Firm Profile

Learn about Riverside Home Designs and our commitment to excellence

What is Riverside Home Designs?

Riverside Home Designs is a custom home design and architectural drafting firm established in 1984 in Kerrville, Texas. Led by NCBDC Certified Professional Building Designer James Kenalty, the firm produces permit-ready construction drawings, blueprints, and building plans for custom homes, additions, and remodels throughout the Texas Hill Country.

Custom Home Design Texas Hill Country

Professional Custom Home Design and Architectural Drafting Services

At Riverside Home Designs and Drafting Services, quality and service are not just words—they're the foundation of our custom home design and architectural drafting business. Since 1984, we have consistently strived to meet and exceed client expectations by producing detailed construction drawings, blueprints, and building plans that are superior in quality at reasonable prices.

Our commitment to excellence means we invest the time and expertise needed to create comprehensive construction documentation that builders, contractors, and inspectors can rely on. We produce plans that are not only beautiful but also buildable, code-compliant, and construction-ready.

Learn more about our commitment to excellence in our written pledge to you, or explore our comprehensive plan specifications and drafting services for detailed information about the residential and commercial design services we provide.

View our portfolio → to see the professional quality and attention to detail in our custom home plans and construction drawings.

Detailed Construction Drawings and Building Plans

We create detailed, professional-quality construction drawings and architectural plans that provide builders with everything they need to construct your custom home exactly as envisioned. The quality of the plans we produce is directly related to the scope of work involved and the complexity of your specific project requirements.

When special details, unique architectural features, or custom construction methods are needed to properly represent your design concepts, we include those additional drawings and specifications at no extra cost to you. This commitment to comprehensive documentation is where quality really counts in residential and commercial architectural drafting services. Our plans include:

  • Detailed floor plans with dimensions and specifications
  • Elevation drawings showing exterior appearances
  • Cross-sections showing construction details
  • Foundation and structural plans
  • Electrical Layout and mechanical Spaces
  • Building code callouts and compliance notes
  • Material and finish specifications
James Kenalty - Principal Designer at Riverside Home Designs

Meet James Kenalty BBA, AIBD, NCBDC – Lead Designer Certified Professional Building Designer

James Kenalty, BBA, AIBD, NCBDC, is the principal designer, president, and primary client contact for Riverside Home Designs and Drafting Services. As a Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) accredited by the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC, Certificate #44-528) and a Professional Member of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), James brings decades of expertise in custom home design and architectural drafting to every project.

Professional Credentials:

AIBD Professional Member Logo NCBDC Certified Professional Building Designer Seal
  • AIBD Professional Member – American Institute of Building Design
  • NCBDC Certified – National Council of Building Designer Certification (#44-528)
  • CPBD – Certified Professional Building Designer
  • BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
  • 40+ years experience in custom home design and architectural drafting
  • Specialized expertise in Texas Hill Country architecture and challenging terrain

His personal approach to residential and commercial design emphasizes constant communication and collaborative teamwork between the design team, builders, and clients—from initial concept through project completion. This hands-on involvement ensures that your custom home plans accurately reflect your vision and meet all construction requirements and local building codes.

Unique, and Timeless Architectural Designs for the Beautiful Kerrville Area and the Texas Hill Country

Although our custom home designs are as unique as the clients who helped inspire them, each one evokes a compelling sense of place, style, and comfort that makes them highly livable and timeless. We specialize in creating residential designs that complement the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country landscape while accommodating the unique challenges of Hill Country terrain.

Using sustainable materials, energy-efficient building practices, and today's advanced construction technology, Riverside Home Designs creates both traditional and contemporary architectural designs that meet current energy efficiency expectations while maintaining style, comfort, and beauty. Our designs meet Energy Star standards, which means superior energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduced environmental impact. Our commitment to green building principles and code-compliant construction drawings ensures your custom home is built to last. Our commitment to sustainable design aligns with U.S. Green Building Council standards, promoting environmentally responsible building practices.

Experience and Expertise

With over 40 years of experience in custom home design, James has developed deep expertise in:

  • Designing homes for sloped and rocky Hill Country Terrain
  • Creating energy-efficient designs using the Latest in Technology
  • Producing permit-ready construction documents
  • Coordinating with structural engineers and builders
  • Incorporating green building and sustainable design principles
  • Texas Hill Country Architectural styles and vernacular design

His award-winning work includes two ARDA Grand Trophy awards for Best Architectural Working Drawings (2017 and 2023), recognizing excellence in architectural drafting and design documentation.

Why Choose Riverside Home Designs

When you partner with Riverside Home Designs, you're working with an AIBD and NCBDC certified professional designer who brings four decades of expertise to your project. Here's what sets us apart:

Professional Certifications and Credentials

Our AIBD Professional Membership and NCBDC Certification demonstrate our commitment to design standards, continuing education, and ethical business practices. These credentials ensure your designs meet industry standards and professional best practices.

Comprehensive Design Services

From initial concept through final construction documents, we handle every aspect of the design process. We provide more than just drawings—we provide solutions that account for your site, budget, building codes, and lifestyle needs.

Hill Country Expertise

Our location in Kerrville and decades of experience designing in the Texas Hill Country means we understand the unique architectural styles, building challenges, and environmental considerations that make this region special. We know how to design for sloped lots, rocky terrain, and challenging building conditions.

Quality Construction Documentation

Our plans are known for their clarity, completeness, and professionalism. Builders trust Riverside Home Designs plans because they're thorough, code-compliant, and easy to build from. We include all the details contractors need to construct your home efficiently and accurately.

Personalized Service

As a small firm, we maintain direct relationships with every client. You'll work directly with James Kenalty throughout your project, ensuring your vision is understood and perfectly represented in your final plans.

Ready to Start Your Custom Home Design?

Contact us today to discuss which architectural drafting solution is right for you.

Contact Us

Or call:

(830) 895-2998