Meet Raul Ruiz | Raul Ruiz | Founder of Santa Barbara Homes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raul Ruiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raul, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As an agent, I was constantly hearing feedback from clients—things like wishing certain rooms were bigger, wanting a larger pantry with space for an extra refrigerator, or feeling inconvenienced by narrow hallways. Over the years, I realized these weren’t one-off comments, but consistent patterns.

That’s when it clicked for me: there was an opportunity to take those observations and turn them into guiding principles for construction. Instead of building homes based only on my personal taste—or just the vision of a builder or architect—I wanted to create houses that were truly designed with the client’s needs in mind. That became the foundation of my business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Difference: A Santa Barbara Home just feels different. That’s because our homes are unique, focused on innovation, functionality, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to designing the best living spaces.

Innovation: At Santa Barbara Homes, innovation is the heartbeat of our business. From cutting-edge design and smart execution, to the finest in raw materials, technology, and elements that simplify and enhance lives.

Function: Our commitment to functionality is unmistakable in every corner. Efficiency is the goal. There is a reason why each element was selected in a particular room or area; decisions are made taking into consideration the usability of the space for easy living.

Purpose: Santa Barbara Homes listens. Our purpose-driven approach to homebuilding is rare. We center our attention on the needs and desires of today’s families, and as a result, create comfortable and unique living spaces so every member of the family can fully enjoy the home.

Currently, we are developing homes in Lakewood and Preston Hollow. We focus on developing homes in the $2M-$5M range. We take a look at the real estate comps in each neighborhood and using our set of rules, zero in on common features found in each home and then add special features with the goal of making the home the best on the market.

Santa Barbara Homes is not only known for our approach, but each project we have built. A Santa Barbara Home just feels different. That’s because our homes are unique, focused on innovation, functionality, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to designing the best living spaces. When you think, “spec home” you usually think “white box.” However, a Santa Barbara Home is the opposite of a “white box” and each of our projects tell a different story. For example, our designer’s pair different colors and textures throughout each project and install not only top of the line countertops, fixtures and lighting but also top of the line appliances.

Raul considers himself and student of life. Having visited over 60 countries around the world, with his eye he has developed since his teens, Raul has noticed and documented every feature in architecture and design that caught his eye. Taking inspiration from the differences in each country and inspiration from the homes in Dallas, he approaches each project with a vision that he brings to life through the details and materials chosen throughout the process. For example, having gained inspiration from a hotel in Rioja, Spain, Raul added curves in unexpected places throughout a few of our projects.

The most important factor is that we never compromise on doing what’s best. There’s no cutting corners—if it means making less money to ensure the product is high quality, that’s the decision we make. That mindset drives everything I do.
I’m also very fortunate that my team has fully embraced this philosophy. They carry it into their own work ethic, and in many cases, they came to our company already sharing that same mentality in their personal and professional lives. That alignment is what really pushes our brand forward.

The most important factor is that we never compromise on doing what’s best. There’s no cutting corners—if it means making less money to ensure the product is high quality, that’s the decision we make. That mindset drives everything I do.
I’m also very fortunate that my team has fully embraced this philosophy. They carry it into their own work ethic, and in many cases, they came to our company already sharing that same mentality in their personal and professional lives. That alignment is what really pushes our brand forward.

The biggest challenge is that there are a lot of custom home builders in Dallas, that makes being able to purchase lots difficult. So, finding the right lots at the right locations in something that we and everyone else building spec homes in dealing with. We overcome this through our marketing efforts around Dallas and making connections everyday to find the perfect lots on the market.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite Spots in the city:
Activity:
The Arboretum
Highland Park Village
The Katy Trail

Food and Drink:
Sister
R+D Kitchen
Honor Bar
Goodwins
Bubbus
55 Seventy
Mat Hai Bah

Ice Cream:
Milk and Honey

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would like to dedicate our shout out to Arneson Custom Homes. Thank you to Gary for bringing our visions to life!

Website: https://sbhdallas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbhdallas/?hl=en

Image Credits
INTERIOR SHOTS:

Michael Wiltbank

PORTRAIT:
Shannon Skloss