Into the legacy of Manship Builders: crafting custom homes with unmatched expertise since 1983
Family-owned and operated since its inception in the 1980s, Manship Builders has been recognized as one of America’s most prestigious builders through numerous awards. By prioritizing expert craftsmanship, the company constructs superior custom homes of a quality that is second to none, ensuring exemplary customer service and satisfaction throughout the process. Manship Builders is equipped to build homes spanning countless styles, including Industrial, Classical, Southwestern, Mediterranean, or Contemporary, enabling it to meet each client’s unique needs. This versatile approach results in homes requiring minimal maintenance but providing maximum efficiency and effectively standing the test of time. Chris Manship, Director of Business and Construction, provides a brief overview of the company.
“Manship Builders has remained a steadfast family-owned enterprise since its establishment 40 years ago by my father, Jim Manship,” he begins. “Nationally and internationally renowned for excellence in both residential and commercial construction, our homes grace the pages of esteemed publications such as BUILD Magazine, Artful Living, and Luxe. Our story began in 1983, when Jim created R.J. Manship Construction, which specialized in custom homes and commercial buildings across Arizona. In 1995, Manship Builders as we now know it was born, focusing exclusively on crafting luxurious custom residences. Today, we continue the Manship Builders legacy by bringing our clients’ unique visions to life with unparalleled dedication, quality, and craftsmanship,” he adds.
On that note, Chris explores Manship Builders’ practical and collaborative process, which enables the company to continuously deliver uniquely breathtaking homes. “Our projects begin as someone’s dream home, and it is our job to make that dream a reality. We are there each step of the way as that idea takes shape, integrating architects, engineers and designers to create a buildable concept on paper for our clients. Once we are on the site, we are further able to achieve perfection across our residences by integrating our homes into the desert landscape. This may include building homes into hillsides or using naturally occurring boulders and native foliage salvaged from the site, thereby seamlessly blending the desert landscape to the doorstep.
“By doing so, we ensure that each home harmonizes with its surroundings, creating a living environment that feels both natural and refined. For me, the most profound aspect of this process is the relationships forged along the way. Success hinges on a cohesive team dedicated to each other and the project. In my view, the most gratifying moments arise from collaborating with clients, architects, and interior designers. Most of all, knowing that the resulting home will stand as a testament of our collective work long after completion fills me with pride – it is a legacy I am honored to continue and to leave behind,” he shares.
Business ethos
Manship Builders’ homebuilding process is a reflection of its people-focused company culture, as Chris points out: “At Manship Builders, our culture revolves around one fundamental belief: earning respect is rooted in the ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic and deep mastery of our craft. To that end, our supervisors lead by example, which means they would never assign tasks they wouldn’t undertake themselves. Not only is this principle crucial for the successful completion of our projects, but also for effective leadership within our team.
“Our Project Superintendents play a pivotal role in managing jobsites, coordinating with clients, staffing projects, and overseeing project supervision and management. They all exhibit strong leadership qualities as they guide on-site crews to meet schedules, maintain quality, and adhere to budgets. In partnership with them, our administrative team comprises college graduates who adeptly handle the non-construction facets essential for running a successful company. Their expertise reassures clients of the excellence we uphold across all aspects of our operations. Lastly, the longevity of our dedicated laborers, many of whom have been working with us for over two decades, embodies our ethos,” he goes on.
As our interview comes to a close, Chris enlightens: “It is our hope that Manship Builders will always stand out from our competitors through its customer centered approach. Exceptional service and complete customer satisfaction is paramount to us throughout every project we undertake. We understand that building a custom property is a significant investment and a deeply personal decision for our clients. That is why it is so important to us to collaborate closely with them, guiding them through every step of the process to bring their visions to life. For us, building a custom home goes beyond mere construction – it is about fostering a collaborative and meticulous experience that integrates our clients into the Manship Builders family, for the life of their home and beyond,” he ends.