From the drawing table to the job site.

Chris Hawkins

OWNER OPERATOR

Chris leads Hawkins Design Build with a passion for both designing and building exceptional homes. He personally designs and draws each home Hawkins builds, developing the floor plans, elevations, architectural character, and details that shape the project from its earliest concepts. His construction background is an integral part of that design process, allowing him to consider how a home will look, feel, and ultimately be built from the first line on the page.

Born and raised in Lake Lotawana, Chris began working in residential construction in his early teens under Greg Smetanka, where he spent years learning high-end building and remodeling from the ground up. He eventually moved into managing increasingly complex residential projects before leading large commercial work in Kansas City’s Crossroads District.

In 2020, Chris returned to Lake Lotawana to pursue the work he has always been most passionate about. Hawkins Design Build grew from that passion and a desire to create homes where the design, details, and quality of construction are considered with equal importance.

Today, Chris remains hands-on with every Hawkins project, from the first sketch through the final details. For him, the work has always been personal. He cares deeply about what gets drawn, what gets built, and ultimately what Hawkins puts its name on.

Meet the Team

  • Jesse Oder

    SUPERINTENDENT

    Jesse leads construction in the field at Hawkins Design Build, overseeing each project from the early stages of construction through completion. With more than 20 years of experience in custom residential construction, he works closely with our trade partners and internal team to coordinate the work, maintain quality, and make sure the details established during design are carried through in the field.

  • Alyssa Varone

    INTERIOR DESIGNER

    Alyssa leads client experience and design coordination at Hawkins Design Build, helping clients navigate the many decisions that come with designing and building a custom home. With more than a decade of experience in the construction and design industry, she works closely with clients, Chris, and the construction team to coordinate selections, organize design details, and make sure decisions are made at the right time and carried through into construction.

  • Rachel Watts

    OFFICE/MARKETING MANAGER

    Rachel manages marketing and office operations at Hawkins Design Build. She keeps the office organized, manages much of the day to day administrative work, and coordinates the company’s marketing, advertising, and community involvement. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from UMKC, she brings both a marketing background and strong organizational skills to the team.

  • Brian Bixby

    JOURNEYMAN

    Brian has spent his entire life around high end residential construction, learning the trade from his father, Wayne Bixby, a longtime builder at Lake Lotawana. That background shows in his work today. As a lead carpenter at Hawkins Design Build, Brian brings decades of hands on experience and a level of carpentry skill that comes from years of doing the work. His attention to detail and understanding of how a home should be built help set the standard for our work in the field.

  • Brody Bixby

    JOURNEYMAN/APPRENTICE

    Brody is the third generation of the Bixby family to work in construction at Lake Lotawana. Following his grandfather Wayne and his father Brian, he is learning the trade from the ground up and continuing a family tradition that spans decades at the lake. As an apprentice at Hawkins Design Build, Brody works alongside our experienced carpenters, developing the skills and attention to detail that will allow him to carry that tradition forward for years to come.

  • Edward Wilson

    JOURNEYMAN

    Ed is a skilled finish carpenter whose experience and craftsmanship show in the details of his work. At Hawkins Design Build, he focuses on the finish work that gives a home its final character, from trim and cabinetry details to the custom elements that require a practiced hand and a good eye. His experience, attention to detail, and pride in his work make him an important part of the quality we expect from every Hawkins project.

Join Our Team