Discover how LUKA Design & Build weaves family values into its custom luxury homes 

Nestled in the heart of the American State of Virginia, LUKA Design & Build (LUKA) has been turning dreams into homes since 2015. More than just a builder, LUKA sees itself as a storyteller and heirloom creator dedicated to preserving the essence of a home. Most importantly, the company fosters a sense of family and belonging both internally and with its customers. Bringing an unparalleled level of passion to every project, LUKA ensures that each detail from initial design to final delivery reflects its commitment to creating a sanctuary where memories are made, laughter is shared, and life’s most precious moments are celebrated. Cecilia Hazou, Co-Founder, joins Modern Home Builders to discuss how her and her husband, Sergio, have grown the company to its current position.  

“Back in 2015, LUKA was founded with the clear vision to create harmonious, value-driven homes that embody our family ethos as a family-owned business. We operate as a luxury design-build firm, emphasizing timeless luxury and refined craftsmanship. Besides our core custom luxury home builds and renovations, we also undertake spec homes, primarily in the Metro DC area. During the construction process, we work directly with our clients to understand their needs and tailor their homes accordingly. Our houses typically range from 8000 to 12,000 square feet and each one of them is unique, designed either in direct collaboration with the client or based on our interpretation of their desires for the property,” she opens. 

Prior to establishing LUKA, Cecilia had already gained considerable experience in the homebuilding sector. Reflecting on her career journey, she shares what motivated her and Sergio to launch their own business in Virginia. “My passion for design was the starting point. In my home country of Bolivia, I had my own company where I used to work alongside my mom, an interior decorator. Growing up surrounded by her work and constantly observing what she was doing, I developed a deep love for design. Thus, I went on to study interior design at the University of Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Once I completed my degree, I returned to Bolivia to open my business there. Before we got married, Sergio and I then decided to move to the US to pursue our shared dream of starting a design-based business. Back in Bolivia, my husband had joined me in the business, discovering his knack for storytelling through home building and leveraging his background in business administration. Without Sergio as my partner, LUKA would not be what it is today.  

“Our journey began with a focus on design, as we obtained our licenses and delved into designing and building homes. Acting as a project manager, Sergio was in charge of overseeing the construction process of every single project, while I was taking care of the design aspects. Originally named Cecilia Design and Builds, our company rebranded to LUKA after the birth of our daughters, Lua and Kaia. The name ‘LUKA’ is a blend of both of their initials, symbolizing our love for family and our aspirations for their future. Our ethos revolves around being a family-owned business, where every individual, including our clients, is welcomed into our extended family,” she adds. 

Enduring relationships 

Cecilia and Sergio have recently started working on a project different from the custom homes LUKA is used to, showcasing their versatile skillset. “Currently, we have a large development project underway in Georgetown, Virginia. This development, named Acanti, will feature four stunning houses that will be named after members of our family. Situated on expansive nine-acre lots, these homes will be large in scale, spanning around 12,000 square feet, each complete with its own private pool. We are particularly happy and excited to start working on this project as we have spent years planning and preparing for it, from the intricacies of lot subdivision to the finer details.” 

As LUKA celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Cecilia sheds light on the factors that have been crucial to reaching this milestone. “I believe that our origins as a family-owned business, starting a decade ago as a husband-and-wife duo, have been instrumental to our enduring success. Fast forward to today, we are a husband-and-wife team with two children, fostering the sense of a family legacy that we cherish. We fully embrace the philosophy of creating homes that are not only personal but also long-lasting, with collaboration consistently at the heart of our work and passion. Working closely with my husband, the genuine and enduring relationships we have nurtured have been essential to reaching this ten-year anniversary milestone. 

“LUKA is not only about luxury, but also about intention, a principle that is fundamental to us. We work very hard. Building this company with my husband from the ground up has been a journey of hard work and dedication to our vision and ambitions. The early days were challenging, as they are for many businesses, but we have overcome those difficulties and are extremely grateful for how far we have come. I believe that with a clear vision, a strong partnership, a dedicated team and the right intention, anyone can achieve their goals. We are honored to go beyond building homes to craft legacies. Behind every clean line and carefully curated material lies a story of family and a vision for the future,” she concludes. 

LUKA’s decade-long legacy exemplifies the power of family and passion in elevating the art of homebuilding.  

www.lukabuilders.com