BGD&C

What BGD&C does

BGD&C is a Chicago-based, privately held luxury custom home design and construction firm founded in 1986 by Rodger Owen and Charles Grode and headquartered on the Magnificent Mile at 875 N. Michigan Avenue. Operating under an integrated design/build model, the company delivers land acquisition, zoning analysis, architectural and engineering design, general contracting, and project management as a single engagement, eliminating miscommunication between trades. Homes are delivered in two phases — a Phase I Preliminary Feasibility Study (retainer of typically $10,000–$15,000 plus a 5% earnest money deposit) and a Phase II full design/build execution — with detailed working drawings in which every element is engineered and dimensioned and transparent cost pass-through to the client. The firm never builds spec houses; every project is a one-of-a-kind commission.

The company serves high-net-worth individuals and families in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Gold Coast neighborhoods, delivering residences typically in the 8,400 to over 12,000 square foot range, with notable completed homes including the $12.6 million Lincoln Park Mediterranean (2021's highest-priced Chicago home sale) and the Lincoln Park Venetian. BGD&C employs a small team of 11–50, including LEED-certified professionals, and curates a long-standing partner ecosystem of premier interior designers (Studio Gild, Suzanne Lovell, Darcy Bonner, Kadlec Architecture) and landscape architects (Scott Byron & Co., Hoerr Schaudt, Mariani Landscape). Its competitive position is reinforced by national and regional recognition including the first-ever Diamond Key Award from HBAGC (2017), the NAHB Best in American Living Gold Award (2019), the Luxe Red Award (2020), and inclusion in The BOND Custom Top 100 (2018).

Revenue is generated almost entirely through project-based, custom design/build contracts, with a secondary stream from renovations of existing luxury properties and ancillary land acquisition services. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is project-specific; clients engage through referrals, broker relationships, and earned media, and the firm maintains long-tenure client relationships that often span decades and multiple homes. The company is founder-owned, has no external institutional investment, and operates with no stated expansion or exit strategy, preserving a deliberately boutique positioning over volume growth.

Name

BGD&C

Legal name

BGD&C

Website

https://bgdchomes.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BGD&C is a Chicago-based, founder-owned luxury custom home design and construction firm founded in 1986, serving high-net-worth clients in Lincoln Park and Gold Coast through an integrated design/build model that delivers one-of-a-kind residences in the $8M–$12M+ range, plus renovations and land acquisition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Custom Home Construction

NAICS

Residential Remodelers (236118)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders (IMAFABAE)

Keywords

• Luxury custom homes
• Residential design build
• Home construction services
• Architectural design build
• Custom home renovations

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Home Design/Build: BGD&C generates revenue through full-service custom home design and construction. Phase I involves a Preliminary Feasibility Study with a retainer ($10k–$15k typically) and earnest money deposit (5% of land cost). Phase II includes architectural/engineering services and general contracting with startup fees for design & engineering phase. The company also provides renovation services for existing properties.
2. Land Acquisition Services: The company buys and inventories unique multi-lot properties for potential homebuyers and can also assist in land search, providing an additional service revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

BGD&C is a Chicago-based luxury custom home design and construction firm that delivers fully integrated design/build services, including land acquisition, architectural design, engineering, and general contracting for one-of-a-kind custom homes. The company operates a two-phase model — a Preliminary Feasibility Study followed by a full Design/Build Project — and supplements new construction with large-scale home renovations, all serving high-net-worth clients in Lincoln Park and Gold Coast.

Product overview

BGD&C is a luxury custom home design and construction firm specializing in one-of-a-kind custom homes in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Gold Coast neighborhoods. Founded in 1986, the company operates a design/build construction model combining Phase I Preliminary Feasibility Study (including zoning, design concept, budget analysis) and Phase II Full Design/Build Project (architectural/engineering services, working drawings, general contracting, project management). The company also offers large-scale home renovations and maintains an inventory of available land sites. All projects are 100% customer-oriented with no spec houses built. The portfolio showcases 12 distinct architectural styles including Urban Classic, Lincoln Park Transitional (award-winning 12,000 sq ft home with pool), Mediterranean, English, Venetian, Parisian, Tuscan, Greek Revival, French, Contemporary, and Luxury Condo projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Custom Home Design & Construction Full-service luxury custom home design and construction from concept to completion, including land acquisition, architectural design, engineering, and general contracting delivered under one integrated roof. Targeted at high-net-worth clients in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Gold Coast neighborhoods.
• Phase I – Preliminary Feasibility Study Initial feasibility assessment including zoning study, owner's program development, design concept, budget analysis, and project schedule. Typically requires a $10k–$15k retainer plus 5% earnest money deposit. Designed for prospective luxury custom home clients.
• Phase II – Full Design/Build Project Complete design/build execution including architectural and engineering services, detailed working drawings, general contracting, project management, and cost estimating with full pricing transparency. The full build phase for luxury custom homes.
• Large-Scale Home Renovations Comprehensive renovation services for existing luxury homes, including gut rehabs, historic renovations, and substantial additions. Targeted at owners of existing Chicago luxury properties seeking quality expansion or modernization.
• Land Acquisition Assistance Assistance with finding and purchasing unique multi-lot properties in Chicago's premier neighborhoods for custom home construction. Helps clients secure the right foundation for their dream home.
• Available Sites Inventory Curated inventory of pre-selected land parcels in Lincoln Park and Gold Coast available for custom home construction, allowing prospective clients to secure the right site for their dream home.

Quantifiable outcome

• Lincoln Park Mediterranean and Lincoln Park Venetian have the highest resale values in single-family homes in Lincoln Park in MLS history
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Scott FortmancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2022Interior designer for the Lakeshore Vintage Co-op renovation project. The 4,500-square-foot 1926 vintage co-op renovation featured refined modern English influences, with original marble inlayed foyer and vaulted ceilings meticulously restored.
• Petersen PlasticsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Local custom plastics fabricator that worked with BGD&C during COVID-19 to produce intubation boxes for hospitals, helping prevent Coronavirus aerosol infection.
• Monica + AndyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 November 2019Children's clothing company partnered with BGD&C for Mom's Night Out DIY Dollhouse Design Event. Approximately 18 moms attended the holiday event to decorate custom dollhouses with design expert Amy Kartheiser.
• Studio GildcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design firm for multiple BGD&C projects including the award-winning Urban Classic Home. Collaborated on pandemic-related design discussions and teen hangout space designs.
• Kadlec Architecture + DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design firm for Lincoln Park Transitional Home. Steve Kadlec collaborated on mudroom design solutions and family home features.
• Darcy Bonner and AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture and interior design for Gold Coast Parisian and Gold Coast Luxury Condo projects.
• Suzanne LovellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior designer for Lincoln Park English and Lincoln Park Contemporary projects, providing interior design services.
• Hoerr SchaudtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape architecture firm collaborated on Lincoln Park Venetian Gardens project, including design of main plaza, indoor swimming pool and guest house.
• Mariani LandscapecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape installation firm collaborated on Lincoln Park Venetian Gardens project.
• Sound SpecialistscoreTechnology or IntegrationFull-service lifestyle technology firm providing consultation, design, installation, and programming services for home automation systems. Over two decades of experience integrating innovative technologies into elegant solutions.
• Scott Byron & Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape design firm with over 40 years of experience in design, construction, maintenance, and project management. Collaborated on multiple BGD&C projects for 30 years, beautifying Lincoln Park and Gold Coast areas.
• Amy Kartheiser DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior designer who helped with DIY Dollhouse Design Event at Monica + Andy, assisting attendees with decorating custom dollhouses.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Toll Brothers: National luxury homebuilder with broad portfolio including custom and move-up luxury single-family homes. Comparable on luxury price-point positioning, though Toll Brothers operates at vastly greater scale and across many geographies.
• Toll Brothers City Living: Urban luxury division of Toll Brothers focused on higher-density luxury product in major U.S. cities including Chicago. Comparable on serving affluent urban Chicago buyers, though at much larger scale and broader product range.

Regional players

• Hartman Design Group: Luxury custom home builder with strong East Coast / Mid-Atlantic presence delivering fully custom residences for HNW clients. Comparable on bespoke luxury single-family product and integrated design/build, though operating in a different geography.

Direct peers

• Mike Baltes Homes: Chicago-area luxury custom home builder specializing in large, design-driven residences for high-net-worth clients. Comparable on ultra-luxury single-family construction and integrated design/build delivery.
• SCB (Southerby, Cardew, Bowne): Boutique design-build firm specializing in custom luxury residences, including Chicago-area projects. Comparable on integrated design-build model, high-end custom homes, and HNW clientele.
• Wiseman-Hughes Enterprises: Chicago-based custom home builder serving affluent clients in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and other affluent neighborhoods. Comparable on luxury custom construction in the same micro-markets.
• Orren Pickell Building Group: Long-established Chicago-area luxury custom home builder and remodeler offering design/build services for high-end single-family residences. Directly comparable on customer segment (HNW Chicago families), product (fully custom homes), and integrated delivery model.
• Wyman Frame: Boutique Chicago custom home builder focused on design-driven, high-end single-family homes in Lincoln Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Closely comparable on geography, customer profile, and bespoke project scope.
• Dewar Macmillan: Custom home builder serving Chicago's North Shore and Lincoln Park with bespoke single-family residences. Comparable on custom luxury builds, integrated design capabilities, and HNW clientele.
• Bloomfield Development: Chicago custom home builder delivering high-end single-family residences in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and surrounding neighborhoods. Comparable on Chicago luxury custom-home focus and HNW client base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bgdchomes
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1501330
• Instagraminstagram.com/bgdchomes
• Pinterestpinterest.com/bgdchomes

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BGD&C