Rizen Homes is shaping Middle Tennessee growth through design, stewardship, and local insight
On a parcel of land in North Murfreesboro sits a cabin built in 1824. Deer still move through the property, and water runs along its rear boundary. Mature oak trees remain in place. In a region where growth continues to reshape the landscape, the site’s future could have looked very different.
When the property came up for auction, Rizen Homes’ (Rizen) owner Dewayne Beard saw an opportunity that went beyond simple development. The site could have become commercial property, but instead, it became Rooster Hill, a private community with approximately eight homesites on about 7.5 acres. For Dewayne, this decision reflects the philosophy behind every Rizen project. “I had to make a choice: preserve Tennessee’s history or put up a gas station. A gas station probably would have made more money, but for me, it’s more meaningful to preserve a piece of our state’s story.”
The project now sits at the center of Rizen Homes’ story. It explains why the company exists. Serving Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Smyrna, and surrounding communities, Rizen Homes builds custom residences, develops homes for investors, and undertakes renovation projects. Yet its identity is shaped less by volume than by a willingness to question how growth should happen in one of the country’s fastest-expanding regions.
For Dewayne, homebuilding grew out of years in real estate, investment, and development. “I wanted to be the person handing over the keys, not just the one selling the land. We’re not only thinking about construction. We think about the home as an asset for the family, for the land, and for the future.” Every choice affects the family who will live there, the land it sits on, and how it will fit into the market down the road. “We approach it more like a custom build. What would look best here? We look at other homes in the area, study some of the historic houses, and then decide what house would suit the neighborhood.”
Working in partnership
In a region where development often rewards speed and scale, Rizen’s projects show what it means to take a more thoughtful approach. In Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Belmont area, Rizen is building a French Tudor-inspired home in a historic district. Details like stonework, natural wood tones, rooflines, and window treatments connect directly to the neighborhood’s look and feel. The aim isn’t to recreate the past, but to make sure new construction fits comfortably alongside it.
That philosophy faced its biggest test in Chapel Hill, where five wooded acres offered a choice: reshape the landscape or work with what’s already there. Instead of clearing the land for convenience, the team designed the home around the views, privacy, and natural features. Dwayne reflects, “We purposely didn’t clear all the trees. When you drive up, you see the house through the tree line, which I think is beautiful. It keeps the natural charm of the area.”
The Chapel Hill project highlights a shift happening across Middle Tennessee’s housing market. After years of rapid growth, buyers are getting more selective about design, character, and location. Dewayne points to what’s actually selling right now. “Today, it’s a buyer’s market. The homes selling now are the ones that stand out; they’re intentional and designed to fit the area. They have a custom feel buyers are looking for.”
As buyer preferences move in this direction, Rizen’s leadership notices a growing demand for homes that feel connected to their surroundings, not just built from a template. Features like stonework, arches, detailed millwork, and built-ins are making a comeback as buyers look for character that’s often missing in newer homes.
While Dewayne leads design, planning, and growth strategy, Project Manager and part-owner Chase Prater oversees field operations. The two had known each other years earlier and reconnected unexpectedly at a gym. That relationship eventually developed into a business partnership built around complementary responsibilities.
Today, Chase manages construction operations, coordinates subcontractors, oversees quality control, and works closely with clients throughout the build. “It works well because we each have our own strengths.” As the company grows, their distinct roles matter more than ever.
Rizen completes about ten projects each year, with most builds taking five to six months. Chase explains, “It all comes down to organization before breaking ground, having everything lined up and being diligent. We hold each other accountable. If one thing falls behind, it’s a domino effect.”
Dedicated to communities
Growth has prompted the company to strengthen its project leadership team. The newest addition is superintendent Danny Beard, who oversees Rizen’s Davidson County projects and supports field operations as the company expands its presence across the region.
Rizen works with trade partners who know its expectations and rhythm. That consistency keeps projects running smoothly and ensures hands-on supervision on-site. For both leaders, growth only matters if they maintain that level of attention. “I never want to be a quantity builder. Quality comes first, and I always want our customers to feel like they’re our top priority,” Chase highlights.
Along with its residential work, Rizen plans to launch a commercial construction division by early 2027. This move comes in response to investor requests and draws on Dewayne’s broad experience in commercial property and land ownership. It also gives the company room to adapt as investor interest grows.
“Being able to pivot like that will help us in the long run,” Chase observes. Both leaders stay focused on their communities. As Middle Tennessee draws more investment, national builders, and new residents, Dewayne and Chase believe local developers like themselves still have a real chance to shape the future.
For Chase, that responsibility goes beyond building homes. “I’d rather be known locally than have a million followers on Instagram. I want to give back, support local events, and show we’re committed to making this town better. At the end of the day, we care about people, not just the bottom line.” What matters is what people think when they see a Rizen home.
As Rooster Hill moves closer to reality and the business prepares for its next phase, Dewayne measures success the same way he always has. “My goal isn’t to be the biggest builder in town. I want to be the best. I want Rizen Homes to be the name people think of when they see homes that stand out for the right reasons,” Dewayne concludes.
