featuring a soundproof music studio, steam sauna, and high-end finishes like fumed eucalyptus cabinetry, Zimbabwe flamed granite counters, and wide-plank white-washed oak floors, the home is a masterclass in high-performance living. It’s powered by a 20-kWh solar array with a 17-kWh battery backup, all wrapped in R-50 ceiling insulation and R-30 walls, resulting in an extremely tight envelope that prioritizes comfort without compromise.
“The homeowners were deeply involved throughout the process, and we worked closely together on every material and design decision. After completing the house, we were brought back to design and build a multi-tiered outdoor deck that could meet the same standard of performance and beauty. Built into the slope using reinforced concrete piers and retaining walls, the deck includes an outdoor kitchen, fire pit lounge, floating concrete steps, a sauna with mahogany interiors, and an eight-person hot tub. The deck is finished in reclaimed Fijian mahogany, with custom glass-and-steel railings that preserve panoramic views while offering wind protection and elegance.
“What makes this project my favorite isn’t just the architecture or engineering, but the complete journey,” Devon states. “From the first site meeting to the housewarming party, and then another gathering one year later with 70 guests enjoying the new deck under soft lights, it was a collaborative process grounded in trust, vision, and shared pride in the result.”
Award-winning project
Vought recently won an award for its work on the Buena Vista Residence; a 1936 home perched on the edge of the old Dunn-Spring Quarry in North Berkeley. “This was one of the most technically complex and historically sensitive projects we’ve undertaken, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of,” Devon states. “The original home was just 1100 square feet, but to create the expanded living space the homeowners envisioned, we developed a cantilevered addition that extends eight feet over the cliffside.
“What made this project award-worthy wasn’t just the engineering, but the preservation ethos behind every decision, as the homeowners and architect were deeply committed to honoring the home’s original character. We sourced old-growth redwood to match the exterior siding, handmade tiles, and wide-plank oak floors to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture, and we even commissioned a local ironsmith to recreate the original 90-year-old ironwork. This was more than an addition; it was a restoration that bridged eras. The project received recognition from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association and stands as a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship, structural ingenuity, and preservation come together.” 
Chasing excellence
Vought is currently in the process of building one of its most ambitious projects – a ground-up custom home on Shirley Drive in the Oakland Hills. “This is a flagship project for 2025, and we’re excited to see it take shape,” Devon explains. “It’s a technically challenging site with deep excavation, complex retaining walls, and a sharp elevation drop that requires precision at every stage. This project really reflects where Vought Construction is heading, pushing the limits of site engineering while delivering a curated, luxury client experience.
“The design is bold: dramatic volumes, expansive glazing, and thoughtful integration of indoor-outdoor living spaces that capture the hillside views. We’re working closely with the architect and consultants to resolve structural conditions early in preconstruction, coordinating everything from the elevator shaft to the future mechanical systems and even a dog wash station in the mudroom. Beyond the structure, we’re investing in previsualization tools and AI-supported coordination workflows to manage complexity while keeping the client fully in the loop. It’s a modern home for a modern client, and it showcases our approach to high-touch construction management, technical fluency, and creative problem-solving.”
Thinking about the future, Devon’s priority is to execute flawlessly on current projects, refine internal systems to drive efficiency, and elevate the client’s journey even further. “I want Vought to be the name people think of when they hear ‘luxury hillside builders’ in the Bay Area. We’re not chasing volume, we’re chasing excellence,” Devon concludes. “In five years, I envision Vought as a highly systemized, tightly run company that takes on a limited number of high impact homes each year.”