Have you ever noticed how some new houses in Kirkwood and Des Peres feel uniquely designed for the neighborhood? It's as if these custom-built homes were designed by someone with an intimate knowledge of the neighborhood's charm and character. Chances are, it probably was.
Mark Rasch, founder and owner of BenchMark Homes is not just a seasoned home builder; he has lived in the Kirkwood / Des Peres area for over 50 years. Mark and his wife Laura's story is so quintessentially Kirkwood. They grew up near Kirkwood High School, two streets apart, and have been married for over 37 years. Their connection to Kirkwood is rooted where community ties run deep.
For the past 33 years, Mark has been crafting custom residences that capture the very essence of Kirkwood's charm. "There are probably only one or two other builders in the Kirkwood area that have been building custom homes as long as we have," said Mark. "We don't build cookie-cutter homes. Whether it's a custom home or one of our designs, our experience with building many different styles of houses ensures the home of your dreams blends perfectly into the neighborhood of your choice. We pride ourselves as experts at finding remarkable home sites to build in Kirkwood and the surrounding communities."
BenchMark Homes was created from Mark and Laura's journey to build their dream home while Mark worked in his father's auto repair shop, Rasch Mobil. "When my father retired, my brother and I took over the business," Mark recalls. "But as I began working in construction, my brother suggested we expand our partnership and venture into building custom homes." BenchMark has since transformed into an award-winning builder specializing in high-end custom homes, ranging from $1 to $2.5 million, with around ten new builds annually.
Today, BenchMark Homes is one of Kirkwood's most respected custom home builders. Adding a fresh dimension to this legacy is Sydney Rasch, Mark's daughter and the Assistant Director of Operations at BenchMark. With a degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a keen interest in construction from a young age, Sydney is poised to carry forward the family tradition. "I grew up in the garage with my dad, learning to fix and build things. I remember wearing old white T-shirts and getting dirty helping with anything I could," Sydney shares with a smile.
Sydney started at BenchMark full-time after graduation in the spring of 2022. She had taken construction courses in college, but her on-the-job training at BenchMark included every aspect of the job, from marketing and sales to pulling large trailers, operating and driving Bobcats and excavators, and scrapping out houses. Mark and Sydney believe her wide range of experience paves the way for her to take over the business when he chooses to retire.
"I didn't have any sons, so I wasn't sure if the BenchMark legacy would continue within the family," Mark admits. "When Sydney expressed her desire to join and possibly take over the business, it felt like a perfect fit for the business and our homeowners."
While BenchMark is, first and foremost, a custom home builder and construction company, they also cater to extensive remodels and additions, focusing on function and home details such as storage, lighting, and beautiful kitchens. Sydney talked about the trend for clients to value practicality and aesthetics. "There's a fine line between wanting function in a house and wanting the beauty of its appearance," she said. "It's an interesting balance. We always look to maximize function. There is a lot we can hide behind walls."
The Rasch family's commitment to their clients goes beyond construction. They care deeply about the outcome of their projects and the construction process itself. Both Mark and Sydney emphasized the importance of trust and communication between the builder and clients. "Building a home is a long process. It's a relationship," said Mark. "If the client trusts you as a builder, the process will move much smoother and be more efficient." Sydney added, "If you can't trust your builder, you should not build with them. There has to be constant communication because you'll have your highs and lows, just like any relationship."
The team at BenchMark Homes works hard throughout the process to maintain trusting relationships with clients, aided by the Rasch family's long history in Kirkwood. The father-daughter duo's knowledge of the community ensures that BenchMark will continue to build beautiful, family-friendly, functional homes that fit right into the neighborhood.
"There's a fine line between wanting function in a house and wanting the beauty of its appearance."
"We don't build cookie-cutter homes. Whether it's a custom home or one of our designs, our experience with building many different styles of houses ensures that your home blends beautifully into your neighborhood."