C E N T U R Y H O M E S
Story by Judy Spaar / Sponsored Content
Century Homes is a true family business!
The name comes from their commitment to the needs of the 21st-century home.
John and Mark Rau, son and father, have worked in the construction/ real estate industry for the majority of their lives. They decided to partner up and start their own company. Over the years, they have grown the business from remodeling to new construction and custom homes.
“I started the business with the goal of building high-quality homes while creating a personalized experience for clients throughout the process,” noted John, adding, “From the beginning, my focus has been on craftsmanship, communication, and building homes that are both timeless and functional for the families living in them. As the company continued to grow, my father, Mark, joined me and brought valuable experience, perspective, and a strong work ethic to the business. Working together as a family has been a great fit because we share many of the same values: integrity, attention to detail, and treating clients the right way.”
Having grown up around construction and real estate, John developed an early appreciation for the industry, but what really drew him in was the ability to take an idea from paper and turn it into something meaningful for a family. Over time, the business has evolved to combine those foundational values with modern design trends, technology, and a highly collaborative approach with clients, architects, and designers.
“For me home building is about more than construction. It’s about creating something meaningful for people. A home is where families spend most of their lives, celebrate milestones, and create memories, so being trusted with that responsibility is incredibly rewarding,” he explained.
He thrives on watching projects go from an idea on paper to a finished home that people are genuinely excited about. This has made a lasting impression on him, and he enjoys the creativity involved in the process, the problem-solving, and the ability to take a client’s vision and bring it to life.
“What I love most is that every project is different. Each homeowner has a unique style, personality, and vision, and I enjoy helping guide them through the process while making sure the finished product reflects who they are,” he enamored.
He expressed that their primary focus is new residential construction, and they are seeing homeowners place a much bigger emphasis on functionality, comfort, and creating spaces that feel personalized to their lifestyle.
The trends he has noticed are that in new construction, open-concept living is still very popular, but buyers are also looking for homes with more intentional spaces, such as dedicated offices, flex rooms, workout areas, and private retreats within the home.
Kitchens continue to be one of the biggest focal points in new home design. Clients are looking for larger islands, prep kitchens or hidden pantries, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances. “There’s also a strong trend toward warm natural finishes and spaces that feel inviting while still being functional for entertaining and everyday life,” he continued. “Basements are becoming more of an extension of the main living area rather than just extra square footage. We are seeing a lot of demand for lower levels designed around entertaining, including bars, golf simulators, theater rooms, fitness spaces, and guest suites.”
Outdoor living is another major trend. Homeowners want covered patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, pools, and large sliding doors that create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Overall, buyers are gravitating toward timeless designs with clean lines, energy efficiency, quality craftsmanship, and homes that feel both elevated and livable.
“We start by getting to know the client, understanding their goals, lifestyle, priorities, and budget. From there, we work closely with architects and designers to develop a plan that balances aesthetics, functionality, and buildability,” John shared.
Attention to detail is also extremely important to them, and they work closely with trusted trade partners and vendors to ensure quality craftsmanship and consistency throughout every phase of the project.
At the end of the day, they want clients to feel confident, informed, and excited throughout the entire process, not just at the finish line.
