Strahan Construction crafts high-end, personalized homes with unmatched quality and care
Strahan Construction (Strahan) is a custom home builder, specializing in high-end homes across Ankeny, Polk City and the surrounding Des Moines, Iowa, areas. Since 1986, Strahan has built over 800 custom homes.
The company is committed to building homes that incorporate the highest quality materials and construction processes, combined with distinguished design that make them stand apart in communities around central Iowa. Founded by Reid and Cindy Strahan, the company specializes in building custom homes that showcase the individual personality of each client and create a living space perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
Strahan homes feature one-of-a-kind layouts, dramatic curb appeal, intricate design details and stunning architecture throughout. By limiting the number of homes built each year, clients are supported directly by the entire team throughout the build process, resulting in a building experience that is second to none. This commitment to client care has earned the company a reputation for honesty, integrity and the highest level of customer satisfaction in the area.
“Strahan Construction was started by my parents in the late 80s,” Luke Strahan, President, begins. “They had a real passion for building beautiful homes. Back then, houses tended to lack charm, style, and character; there were a lot of plain, uninspiring homes being built. My parents, however, had a vision for something different. They wanted to bring back curb appeal, natural light, and that sense of old-world charm that makes a home feel special. They also wanted to build houses in such a way that honored God with the quality and beauty of each home, and in way that they treated people. That vision was really the foundation for the company.
Hands-on approach
“Our niche in the market has always been building high-quality homes with timeless beauty,” Luke continues. “Whether it’s a 3000-square-foot home or a 7000-square-foot home, the focus isn’t on size; it’s on creating something special with great curb appeal and lasting charm.
“We only build about eight houses a year, so I’m heavily involved in every single one. My wife is an artist, and every morning over coffee we’ll talk through ideas, she’ll sketch up concept art for new designs, and we’ll collaborate on how to make each home the most beautiful Strahan Construction project yet. It’s such a fun and inspiring part of the process, having her artistic eye shape what we create.
“For me, the project I’m most excited about is always the next one. I’ve just started design work on a home for 2027, and I’m already hoping it becomes the best we’ve ever built.”
Strahan offers a building experience that is second to none from kick-off to post-construction support. The Strahan design process is carried out in-house. Clients work directly with Luke and the rest of the team to ensure every design detail is perfectly suited to their needs.
Long-term relationships
“Customer service has always been one of the hardest parts of homebuilding, but it’s also the easiest way to set yourself apart,” Luke adds. “Before my parents started the business, they’d heard all the horror stories about builders who didn’t take care of their clients. So, right from the very beginning, they decided: this is where we’re going to excel.
“Honestly, it can be a low bar in our industry, but we made a commitment to completely smash that bar and be the best at it. We all live in our own developments: my dad, my project manager, and I each live in homes we’ve built. Our only option is to take great care of our customers, because they’re also our neighbors.
“Every house around me is one I’ve built, and that keeps us accountable, but it’s also what makes this work so rewarding. I genuinely love problem-solving and taking care of people. When you approach customer service as a long-term relationship, it makes homebuilding fun.
“Because of social media, in some ways everything is a trend. There’s just so much coming at us from every direction. What I do see, though, is that people still have a real love for timeless beauty; for architecture that calls back to the past, but with a modern twist,” he elaborates. “Clients often tell me they don’t want their house to feel ‘too trendy,’ and I always say that if something is done well, it stands the test of time. Even if a particular style comes and goes, a well-designed home will still look beautiful in ten, 20, and even 30 years’ time. So, I don’t focus too much on chasing trends. I focus on doing things well because when you walk through a neighborhood that’s 70 years old, it’s the homes built with vision and craftsmanship that still stand out.”
Family legacy
With projects in communities throughout Ankeny, Polk City and the surrounding Des Moines areas, one such example is Antler Ridge. This wooded secluded development is located conveniently between Ankeny and Polk City, and just a 25-minute drive to Ames and West Des Moines. Bike trails, Saylorville Lake, Big Creek Lake and beautiful parks are also within a few minutes’ drive.
“I’m really excited about next year,” Luke shares. “We’ve got all kinds of projects in the works; some great homes just breaking ground now and several creative designs set to start in 2026. I love that part of the process, seeing what we’ve put down on paper come to life.
“It never really ends in homebuilding; there’s always something new and inspiring on the horizon. We’ve got some especially unique and interesting houses coming up that I can’t wait to walk through once they’re finished and see how all those ideas come together.”
Looking to the future, Luke discusses his vision for the coming years. “I have five kids, so in five years, I’m really looking forward to growing the family business alongside them. My oldest son is starting his first year with Strahan Construction this year, and in a few more years, a couple of the others will be joining as well. I can’t wait to get back out in the field, swinging a hammer, teaching them how to build houses, and passing along the skills and passion that my parents instilled in me. That’s how I see the next chapter,” he concludes, “building both homes and a family legacy together.”