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David Lewis on Construction, Commitment, and Collaboration: A Worthy Convo
If you’ve spent any time in Fort Worth’s homebuilding scene, chances are you’ve heard the name David Lewis.
For more than 40 years, David has built some of the area’s most beautiful custom homes—projects defined by craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a genuine love for creating spaces where families can live and make memories. From restoring historic ranch properties to collaborating with top architects on new builds, his passion for quality shines through in every project. We caught up with David to hear how he got his start, what he’s learned along the way, and what keeps him excited about the work after all these years.
Tanglewood Moms: How did you first get started in the construction industry?
David Lewis: I started in the construction industry pretty much as a child, at the age of around 15. After many years of pushing wood into a molding mill for my dad, I decided I’d rather be out in the field, bringing construction projects to life.
Photo courtesy of David Lewis
TWM: What inspired you to start your own building company?
DL: I have worked around a lot of people who didn’t share my commitment to quality execution or attention to architectural detail, I started David Lewis Builder to deliver bespoke homes for clients who wanted more than just a place to live. We construct dwellings that inspire families to gather, connect, and make memories.
TWM: What have been the toughest lessons to learn as both a builder and a businessman?
DL: This process, of course, comes with many challenges, and I went through the trial and errors of learning how to be a businessman, which proved much harder than the building process itself. After 40 years of consistent progress, we’ve assembled a team of the right people and luckily, the Lord was good to me, and I was blessed with people who could help me along the journey in establishing a successful company. It’s a difficult business that we try to make look easy, but I enjoy the challenge.
TWM: How would you describe David Lewis Builder’s reputation and the types of projects you take on today?
DL: I think we’re in the top three-to-five builders in this area. We’re fortunate to have deep roots in this community with long-term clients who trust and recommend us. I feel honored to be able to pick and choose projects that excite us. With a commitment to meeting clients’ needs and delivering uncompromising quality in construction and design, David Lewis Builder’s design process includes collaborative work with industry experts. Recently, I was lucky to work with a couple from Dallas who hired the architectural firm, D Stanley Dixon out of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s been a fabulous project to work on and Stanley and his team are very talented. I’ve learned a lot from Stanley’s perspective in terms of scale and proportion.
Photo courtesy of David Lewis
TWM: Tell us about your prestigious project, Lambshead Ranch.
DL: That property is steeped in history with a rich family heritage. We really invested in the preservation of the history of the property, and kept it true to the original form. The ranch dates back to the 1850s, and some of the structures we renovated were from the 1890s, so we had to keep the history and legacy of the property in place, while at the same time modernizing it so that it can survive another 150 years. We worked on the main house, created motel pods and additional cottages, installed solar power systems, and rainwater harvesting systems to create a sustainable off-grid property. We had to ensure we used the right materials that would minimize maintenance caused by abrasive winds and high UV exposure.
TWM: You’ve mentioned the importance of your team—how would you describe the relationships within your company?
DL: Working at David Lewis Builder is like being part of a family. While we all know we have a job to do every day, the most important thing is that each of us supports the other and we’re genuine teammates. The team members strive to be good mentors to each other, helping with any difficulties, whether personal or professional.
TWM: What keeps you motivated and involved in the business after so many successful years?
DL: I’m 68, so I’m at the stage where I’ll continue to stay at the forefront, selling projects, meeting with architects, and supporting my team. My philosophy is to do it right no matter what it takes. We always try to grow and adapt to challenging circumstances and find opportunities to learn from adversity. Our purpose is people, and our process puts each client’s vision and satisfaction at the center of the project. When you trust David Lewis Builder to take your dream home from conception to construction, you receive our fullest commitment to a process marked by integrity, communication, and quality.
TWM: What are your plans for the future—both personally and for the company?
DL: In five years, I plan on taking a bit more of a back seat and allowing some of the team around here to run things. I’ll be 73, still here God willing, and I enjoy working, so I don’t think there’s a rule that says when you must stop. The team here is great, they enjoy what they do, and I try to help them pursue their passions and talents, whether that’s managing projects or designing, or building. It’s a collaborative effort from all of us here at David Lewis Builder, now and for the future.
