Dream Homes

“We build dreams, one home at a time,” sums up Todd Glowka Builder’s philosophy.

By Dan R. Goddard :: Photography by Lauren Keller

Focused on building custom homes in northern San Antonio, Boerne and the surrounding Texas Hill Country, award-winning Todd Glowka Builder specializes in estate lots, private ranches and golf course communities. Emphasizing constant communication and teamwork between client and builder, from concept to completion, Todd Glowka’s team of professional architects, structural engineers, designers, interior decorators, title companies and mortgage companies ensure the highest-quality construction of your dream home.

“I started my business in 2002 after spending two years as a vice president of a custom home building firm in Austin,” Glowka says. “My business grew strictly from word of mouth. I decided to focus on the luxury high-end market because of the challenges presented in building a luxury home versus production-type homes.” He holds certifications from the National Association of Home Builders as a certified Master Builder, Graduate Builder and Green Builder. Glowka is the client’s first point of contact, and oversees all quality control and quality assurance that adheres to the design requirements.

“I have built in Cordillera Ranch for the last 20 years,” Glowka says. “As a result, I am familiar with the way things work and progress within the Ranch.” Preferred Builders are approved to build custom homes in Cordillera Ranch based on their reputation, experience building high-end custom homes and references from satisfied customers. A Preferred Builder ensures the best resale value, trust, highest-quality craftsmanship, knowledge of the Cordillera Ranch Covenants and having the right people to do the best quality work.

“We offer a full concierge service where we assist in the design phase of the project in an effort to help control costs and give the clients ultimately exactly what they are looking for,” Glowka says. He is a solution-focused and versatile professional accustomed to leading and directing employees and subcontractors in the planning and execution of large-scale residential projects and custom renovations.

“The Hill Country is special because of the type of buyers it attracts,” Glowka says. “This part of Texas tends to attract those seeking luxury residences that are often extremely custom in nature.” His approach to the construction process combines features from both construction management and traditional general contracting. Glowka knows that it takes a careful balance of ideas, creativity, communication and organization to make your dream home a reality. Based on his experience, he’s developed a custom home building process that’s both highly productive and much less stressful.

“As a true custom home builder, we don’t stick to a particular style of house, per say, however, we do tend to focus more on the projects that involve Hill Country and Hill Country Modern along with Farmhouse and Mediterranean,” Glowka says.

For example, Glowka has a Texas Hill Country Contemporary masterpiece nestled on 13.3 acres in Cordillera Ranch featuring 5,881-square-feet of living space and more than 8,800-square-feet of total covered space. Clean, contemporary lines are mixed with traditional Texas Hill Country finishes. The open kitchen/dining/living combo rooms have soaring ceilings, which are highlighted by massive timbers, not to mention three linear-styled contemporary fireplaces and a full bar. The study utilizes oversized barn doors to allow additional privacy for the homeowner. Outdoors, a fully equipped kitchen overlooks an exquisitely designed custom pool. The exterior is professionally landscaped to create the perfect finishing touches for the ideal “Life in the Texas Hill Country.”

“We bring a myriad of expertise to any style the client selects,” Glowka says. “At the end of the day as a custom homebuilder, we are asked to build all styles of houses and we focus on using the highest quality of materials and labor available, ensuring that our houses come out with exceptional quality.”

To that end, a state-of-the-art estate nestled on 14.4 acres of private property spans 11,087 square feet — including impressive, climate-controlled garages — and is a true example of exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Intricate woodwork and cut stone, both inside and out, pairs with one-of-a-kind archways and ceiling treatments in every room.

“I feel that true Texas Hill County tends to be a timeless architectural style, however, things are changing very fast in this industry in the Hill Country and we value ourselves on the fact that we have to stay abreast of architectural styles, technologies and in tune with what the client is seeking,” Glowka says.

Another of Glowka’s modern marvels resides on one of the highest elevations in Cordillera Ranch. This residence offers the finest in modern finishes, infused with elements of steel and limestone. A state-of-the-art home automation system with Lutron Lighting Control and Creston Audio Video provides the ultimate entertainers’ paradise. The Todd Glowka Builder brand offers cutting-edge technology throughout the house. “As the first Certified Green Builder in San Antonio, sustainability and green building practices are extremely important elements that we take into consideration when pricing out our homes,” Glowka says.

His staff handles everything — not just the construction services, but the internal/external details including: unique flooring options, artistic electrical fixtures, welcoming fireplaces and energy-efficient windows that look like a work of art. Glowka believes that it takes extraordinary people to build extraordinary homes, but he feels his staff is just the right size — large enough to provide clients with experts in each aspect of a home’s development, yet small enough for everyone to be on a first-name basis. Dave Herber, project manager, has more than 40 years of experience in the luxury market and Chase Glowka, estimator and bid coordinator, although new to the industry, grew up with Todd in the business and has been on job sites for the last 15 years. Project administrator and office manager Jeanne Burgess has more than 14 years of experience in the residential construction industry, while project manager Mike Jones has more than 20.

The Todd Glowka Builder brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail, appreciation of architectural design and maintaining the highest standards of quality. “Our belief is that our client’s custom luxury home should be beautiful, functional and original,” Glowka says. “We listen to our client’s needs and wants, and create an environment where those dreams are truly reflected in the final product. We are personally and genuinely involved with our clients throughout the entire construction experience, providing exceptional residential construction.”