We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sean. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sean below.
Sean, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
The Real Story Behind the Growth of My Real Estate Development Business in Los Angeles:
From the outside, success in real estate development can look like it happens overnight, especially in a high-profile market like Los Angeles. But in reality, what people often miss is the long stretch of time in the middle: after you’ve launched, but before you’ve truly gained momentum. That’s where the real growth happens, through consistent effort, refining your approach, and making decisions that shape not just your business, but your reputation.
When I first started in residential development, I was focused on doing great work, delivering quality renovations and builds that people could be proud to live in. I was deeply involved in every project, from design meetings to job site walk-throughs. That hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of how every part of the process connected, and more importantly, where the opportunities were to improve.
Scaling Up with Intention:
As demand grew, I realized that scaling wasn’t just about taking on more projects, it was about building a company that could deliver consistent results without sacrificing quality or service. I knew that in order to grow sustainably, I had to be intentional about how I expanded.
The first step was building the right team. I brought on people who shared my values, attention to detail, pride in craftsmanship, and a commitment to clear communication. From there, I focused on creating streamlined systems and workflows that would allow us to manage more projects without losing the personal touch that had built our reputation in the first place.
We also began to specialize more intentionally. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, we leaned into what we were great at, residential infill development, ADUs, custom home builds, and modern renovations across Los Angeles. That clarity allowed us to focus our marketing, attract the right kind of clients, and become known for a specific style and standard of work.
Strategic Moves That Made a Difference:
Several strategic decisions helped accelerate our growth:
Systematizing operations: We developed clear processes for budgeting, scheduling, permitting, and client communication, which gave us the ability to handle more volume without sacrificing control.
Adopting technology: Tools for project management, client updates, and internal collaboration helped improve transparency and efficiency across every job.
Design and build integration: Bringing more services in-house allowed us to better align timelines, budgets, and quality, from concept to completion.
Local focus: Staying focused on Los Angeles and truly understanding its neighborhoods, zoning, and market trends gave us an edge. We weren’t just building homes, we were helping shape communities.
Moments That Mattered:
There were key decisions and inflection points along the way, turning down certain projects that didn’t align with our long-term vision, investing in leadership development within our team, and doubling down on the neighborhoods we knew best. But what made the biggest difference was staying consistent: showing up, delivering what we promised, and constantly looking for ways to get better.
The Journey Continues:
Today, our company is larger and more capable than ever, but the heart of what we do hasn’t changed. Every project is a chance to create something meaningful. Growth hasn’t come from shortcuts or headline moments, it’s come from doing the work, treating people right, and making smart, steady decisions over time.
If there’s one takeaway I can offer to others building something of their own, it’s this: growth doesn’t always feel dramatic in the moment. It’s a series of well-made decisions, well-executed projects, and well-built relationships. That’s what builds a lasting business.
Sean, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Getting to Know Me and My Work in Real Estate Development
For those who may be discovering me for the first time, I’m a residential real estate developer based in Los Angeles. I run a construction and development company called Development House, focused on creating thoughtfully designed, high-quality homes, from custom builds and ADUs to large-scale renovations and multifamily developments. What drives me isn’t just the physical structure of a house, it’s the idea of creating spaces that improve how people live every day.
My path into this industry wasn’t inherited or accidental, it was built from the ground up. I’ve always been fascinated by how the built environment shapes our lives. Early on, I was drawn to construction and design because it combined creativity with problem-solving. There’s something powerful about taking an idea and bringing it into the real world, turning a blank lot or dated house into something beautiful, functional, and lasting.
I started small, working closely with homeowners on remodels and additions, and over time evolved the business into full-scale residential development. That experience, working hands-on across every phase, taught me not just how to build well, but how to listen, anticipate needs, and deliver a better client experience.
What We Do and Who We Serve:
Today, we offer a full spectrum of residential construction and development services in Los Angeles:
Custom Home Design & Build: We work with clients from concept to completion to create one-of-a-kind homes tailored to their lifestyle and aesthetic.
ADU Construction: Accessory dwelling units are one of the most exciting areas of housing innovation in California, and we help homeowners maximize the potential of their properties with high-quality, efficient designs.
Home Renovations: From kitchen and bathroom remodels to complete interior transformations, we modernize and elevate existing spaces with craftsmanship and care.
Multifamily Development: We also develop four to twenty unit residential buildings, projects that contribute to the much-needed housing supply in L.A.
What sets us apart is our commitment to both design and execution. We don’t treat homes like commodities—we treat them like opportunities to add long-term value, beauty, and comfort. We balance the creative vision with practical knowledge of codes, construction, and real-world conditions to make sure the end result exceeds expectations.
The Problems We Solve:
Clients often come to us because they’re overwhelmed by the complexity of the process, permits, budgets, timelines, design decisions. Our job is to bring clarity. We guide them through each step, communicate transparently, and solve problems proactively. Whether it’s navigating zoning challenges, designing for tight urban lots, or finding creative ways to make a project more cost-effective without sacrificing quality, we handle the complexity so our clients can focus on the excitement of creating their dream space.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built with clients, tradespeople, and the communities we work in. A large portion of our business now comes through referrals, and that means everything to me. It tells me that people not only love the finished product, but also valued the journey we took to get there.
I’m also proud of the team we’ve built, a group of professionals who care about the details, who take pride in their work, and who share a long-term vision for quality and integrity. Every successful project is the result of collaboration and shared commitment.
What I Want People to Know:
At the heart of everything we do is a belief that home is personal. It’s where life happens. And we treat that responsibility with care and respect. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to build your forever home, an investor developing a multifamily property, or someone exploring what’s possible with your land—we’re here to listen, advise, and deliver.
We’re not just building properties. We’re building trust, building neighborhoods, and building something that lasts.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What Helped Me Build My Reputation in the Los Angeles Market
Reputation isn’t something you can buy or brand your way into, it’s something you earn, over time, through consistency, integrity, and results. In an industry like real estate development, especially in a market as competitive and fast-paced as Los Angeles, word of mouth is everything. People talk. And the way you operate—how you handle challenges, how you treat people, how well you deliver on your promises—ultimately determines how you’re viewed.
What’s helped me build my reputation comes down to a few core things:
1. Always Delivering on Quality
From day one, I’ve been obsessed with quality, not just in the finishes and materials we use, but in the way we manage timelines, communicate with clients, and approach every single detail. Whether it’s a small ADU or a custom home, we treat every project with the same level of care. That level of consistency builds trust, and trust builds reputation.
2. Clear and Honest Communication
Clients, inspectors, subcontractors, neighbors, everyone involved in a project appreciates clear, respectful, and honest communication. We don’t overpromise. We lay out realistic timelines, transparent pricing, and we keep people updated along the way. That reliability is one of the things clients and partners have told us they appreciate most.
3. Solving Problems Instead of Creating Them
Construction and development will always come with challenges—that’s part of the job. What sets us apart is how we respond. We’re solution-oriented. Whether it’s a permitting delay, a design change, or a site complication, we move quickly to resolve it without drama or finger-pointing. That ability to stay calm, proactive, and professional under pressure earns respect.
4. Building Long-Term Relationships
Many of the people I work with today, whether they’re clients, vendors, or trades, are people I’ve worked with for years. I’ve never been focused on a single transaction. I’m focused on building relationships that last, because those are the people who become repeat clients, partners, and referrals.
5. Staying Local, Staying Focused
By focusing on Los Angeles and truly understanding the city’s permitting, zoning, and market trends, I’ve been able to offer more value to my clients. I know the neighborhoods, the challenges, the opportunities, and that expertise helps me guide clients in a way that feels informed and specific, not generic.
6. Letting the Work Speak for Itself
At the end of the day, your work is your resume. I’ve always believed that if you focus on building beautiful, high-quality homes and doing right by people, your reputation will follow. And that’s exactly what happened. Every successful project became its own kind of marketing—someone would see a home we built or remodeled, ask who did it, and the referral chain would start again.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My Advice for Managing a Team and Maintaining High Morale
Managing a team in the construction and development world isn’t just about keeping projects on schedule, it’s about building a culture where people feel valued, trusted, and proud of the work they’re doing. In my experience, the most successful projects don’t come from talent alone, they come from a team that’s aligned, motivated, and respected.
Here’s what I’ve learned about leading teams and keeping morale high:
1. Lead by Example
Your team watches how you carry yourself, how you show up, how you handle pressure, how you treat others. I’ve found that when you lead with integrity, work ethic, and consistency, it sets the tone for the entire company. People mirror the energy at the top.
2. Respect Every Role
From project managers and site supervisors to tradespeople and admin staff, every role is essential to the bigger picture. I make it a point to show appreciation across the board. A thank-you goes a long way. When people know their contribution is recognized, they take more pride in what they do.
3. Keep Communication Open and Transparent
Morale dips when people feel left in the dark. I prioritize clear, open communication, whether it’s about project updates, company goals, or changes that affect the team. People don’t need perfection, but they do need honesty. When your team feels informed, they feel included.
4. Create a Culture of Ownership
I give my team real responsibility. I don’t micromanage, I empower. When people feel ownership over their work, they show up differently. I want my team to take initiative, speak up with ideas, and feel like they’re building something with me—not just working for me.
5. Invest in Your People
Whether it’s training, better tools, or providing clear pathways for growth, I try to make sure my team sees the long-term opportunity in being part of this company. Retention isn’t about perks, it’s about purpose. People stay where they feel they can grow.
6. Stay Human
Construction is a demanding business. Schedules shift, surprises come up, and tensions can run high. But I always try to keep things grounded in empathy. Life happens, people have families, goals, and personal challenges. Treating your team like human beings, not just workers, makes a big difference in loyalty and morale.
At the end of the day, strong teams build strong projects. If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of the work and they’ll take care of each other. That’s how you build something that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.developmenthouse.com
- Instagram: @development.house
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-navi-a53b0018b/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/development-house-los-angeles-2
- Other: https://www.developmenthouse.com/projects-gallery
