7-Year Award-Winning Builder

Meet Sonja Read

3rd-generation general contractor, Texas Tech graduate, award-winning parade home builder, and the creative heart behind every L&M project.

Sonja Read, owner of L&M Custom Designs and Build, 3rd-generation general contractor
7xAward Winner
Featured in Magazine
Owner & Partner

A Builder's Heart,
A Designer's Eye

"Dreams only come true when you believe in yourself, take chances, and Trust God."

I am the 3rd generation on my father's side of general contractors. I learned so much about home building at a young age that it only made sense to study the trade. My mother was an award-winning artist. Creativity came naturally for me. I fell in love with the interior design as well as the construction side of the field.

I was raised in Lubbock, Texas and studied at Texas Tech. Through life-changing events at age 50, I started my life over -- staying in the home building world where I created my own Design and Build custom home company over 11 years ago.

It has been a rewarding 30+ years in this career, being blessed with the ability to win many awards in various areas including parade homes. Female builders are still somewhat rare in this industry. Through determination and the support of my family, I have been successful and blessed to build beautiful luxury custom homes for some amazing people in this beautiful Hill Country.

30+

Years

7x

Awards

200+

Projects

3rd

Generation

Family2 Daughters, 5 Grandchildren
Based InAustin, Texas Area
EducationTexas Tech University
InspirationHer mother, an award-winning artist
Heritage3rd-Generation Builder
Awards7 Consecutive Years
The Journey

A Life of Building

Early Years

Born Into Building

Raised in Lubbock, Texas, Sonja grew up on job sites watching her father and grandfather build homes. By the time she was a teenager, she could read blueprints, understand load-bearing walls, and had opinions about tile patterns. Construction was not just a career path -- it was family.

Education

Texas Tech University

Sonja studied at Texas Tech, where she honed her understanding of architecture, design principles, and construction management. Her mother, an award-winning artist, had already instilled a deep appreciation for aesthetics -- Texas Tech gave her the technical foundation to match.

Career Growth

30+ Years of Excellence

Over three decades in residential and commercial construction, Sonja mastered every aspect of the building process -- from site planning and interior design consulting to vendor coordination and 3D project visualization. She has been honored with multiple awards including parade homes.

A New Chapter

Starting Over at 50

Through life-changing events at age 50, Sonja made the courageous decision to start over. She founded L&M Custom Designs and Build over 11 years ago, channeling a lifetime of expertise into her own design-build firm. Through determination and grit, the company quickly grew.

Today

Austin, Texas Area

Now based in the Austin, Texas area, Sonja continues to build luxury custom homes for amazing people across the Texas Hill Country. As one of the few female builders in the industry, she brings her unique blend of artistic vision and construction expertise to every project.

Areas of Expertise

What Sonja Specializes In

Custom Home Design & Build
Interior Design Consulting
Site Planning & Development
Vendor Coordination & Procurement
3D Project Visualization
Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
Room Additions & ADUs
Color, Material & Finish Selection
Credentials & Certifications

Licensed, Insured, Verified

Licensed General Contractor -- State of Texas
3rd-Generation General Contractor
Texas Tech University Graduate
7 Consecutive Years of Building Awards
Multiple Parade Home Award Winner
Fully Insured -- Liability & Workers Comp
NAHB & TAB Member
EPA Lead-Safe Certified

"Sonja is not just a builder -- she's a partner in your dream."

Our clients consistently describe working with Sonja as a uniquely personal, collaborative experience. She brings the same passion to every project, whether it's a kitchen renovation or a full custom home build.

Work With Sonja

Let's Build Your Dream Together

Sonja personally oversees every project. Schedule your free consultation to meet her, share your vision, and experience the L&M difference.