True innovation begins when visionaries dare to think beyond convention. LUXE Homes Design + Build in Birmingham was founded on that very principle — challenging tradition, blending artistry with precision and reimagining what luxury living can be. What sets LUXE apart is not only the exceptional homes they craft but also the extraordinary partnership at its foundation: two Birmingham “power couples” who united their distinct talents and perspectives to create a design-build firm that is greater, bolder and more inspired than either could achieve alone.
LUXE Homes was born when two separate, successful companies, each helmed by a husband-and-wife team, combined their superpowers: John and Donna VanBrouck, owners of VanBrouck & Associates, a celebrated residential design firm, joined forces with Bryan and Rachel Leith, owners of Leith Luxury Homes, a respected builder of custom residences. Between them, the couples bring more than 50 years of experience and hundreds of accolades to the table.
The VanBroucks are known for artistry and imagination. Over their careers, they have designed more than 1,500 homes and received nearly 200 design awards. Their architectural eye is influenced by extensive travels across Europe, where they studied castles, villas, châteaux and cottages. That first-hand immersion in timeless design details finds its way into their work, which balances authenticity with livability.
The Leiths, meanwhile, built their reputation on precision, quality and uncompromising attention to detail. Bryan earned the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan’s “Young Builder of the Year” award in 2020, while Rachel has become a trusted partner to clients navigating the building process. Together, they ensure that every project meets exacting standards and is delivered with honesty, care and transparency.
When the couples collaborated on a few projects, they quickly realized how aligned their philosophies were. Instead of handing off projects between separate architect and builder firms, they envisioned a fully integrated team that could guide clients from the earliest sketch to the final walkthrough. LUXE Homes was born.
What sets LUXE apart is its seamless, collaborative process. Unlike many traditional projects, where the architect may step away once drawings are complete, LUXE’s architects and builders remain engaged together through every stage.
From the start, the team helps clients find the right lot and design within their budget. John and Donna shape the architecture to reflect lifestyle and personality, while Bryan and Rachel manage construction, budgets and project execution. Clients also work with an interior designer and dedicated project managers, creating a unified team that listens closely and anticipates needs.
“It’s our belief that building a home should be fun, exciting and rewarding,” John says. “We’ve built a process that is fully integrated — architecture, interior design and construction all under one roof — so the experience is seamless and stress-free for clients.”
This philosophy extends to transparency. Budgets are open-book, with clients receiving the benefit of supplier discounts and knowing costs at every stage. Tradespeople are loyal collaborators who have worked with the Leiths for decades, ensuring quality and trust. Project managers are described as the “captains of the ship,” on-site daily, orchestrating schedules and guiding clients through decisions large and small.
Unlike many firms, LUXE does not have a signature “look.” Instead, diversity defines their portfolio. They design and build in a wide range of styles — Prairie, French Eclectic, Tudor, Shingle, Old World, Modern and Contemporary. The common thread is not aesthetics but craftsmanship, proportion and the deep personal connection between home and homeowner.
“We’re inspired by travel, nature and by listening,” Donna explains. “Every house is a new opportunity to create something different. We never repeat designs.”
The goal is always to craft a home that feels timeless while reflecting its owner’s individuality. “It’s about creating not just a structure, but a stage for someone’s life — where they raise children, entertain friends and make memories,” John says.
While awards and publications highlight their success, the couples say the most rewarding moments come after a home is complete. Bryan Leith describes receiving late-night texts and videos from clients hosting their first parties, grateful for the spaces that now bring joy to their families and friends.
“There’s nothing better than a client pausing in the middle of a celebration to say, ‘This is exactly what I dreamed of,’” he says.
For John, inspiration comes from the alchemy of creation itself.
“I never tire of the magic of creating something from nothing,” he says. “At some point during construction, a house suddenly takes on a soul. You can see it in the client’s eyes. That’s when dreams become reality.”
Ultimately, LUXE is about more than designing and building homes. It’s about the partnership between two couples who share a passion for excellence, creativity and client care. It’s also about bringing a worldly perspective to Southeast Michigan, weaving in the richness of European history, modern design innovation and personal touches that make each home irreplaceable.
As their reputation continues to grow, LUXE remains grounded in its founding ethos: talented, passionate people working together to exceed expectations. For clients, that means more than a house — it means a one-of-a-kind living experience, created with artistry, integrity and heart.
Wardrobe styling for Rachel Leith by Clare Pollard; for Bryan Leith by Dolce Moda.